This document provides 16 tips for having a social and stress-free experience at SXSWi in Austin, Texas from March 11-15, 2011. The tips include finding unofficial events through tools like Plancast, networking both online and offline, attending free food and drink events, taking notes, sharing experiences with others through social media, and participating in activities like biking, paddle boarding, or attending panels. Proper planning including checking in locations, packing the right tools, and utilizing transportation options can help ensure a smooth experience at the large tech conference.

1. 16 Tips for a Social & Stress-free SXSWi March 11-15, 2011 Austin, Texas By Courtney Jeffries @socialmediaclub #SMCedteam

2. FINDthe (un)official. 1 Screenshot of http://plancast.com

3. EMBRACEyour geek. “It’s Spring Break for nerds.” --Dennis Crowley, Co-founder of Foursquare 2

4. PACK the essentials. What’s in your #SXSWiToolkit? 3

5. CHECK IN. Find hot spots at SXSWi (or avoid them) with Gowalla. 4

6. BRINGyour cowboy boots… 5 or the boot fund. Image from St0ck.xchng

7. NETWORK in analog or digital. 6

8. DRIFT and find music… 7 Image by Courtney Jeffries on the east side.

9. RIDE the bus. Or… Photograph by Kris Krug 8

10. RIDE a bike. Bike Hugger’s Mobile Social March 15, 2011, 5-7pm Brush Square Park, Austin http://bikehugger.com/mobile-socials/sxsw2011/ 9

11. EAT(free noms) Screenshot of @SXSWFreeNoms Follow @SXSWFreeNoms 10

12. DRINK(free drinks) 2

13. VISITthe SMC Clubhouse.* Photograph by Kris Krug *Badged Social Media Club members and invited guests have access. 12

14. TAKE NOTE Illustration by Mike Rohde 13

15. SURFbetween panels. Or… Illustration by Mike Rohde 14

16. SUPat sunset on Lady Bird Lake. Photograph by the Hill Country Conservancy 15 Tip: You can take lessons from the Expedition School (http://www.expeditionschool.com) or rent a board from the Rowing Dock (http://www.rowingdock.com/).

17. SHAREwith the home team. Photograph by Chris Heuer Follow #SMCedteam to get the SXSWi scoop. 16

18. THANKS Thanks to the following photographers, designers, and organizations for the use of their images: Kris Krug |www.kriskrug.com & staticphotography.com Bike Hugger|bikehugger.com Mike Rohde |http://www.flickr.com/photos/rohdesign/ Stock.exchng| http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1101209 Chris Heuer| http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisheuer The Hill Country Conservancy | http://hillcountryconservancy.org/ 17