Can you believe it? It’s almost time for SXSW Interactive 2009! (Tweet it as #SXSWi). The Woodstock of web conferences, SXSWi is huge, fun, inspiring, and can be overwhelming, which is why I’m posting some tips for maximizing your time there this year!

Talk to people

This is probably the most important part of SXSWi, in my opinion. SXSWi brings together a lot or brilliant minds in many different creative fields, and it is a great venue to meet people. Meet people you’ve connected with on Twitter. Don’t be afraid to go up and talk to your web heroes and mentors. In Austin, the atmosphere is very friendly and there’s this creative energy that just emanates from having so many great people in one place! So grab a drink, bring some business cards, and don’t be a wall flower!

Eat good food

Sure, it’s a web conference, but it’s hosted in a really great city; Austin, Texas. I would recommend checking out Iron Works BBQ for lunch, where there are many famous Texans pictures on the wall. Try and get there early cause the line gets long…it’s a well known BBQ staple! Another great grub opportunity is Gospel Brunch at Stubbs. John and I walked away from their buffet last year about 5 lbs heavier. Definitely worth it. Finally, if you don’t mind a bit of a walk (or hailing a cab) check out Hoffbrau Steaks for a tasty meal that’s light on the wallet. I always feel like I should have steak and Texas go hand and hand…thus Hoffbrau will get my business again this year!

Plan, plan, plan!

There is going to be a lot of cool programming this year and a lot of great people speaking, so make a list of talks you think you would be remotely interested in. Rank them and put down when and what room they are in. You may walk in to a talk thinking it is going to be great and then find it is lacking 10 minutes in. Don’t waste your time! Hustle to the next one on your list! SXSW packs in talks/panels/speakers in abundance so you should never waste your time on something you aren’t getting value from. Luckily, the organizers at SXSW saw the need for planning tools and built in a schedule picker to mySXSW. Use it!

Drink

Water. Every night before you go to bed. Austin is loaded with great bars and there are tons of sponsored parties so you’re bound to have a drink or two or three…so the important thing to do is hydrate when you AREN’T at the bar. Panels start pretty early in the morning and if you are out late, which is VERY likely, you’ll be able to maximize what little time you spend sleeping by hydrating! I usually buy a 12 pack of Propel or Gatorade (do they just call it G now? What the re-brand?) and drink it before bed and during long panels. Trust me on this one.

Enjoy SXSWi without blowing your shrinking stock portfolio

In these tough economic times, frugality is an important trait. If you’re going to SXSWi then you’ve paid for registration, transportation, and lodging. Might not want to spend a lot more money, huh? Here are some money saving tips:

1. Pack some breakfast bars or roll out of bed in time for continental breakfast! Utilize free coffee wherever you find it.
2. Buy some microwavable lunches and make them in your hotel room. Pack granola bars for snacking during daytime programing. Don’t expect to find too many cheap lunch specials, Austin knows when SXSWi is and prices accordingly.
3. Figure out which parties have open bars and get there early! Lines were pretty monstrous last year and with the economy as it is this year, I highly doubt open bars will last as long. That being said, I spent about $10 on drinks last year, and that was purely toward tips!
4. Plan ahead and allow yourself time to walk places instead of taking cabs. If you have to take one, do so in a group to lower the cost!

So there you have it, veteran tips for maximizing your experience at SXSWi. Hope to see you there!