The hipsters are out, there's no where to park and I have two cases of Abita Strawberry Harvest Lager at home...yes, SXSW 2012 is in full swing. Yes, I did just name drop a seasonal beer and, yes, that is something a hipster would do. Anyway, I refer to it as "SXSW 2012" because each year there are differences in the conference. Some are big, some are impossible to spot with the untrained eye, but they're there. Parking (the lack thereof), Hipsters (their attire) and the commercialization (from a local stand point) changes each year. I am a devoted music fan through and through and SXSW is my Mecca. Not that I'd bow to it or anything. In fact, if you do see me doubled over at any point during SXSW, please....call for help.Speaking of calling, if the afternoon parking on a Sunday afternoon is ANY indication as to what this upcoming week will be like I would highly suggest calling a cab. However, cabs take hours to arrive and if you use your phone the battery will die and you will spend your afternoon at a recharging station. No, you have to pay to park. All garages take cash, most take cards and some are even now taking first borns. $20 to park? I expect that from Chicago, but this is Austin and $20 can get you pretty far. The parking lots and garages are only able to charge these asinine amounts because of the lack of street parking. The "Valet Parking Only from 3pm-Forever" signs have been replaced with "Special Event Parking-Permit Required" signs. There is very little street parking, but don't worry, if there is a spot available there will be some nice transient that will point out the spot to you and expect you to give them money for their highly evolved pointing skills. And what happens if you don't tip them? Well that I do not know because I wouldn't dream of not tipping and leaving my car for them to "watch over." So, expect to pay a lot more for your parking spot than you did last month. Honestly, I don’t know how hipsters can afford it.
I attend the Music conference of SXSW every year, but it has been some time since I've attended the Interac
tive conference. I'm here to tell you, there is a great difference between Music Hipsters and Interactive Hipsters. For one, Interactive Hipsters have more Apps than Tats. This causes them to have their noses buried in their iPhones and iPads instead of a Chronicle. The clothing is a little different as well. There are more button downs at the Interactive conference than there are at the Music conference, and none of those buttons are pearl snaps. There is also a difference in Interactive vs. Music facial hair. There is much more product in a Music mustache than in an Interactive mustache. The Interactive parties are a little different as well. For example, when entering the Conduit party I was greeted by a HUGE statue of an Oreo cookie in celebration of its 100 year Anniversary. Yes, Oreos and beer…that’s Interactive.
tive conference. I'm here to tell you, there is a great difference between Music Hipsters and Interactive Hipsters. For one, Interactive Hipsters have more Apps than Tats. This causes them to have their noses buried in their iPhones and iPads instead of a Chronicle. The clothing is a little different as well. There are more button downs at the Interactive conference than there are at the Music conference, and none of those buttons are pearl snaps. There is also a difference in Interactive vs. Music facial hair. There is much more product in a Music mustache than in an Interactive mustache. The Interactive parties are a little different as well. For example, when entering the Conduit party I was greeted by a HUGE statue of an Oreo cookie in celebration of its 100 year Anniversary. Yes, Oreos and beer…that’s Interactive.If Oreo has somehow made their way into SXSW then you know that the c
ompetition to have your product and/or service in front of the masses has become fierce. Every year local businesses are confronted with how they are going to market their themselves to those who will never be repeat customers. I understand maximizing profits while there is a storm of out-of-towners, but it seems as if these businesses advertise/market more during SXSW than they do throughout the ret of the year. I take it personally that they only want my money for 1 week out of the year. Talk to me year-round and I may be more willing to patron your establishment.
That is enough observation for one day. Now, how do I sneak into the Jay-Z show....
ompetition to have your product and/or service in front of the masses has become fierce. Every year local businesses are confronted with how they are going to market their themselves to those who will never be repeat customers. I understand maximizing profits while there is a storm of out-of-towners, but it seems as if these businesses advertise/market more during SXSW than they do throughout the ret of the year. I take it personally that they only want my money for 1 week out of the year. Talk to me year-round and I may be more willing to patron your establishment.That is enough observation for one day. Now, how do I sneak into the Jay-Z show....
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