How to Attend the South by Southwest Music Trade Show

The South by Southwest music trade show is considered by many attendees to be the centerpiece of the weeklong festival. Unlike the performance series, which can occasionally be loud and frenetic, the South by Southwest music trade show is designed expressly to encourage conversations and networking. Accordingly, thousands of professionals in every part of the industry attend each year in the hopes of creating lucrative bonds.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Get Your Badge

1. Register for your badge on the SXSW website (see Resources below). You will need to create a membership and answer some basic questions, but the entire process takes less than five minutes.
2. Check your badge to ensure that it complies with the guidelines for the trade show. You are only allowed to attend if you have purchased one of the following pieces of documentation: Music Badge, Artist Badge, Platinum Badge or Showcasing Artist Wristband.
3. Pack the badge and government-issued ID, and check them again before you go. You will need both to gain entry.

Hit the Floor

4. Dress the part. The trade show is all about first impressions, so you want to pay some attention to your appearance for this image-driven event.
5. Bring a map. The show is huge and tends to spill into a number of satellite venues. If you want to maximize your efficiency, it pays to start with a plan.
6. Visit every part of the show if you want to get the most out of this experience. Popular venues include Studio SX for interviews and recording sessions, the Day Stage Café for live music and the South by Bookstore for signings and other lecture events.
7. Maintain contact with the folks who attend. SXSW often sows the seeds of many fruitful relationships.

Tips & Warnings

• Trade shows such as these are often filled with PR agents, attorneys, graphic designers, managers and many more people. Be sure you understand the function of each professional you speak with--this will help you form more meaningful connections moving forward.
• Bear in mind that attendees tend to be overwhelmed by the sheer number of professionals and performers packed into the Austin Convention Center. Pace yourself and don't push too hard with everyone you see--networking requires a good sense of when to press your luck and when to hang back.
• Don't forget your badge when you arrive at the South by Southwest music trade show! Organizers will not accept other forms of proof of payment, so you need the requisite items.