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. Know Before You Go Checklist

From linking your badge to building your schedule and downloading the mobile app, we’ve compiled a checklist to be sure you’re ready to attend SXSW EDU. Browse this list and make sure you’ve run through all of the steps.

2. Stay in the Know through Social Media

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

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

3. Bookmark the Attendee Guide

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

4. Get Familiar with Venues & Maps

Located in the SXSW EDU Schedule and mobile app, select “Venues & Maps” to explore the venues list and utilize the wayfinding map to help you navigate from place to place in downtown Austin. Plus, get familiar with the floor plans of the main programming venues.

5. Plan Your Transportation

There are many ways to get around Austin, including CapMetro Public Transportation, Pedicabs, Electric Cabs, Taxi service, and parking. Find the mode of transportation that works best for you.

6. Arrive Early to Sessions

Give yourself extra time for your must-see sessions. For example, Workshops and Walking Tours can fill up quickly. Be prepared by having a backup plan in case you need to switch gears.

⭐Bonus: Add These Networking Events to Your Schedule

• Attending for the first time? Add the First-Timers Meet Up to your schedule for advice on how to make the most of your time from one of our Advisory Board members.
• Traveling to SXSW EDU solo? Don’t miss the Solo Attendee Meet Up to connect with other solo attendees to enhance your experience at SXSW EDU.
• Be sure to catch a Walking Tour as the perfect way to get some extra steps, fresh air, connect with other attendees, and see parts of Austin, Texas while you’re in town vising. Don’t forget to arrive early, spots are limited.
• Coffee & Snack Breaks in the Expo is a nice little refreshment boost throughout the day. Find time to swing by and explore the Expo while you’re there.
• Don’t miss a Pop-Up Dinner as a fun way to meet other attendees. The reservation is already made, just pick a restaurant that fits your budget and show up for an evening of good food and conversation!
• Connect with other attendees and our partners in several Lounges across the Austin Convention Center and the Hilton. Explore each day’s lounge lineup to see what you can look forward to.

7. Check the Event Status

Check the current status of a room or a venue’s remaining capacity by viewing the Event Status. In the mobile app, the online SXSW EDU Schedule, and on digital Event Status Boards located around the ACC and other venues, you will find a Green-Yellow-Red system. Green indicates that there is still plenty of room available, Yellow indicates that the room is nearing full, while Red indicates that the room is at capacity and is no longer accepting attendees.

8. 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.

9. Pace Yourself

Remember, SXSW EDU is a marathon, not a sprint. You will have the urge to cram as much as possible into your schedule. Try to resist that temptation, as it could make you overwhelmed and lose energy, slowing you down for the rest of the event.

10. Have Fun

Embrace serendipity, step out of your comfort zone, try something new, and seize each opportunity to make new connections. You never know who you’ll meet or the next big idea you’ll discover. SXSW EDU is full of unexpected moments waiting to be discovered.

We look forward to seeing you in March!

Join Your Community in March

Join us for SXSW EDU 2025 from March 3-6 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.