March brings SXSW madness. Entire parks are roped off. Hotels are overbooked. Even the limited free parking available around town becomes paid parking. Venues are distinguished by what SXSW events they'll be hosting.
Meanwhile, thousands of music, media and film fans and professionals are making their way to Austin from all over the world for the event, Austin's largest annual conference. The original Music and Media Conference & Festival, started in 1987, is now only one part of a multimedia event including the 11-year-old offshoots, the SXSW Film Conference and SXSW Interactive Festival.
It's the classic mixing of business with pleasure. Industry professionals network and browse the latest technology at the trade shows, share trade secrets in panel discussions and recognize the best talent with well-coveted SXSW awards. But mainly they're out there doing what they love and do best--showing their films and playing their music. And, fans--both one-timers and die-hards--eat it up. Since SXSW is known as a setting for discovering fresh talent, it's a chance to catch some rising stars as well as to see those who've already made their mark.
Registration runs between $150 (for students) up to $525, for up to 10 days of exhibitions, panels and performances. Individual admission without a registration badge is venue-specific. Check www.sxsw.com for schedule and rates.
Buy your tickets online from an Austin based ticket broker
Chip Rosenthal's blog has a number of interesting articles on SXSW at http://www.unicom.com/chrome/
