Helpful Tips for the Best First-Time SXSW EDU Experience

SXSW EDU is just around the corner, and we can’t wait for you to experience spending four exciting days learning from Keynote and Featured Sessions, watching film screenings, attending live podcast recordings, networking, and more for the first time! But are you ready? You’ve purchased your registration and booked your housing and travel, now it’s time to think about what’s next.

Check out the helpful tips below to make sure your first event one you'll never forget:

1. Link Your Credential

After purchasing your SXSW EDU badge, locate your registration confirmation email with the subject line “SXSW EDU 2024 REGISTRATION CONFIRMATION” for your unique link code. Once you sign into your SXSW ID account or create an account, enter in your link code to gain access to EDU Social, personalize your account in the mobile app, and more.

2. Log Into EDU Social

Network before, during, and after SXSW EDU using EDU Social. After you link your badge, you can build your profile and connect with friends and colleagues, old and new, by searching for other conference attendees.

3. Download the Mobile App

Download the SXSW EDU GO mobile app to your phone for access to the schedule, venues and maps, networking, and more right at your fingertips. Navigate every aspect of SXSW EDU with the features below:

• My Favorites: View the speakers, attendees, and exhibitors that you "favorited"
• Full Schedule: View the full day-by-day schedule and select "My Schedule" to access all of your favorited sessions and events
• Networking: View, favorite, and chat with fellow attendees
• RSVP: Reserve your spot for Mentor Sessions and Roundtable Discussions starting February 20
• Recommends: Receive personalized event recommendations based on a variety of factors, including events you favorite
• Exhibitors: View the complete list of exhibitors in the Expo
• Speakers Directory: View the full list of speakers
• Venue & Maps: View the programming venue list, venue floor plans, and a map of all event locations
• News & Info: Find quick links to the website, social media channels, and find more information about the mobile app

Download the 2024 SXSW EDU GO mobile app on iOS and Android.

4. Build Your Personalized Schedule

The SXSW EDU schedule is now available with the dates and times for sessions, so it’s the perfect time to create your SXSW EDU plan! Favorite sessions and events that interest you so you can enjoy your time at the event without having to worry about missing any programming that you are looking forward to or think about where you need to go next.

You can build your schedule at schedule.sxswedu.com or in the mobile app, and it will sync to the other device as long as you are logged in to your account.

Follow the steps below when building your schedule in the SXSW EDU GO app:

1. Log into the mobile app and select “Schedule” from the left-hand menu
2. Toggle between days to see what is taking place on each day of the event
3. To view specific programming, click the “Filter” button on the top right and view sessions by track, format, and more. The button will look like three lines with circles on them
4. Press the star next to a session or event you are interested in to add to “My Schedule” in the mobile app or “My Favorites” in the website schedule

5. Plan for Picking Up Your Badge

Once you’ve arrived in Austin , it’s important to give yourself enough time to pick up your badge. Without your badge, you will not be able to attend any SXSW EDU events and programming, so plan ahead before your first session or event.

Pick up your registration badge at the Austin Convention Center (500 E Cesar Chavez St. Austin, TX 78701) during registration hours. Be sure to bring a form of identification such as your driver’s license or passport.

Registration Hours:

Sunday, March 3 — 4:00pm-8:00pm
Monday, March 4 — 8:00am-8:00pm
Tuesday, March 5 — 8:00am-6:00pm
Wednesday, March 6 — 8:00am-6:00pm
Thursday, March 7 — 8:00am-3:00pm

Please keep in mind that badges can only be picked up and used by the registrant.

6. Stay in the Know through Social Media

Get access to live, up-to-date information about the event when you follow SXSW EDU on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Threads, and Twitter.

Be a part of the conversation! Use the official hashtag #SXSWEDU when posting about the event.

7. Check Out the Attendee Services Hub

The Attendee Services Hub is your one-stop shop for tools available to attendees during the event, such as registration hours and attendee safety information. Bookmark the Attendee Services Hub link on our website, as you will likely want to refer back to it.

8. Start Your Packing List

Texas weather is unpredictable, so keep an eye on the latest weather report in advance of your arrival to Austin.

Some items we recommend bringing:

• Sunscreen
• Comfortable shoes
• Rain jacket
• Reusable water bottle

9. Ask All Your Questions

You’re not the first person to have questions about the event, and you won’t be the last. Visit the Frequently Asked Questions page or contact us at info@sxswedu.com to get all your questions answered before, during, and after the event.

We look forward to seeing you in March!

Join Your Community in March

Join us for SXSW EDU 2024 from March 4-7 in Austin, Texas. Don’t forget to Register and book your hotel early, and subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know of any event information leading up to the event.

Photo by Tico Mendoza.