The other day my gal +Marcy Massura asked if I was attending SxSW this year. Then my husband asked if I was getting a ticket before the price jumped up again. I realized I needed to make a decision about attending SxSW (South by Southwest) this year. I’ve estimated it will cost me $3,100 to attend.
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Picking conferences to attend in 2012 | lynette {radio}
I need to make a decision about attending SxSW (South by Southwest) this year. I've estimated it will cost me $3,100 to attend. There are many other conferences I will have better experiences at such …
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i should research more on this SXSW what ever it is…. 😀
I'm with you on this. I do some conferences every year out of pocket, and it's killer (though so so so much fun). I've never been to SXSW for the very reason you state, but ironically I will be going this year because I'm on a panel about 2012 doomsday nonsense. 🙂
I hear you. If I wasn't going for work- no way in heck I would go. I just asked cuz I like to see your smiling face 🙂
+Marcy Massura I would go if I had 'extra' money to go, but being a work-for-myself gal I really need to make sure every penny I spend out of pocket brings back at least two.
I'm not going for similar reasons +Lynette Young
SXSW is the dream conference for me, but I feel I am a ways from it. Saving for that new home this year is the priority. I am doing the same thing you are. Self-employed means all my money goes to my tiny humans and the bills that follow.
I've done both sides of SXSW: Badged and Badgeless. My advice on making a decision either way is this: If you're a newbie or have a specific goal in mind that can only be accomplished with a badge then pay the killer cost. If you've been around the block and know what's what then you can get all you need out of SXSW going badgeless. There are so many events and gatherings that do not require a badge. You will meet the folks you need to meet and reconnect with your online peeps in person, make those connections all without a badge if you spend a little time researching. There is even an "Unofficial SXSW" site which lists all events and whether they require a badge or are open.
As I was reading the post I was thinking that SXSW doesn't sound like it is worth going for you, and it's cool the way you wrote your way to an answer. Sounds like SXSW has become a packed event that is mostly focused on parties not so much about biz. Although it would have been great to see some of your interviews from the conference.
Love the idea of the 'camp version. Surprised it hasn't been implemented yet.
+Jeremiah Parry-Hill: There used to be Barcamp Austin that happened during the Saturday of the SXSW Interactive week. It was awesome. Folks who were speakers at SXSW would come and speak/hangout for sessions at the free Barcamp Austin. Sadly it went the way of the dodo. However, there are other session like Dorkbot and Social Media Club has had Clubhouse events with speakers etc… So when I say there are plenty to do when you go badgeless, I mean it.
+Jennifer Navarrete the badgeless stuff at SxSW is really fun and useful, but the majority of the cost is airfare and hotel. A 3 day conference is one thing but Southby is a full week. It's tough.
+Lynette Young, you've got a point there. I do live in a town that is a little over an 1 hour away. For the last 2 years we've stayed at an Aunt's house who lives close to the action. When I've done the whole hotel thing, I've split the cost with 2 other gals to keep expenses down. IMO, SXSW badge prices are on the high side of the spectrum. So, I can definitely understand reasons for skipping this year. Sorry, we won't get a chance to connect face-to-face. I'm not worried though, I know there are plenty of other events throughout the year for us to get some face time. Cheers!
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