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15 Random thoughts from SXSW
By Meg | March 14, 2008
I just got back from SXSW Interactive. O.k., I got back Tuesday — Wednesday if you count that I stepped through the door after midnight. Since then, I’ve been been using the last few days of spring break to recoup from a combination of jet lag, daylight savings, and a whole lot of walking. On the plus side, the muscle I gained lugging my stuff around while rushing to and from panels makes up for the under-eye bags. Hopefully, the muscle will last longer.
I had a ton of fun and got to meet a lot of great people, but I’m happy to be home again. My husband greeted me at the airport with a fresh bottle of water (how thoughtful!) and when I got home he showed me how he had cleaned the house while I was gone (well beyond any expectations). He even slow-cooked some BBQ ribs. The recipe was so good that we’re having another batch tonight.
But before I get back to the daily grind, I wanted to share some random thoughts about my experience at SXSW.
- The stereotype does seem true. Geek guys are a scruffy lot (unless they have “enthusiast” or “evangelist” in their job title, in which case they tend to look a bit like cartoon action figures). That or they all got their razors confiscated by airport security.
- Geek girl trends were harder to place, but there were plenty of gorgeous trenches and boots. Overall, we’re a lot more stylish than I expected.
- Panels on social networking were not that useful, except that they tended to promote real social networking when some of us decided to check out early and go talk over lunch.
- People who are famous for big ideas, don’t necessarily have many useful ideas or advice. They know what got them there, but have a hard time seeing past that.
- Those in the startup trenches are usually a lot more helpful and a lot more creative.
- I can still get my share of honking when I walk along major roads.
- From both a marketing and user perspective, luggage tags make better swag than buttons.
- More companies should give away t-shirts for women instead of huge t-shirts that most people will just use for sleep shirts.
- A good pair of flat boots can be just as comfy as sneakers, but tons more stylish.
- Water doesn’t ruin suede. It gives it character.
- Hats are great when it’s wet out.
- I <3 Zappos, and not just because they give great swag like free ponchos when it was pouring outside.
- Tide to Go pens only help so much after you’ve dropped hot wings on a bright yellow jacket.
- Talk to cab drivers. They can be very interesting people.
- Sara, the original bargain queen, makes a fantastic roomie.
Plus, thanks to me grabbing plenty free t-shirts, my husband just about has a new wardrobe.
All in all, it was well worth the trip.
Tags: Fashion, Impressions, Men, Site News, Style, Travel, Work
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March 17th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
I miss the BBQ already and I only got back yesterday…Texas made me glad I’m not a vegetarian. P.S. I linked to this post in my recent SXSW style update. :)
March 19th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Sounds like fun. Miss J has long wanted to attend SXSW. Maybe next year.
March 19th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
Thanks for the link, Material Girl! Texas food is so awesome.
Miss Janey, it was a lot of fun. Maybe we’ll have to meet up at a future SXSW?
March 31st, 2008 at 2:16 pm
I skipped out this year but went for the music festival in ‘07. The amount of free food, booze and swag is awesome. It’s tough to be a vegetarian in Texas and during SXSW. Las Manitas has the best breakfast and the bakeries in downtown - amazing - best bread next to San Francisco’s Acme.
April 1st, 2008 at 11:39 am
Hi sfordinary girl!
I wish I could have stayed for the music festival, but my inner geek won out over my inner band nerd.
There definitely were plenty of freebies! I’m still going through some of the swag.
I bet it is tough to be a vegetarian in Texas! I found all the food to be excellent, but definitely meat-oriented.