SXSW 2013: I don’t want to hear any more about SXSW 2013

That’s not true, really. It actually is an amazing time with (often free) alcohol nearly sweating from the walls of every bar–and I think Austin has more bars than houses. Actually, some of the houses are bars. But the whole “SXSW” hashtag and buzz can get a little old. Or at least I felt like I was beginning to burden humankind with one too many Tweets. You know when you get that feeling that you’ve just overstepped? Like even your friends are about to unfollow? Well, I’m sorry, but #SXSW has bands and promotions and startups throwing crazy parties. And it’s all huge and nuts and impossible not to talk about.

But the core of the event seems very much a simple notion of basic human contact. It’s people reaching out in all directions to learn and live a little. It’s also a lot of hipsters; almost like someone cloned Mumford and Sons about a million times and then scattered them about central Texas. But it’s just weird how everyone can be their own unique individual, yet we’re all out for about the same thing: to maybe come away a little better than we arrived, even if that means a fierce hangover.

And you do improve when you meet people. You’re honestly bettered by a simple handshake and a quick conversation. Now SXSW convos can quickly turn into a one-sided startup pitch, but many of them are truly intriguing…and then there’s this thing where you realize you’re talking to someone who’s doing what we all talk about doing: cutting away the crap and focusing on one big thing. Focusing like a laser with a speed habit on a huge task to get their WWW to improve some lives. (That may sound a little idealistic but if you’re not improving lives I can’t see how you can succeed.)

We went down there hoping to get some video. We did that. I even got sick on the first day and kept the video master Baxter awake with some pretty awesome snoring. But from our tight yet freakishly expensive confines, we were able to edit together some interviews with some amazing people including, but not limited to, Scumbag Steve.

What’s the one piece of advice I bring back? I’m echoing about a hundred people when I say PLAN one daytime event and one nighttime event. You may not even need to plan the nighttime as that just unfolds like a three sheets to the wind. But keep it simple and know where you’re going because if you’re like me and ADD SQUIRREL! then you just get distracted and lost. Although…SXSW isn’t a bad place to wander. Just make sure you have a camera. And a charged phone.

Here, a police officer helps me find where I’m going because my phone died.

Austin really isn’t that difficult to get around. It’s just that a guy can get a little taxed toting camera equipment whilst incubating several free drinks. The good news is that with your SXSW badge you’re allowed into some swanky parties. Samsung KILLED it with blogger lounges, afterparties and a big, sexy presence that almost made you forget your phone is an Apple.

And then there’s this overall freakiness; a pleasant freakiness that makes you feel pretty good about all those inhibitions you lost the night before.

This girl probably regrets making this face at me, but I love the light.

And I love that the entire town is disrupted by drinking and rock n’ roll, and this guy is still delivering the mail. (A reminder that people do actually live and work there so limit out-of-towner douchiness.)

Finally, try to make sure this happens to you:

I’m pretty sure we’ll make it back next year. It’s expensive, but we learned some valuable lessons about planning, simplifying and not breaking our good microphone on the second day. When you know who you want to see during the seminars, who you want to talk to throughout the day, and have some idea about where to go once the sun sets, you’ll easily make up for your investment with the amazing connections you make.