Blog
My Top 3 SXSW Lessons
I recently returned from SXSW Interactive 2010 and I am wiped… but I feel even more inspired and excited, and cannot wait to do it all over again next year. Below are the Top 3 things I learned in awesome Austin.
1. Much of the action isn’t in the actual conference, but in the serendipitous encounters in bars, the streets, and the lounges of the conference hall. It pays to say ‘Hi’ to everyone, you never know the person that could turn into an interesting lead or business contact. For instance, I met the lovely Eliane Fiolet from UberGizmo who came to watch my panel and got to attend The Flaming Lips concert with the very fun Josh Guttman from Surphace. Among many others, Evan Cohen from foursquare, SEO Whiz Tony Adam, and mediagazer’s Megan McCarthy were also a joy to meet.
2. SXSW is incredibly overwhelming as an event. I was warned, I knew it would be, but nothing prepares you for its enormity, breadth, richness…. for someone like me that likes to be in control and experience everything, it can be very distressing to attend, until you give up both these expectations, and just go into a zen-like mode of absorbing and accepting what happens to you at SXSW. The Spotify keynote would have been great to attend, although as one of my British friends said, “the one thing I took out of that talk is how little people in the US know about Spotify.”
3. Americans are much lovelier and more fun than they are perceived in Europe. I’m so grateful for the hospitality, humour, and inspiration given to me by fellow entrepreneurs in America. Sarah Prevette from Sprouter.com and Dan Martell from Flowtown.com were particularly welcoming and helpful, although they are Canadian so this doesn’t necessarily prove my point! Also thanks to the ever gregarious Lewis Howes who seems to know everyone. I am glad to have had this eye-opening experience, and look forward to more encounters with the American family!
Alicia is Skimlinks’ CEO and Co-Founder and you can find her on Twitter: @alicianavarro
3 Comments to My Top 3 SXSW Lessons
“the very fun josh guttman” ..the best compliment i’ve received all week:)
Thanks for the mention Alicia! It was great meeting you! 
Leave a comment
March 25, 2010
Great thoughts Alicia.
I have never been myself but as a young entrepreneur I plan to head over at some point to see what it is all about.
However I have always thought my US air fare would probably be better spent heading to industry / vertical specific events across the pond rather than the beast that is SXSW but I will see where our new product is and more importantly needs to be by this time next year before booking my ticket and entering my “zen-like mode”.