I like questions. As a professional journalist, I use them. As a human, I know they can extract information. Lately, the question I’ve been getting non-stop has been, “Are you going to South by Southwest?”.
Let’s answer that question here for everyone. What I’m going to answer in a few simple points is why my appearance at SXSW 2011 is doubtful.
1 – The event is becoming – or has become – more society than substance. Seeing and being seen with the right people is a primary focus of many attendees. It’s almost gotten to the point where you can go to SXSW and not even walk into the Convention Center. In fact, I know some people who haven’t seen a session yet and attend every year. My friends Steve Garfield, Peter Kim and Aaron Strout certainly attend some events, but they’re also working when the show comes to town. And they use SXSW to connect with people they can’t talk to at home. *If you’re going to SXSW to talk to and drink with your friends from home, that’s just silly.
2 – There’s not enough time to do everything. The best sessions often are scheduled at conflicting times. The evening events are all set to occur at the same time. And heaven forbid that you spend a few moments trying to catch up with a friend – then your entire schedule is blown. As an example, I’ve heard that Tech Karaoke is now taking place March 15 – that’s getaway day for the majority of people visiting Austin, but there was no other time to put it with so many other events on the docket.
3 – Other events are starting to offer better content in a less frenetic environment. You can now go to Social Media Week or Mashable Conference or BlogWorld or events in your own city that offer richer connections, conversations and community than you can find at SXSW.
4 – It’s a money suck. That is, to go to SXSW when it costs $500 for a pass, $500 for a flight and $150+ per night for your hotel (if you can convince folks to share a room with you and your snoring), the final tally can be around $2000 for four or five days in Texas. You could spend a week in Paris for that. Or buy a scooter. Or upgrade your camera gear to a Canon 7D kit.
Ultimately, the only way you’re going to see me in Austin this year (and no, I didn’t make it onto a Ford Focus Rally team for some reason, so that’s out too) is if the balance sheet leaves me in the black financially, socially and intellectually.
I do have some irons in the fire and already have my pass and a hotel room reserved. But I’m willing to sell that room (Hilton Austin right across from the Convention Center) and swallow the pass if nothing materializes. I’ll miss the parties and the people, but I’ll be happier knowing I can use my time and money a little more wisely, later this year.
What’s your take? Why do you go to SXSW? What’s it costing you this year?
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I’ll probably miss most of it this year for a handful of reasons, but will make the most of Friday and Saturday while I’m around. In general, I’m wondering where expectations will be set this year after “the next Twitter” has failed to emerge for the past two.
You and a select cadre of folks are the main reason I’d attend. Just to catch up and talk about the future of communication, tech and life. If I do make it down, I’ll ping you enough ahead so we can grab breakfast or just coffee at some point.
I think there’s more gold in the sessions than I’ve mined in the past. In fact, I know there is… for me SXSW is as much about seeing people I see once a year and meeting new ones. As you mentioned, the parties are a bit out of control, but it’s the smaller private gatherings I look for (and look forward too). Hope you find a way to make it down Jeff.
I think it’s what you make of it. Last year I had a nice blend of doing the social media parties and just visiting with my friend who lives in Austin. I also made my best connections between sessions, with a woman who sat beside me on the plane and also gained a national brand client by talking to a speaker after his panel.
This year, I actually have many meetings with the vendors at the Expo for my new job but also excited to see speakers like Tom’s Shoes.
I’m bummed you’re not going this year Jeff, Nerd Bird won’t be the same without you ; )
Remember last year when we had this discussion? I told you these are the same reasons I have NEVER gone. But this year I felt like I should finally bite the bullet and attend – we do have some clients doing some things so that helped in the decision making process. However, as much as I love meeting people in person, I definitely need an investment that’s more than a social gathering. I’m hoping I walk away with some new tips, tricks, lessons and friends…
I’ll miss seeing you there, since ironically you are one of the people that convinced me I should attend, at least once.
CP
http://www.twitter.com/missusP
Jeff, while I do love the content at SXSWi more than the other shows you mention, it is mainly because it is more technical and less “marketing”. Last year I was able to leave SXSWi with a firm understanding of HTML5, the Flex framework and some other stuff that has helped in my job.
That being said, I have no plans to attend SXSWi this year besides my panel. The content is not there this year from a technical sense and it seems that they made a decision to have more “marketing/social media” type discussions. It’s unfortunate because I think that content breeds your first issues of the “look at me” nature of the show.
But on the flip side, living in Austin, I get to spend the weekend with some awesome friends who I only get to see once or twice a year. So I’m fortunate to be able to get the best of both worlds out of the event.
Either way I do hope you are here, simply to be able to catch up over some bbq and beer.
/kff
Jeff – I’m surprised, but totally love your viewpoint. I live here, and I’ve never been. This year, since I get a free gold badge for being on a panel, I’ll try to take in some sessions and a few panels. I’ll even grab some beer with folks from out of town. I’ll be the guy welcoming everybody and taking them to get margaritas and Tex Mex. Is the whole thing overblown and self-important? Duh. I wonder how 20-somethings can call themselves “tastemakers” and show up to coronate or rip apart the next big thing. Yet they do. Where else can you bump into AplusK in person? The value of this serendipitous interaction is nil…but still worth tweeting about. How do you extract $2k value from SXSW? I have no idea. Glad it’s in my hometown, and glad I’m going for free.
I had a great time last year and in some ways it was the best event I’ve ever been to. Completely manic feeling, but at the same time it probably wasn’t as productive as it could have been.
I don’t think I’m going to make it this year (although if I had an extra 2K to burn, I might do it), and I’m saving my money instead for (another likely overhyped and past its prime event) – Burning Man.
Hey Jeff,
I had a lot of fun at SXSW last year. My book, Get Seen, just came out, so I was promoting it at SXSW and meeting a LOT of people.
I get a GOLD pass now, and that lets me attend the film sessions. I learn a lot in them, especially when I get to hear actors and directors talk about making film and TV.
This year I’ll be interested in meeting people who want to work with me on SteveGarfield.tv as guests or sponsors. I’ll be exploring new ways to interact with an internet/TV audience in real-time.
Hope to see you there.
Oh wait. No.
I hope you get to go to SXSW, and if you do, that I can see you for a brief moment.
–Steve
This seems to be quite the 180 from last year, when NomX3 (luckily!) filmed during South By with Pete Cashmore and the Buzz Out Loud crew.
That said, I’ve never heard a justifiable must-attend cause from a business side, other than the opportunity for chance deals is right around the corner. Also, consider the number of people that would back out if the $2000+ came out of their personal budget, and not their employers, then you’ll see a lot more people saying what you’re saying.
Looking forward to sharing a beer with you here in Boston in March.
Just a quick comment on Gradon’s comment regarding where the money comes from to attend SXSW.
It’s definitely easier to rationalize when it’s not coming out of “your” pocket, but since TheCR is my business, it’s still coming out of my pocket. With that said, it’s some of the best money spent each year. We easily connect with enough new people and build stronger relationships with existing friends to justify the expense. Sure, we’re closely tied to the space, but I can’t say that about many events outside the 617 area code. My 2 cents.
Jim
For two years in a row, I had secured press badges for the annual Consumer Electronics Show — and I didn’t go either time in the name of investment (flight and lodging). Add in the lack of a comp pass for SXSW, and the investment increases significantly, Jeff. I had wanted to go this year but I was 1) unaware of the tiered RSVP dates and 2) ignorant how much money a pass actually cost — so I won’t be going to this either.
It’s like tonight’s Super Bowl. I wasn’t in Texas but I watched it from the comfort of my own living room. I’ll do the same with SXSW next month, from the blogs and Twitter feeds out there.
Ari Herzog´s last [type] ..Feature Friday- Why Negative Blog Comments are Important and Wanted
Jeff – I like the fact that you spelled out your rationale for not coming to SXSWi this year which was… well, rational, versus just making a declaration.
Personally, I’d be sad not to have you down here this year. You know I live hanging out w/ my Boston peeps but I can understand if you decide not to come. I do believe that there is going to be some decent content this year from a number of non-regulars (including a panel that Jim, Heather Strout and Mike Pascucci are doing). I also plan to be a little less aggressive about my schedule this year and let serendipity take it’s course.
Here’s to hoping you change your mind…
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