Like Ryan, this is my first time being at the SXSW here in Austin and so I did not really know what to expect. Having been to other conferences, I anticipated a lot of interesting sessions and talks as well as some networking here and there. But after two days of being in Austin, I already can say that one thing that really sets the SXSW apart from other industry conventions is the ease of networking.
It began on my flight from Houston to Austin where I met a couple who lives and works in Austin. We chatted about my being from Europe and attending SXSW. Just before we landed, they invited me to dinner that night. My coming from Germany to attend SXSW was pretty unusual and took on a greater significance to them. After I posted the story on my Facebook and Twitter, one of my friends encapsulated the experience in one sentence: “Everything is bigger in Texas even hospitality.”
What could have been a one time networking experience turned out to be indicative of the whole conference so far. I got invited to some really nice get-togethers from start-ups and companies including a house party where I met some amazing people from likes of AT&T, Airbnb, Appsumo as well as freelance developers and start-up founders.
As far as I can tell, the constant networking will not change for the next few days and, in addition to many interesting sessions and talks, is what makes SXSW a one of a kind convention for me.
In that context: Feel free to contact me anytime for a meet up while I’m here in Austin @lucas_mohr.
Image credit: www.austinbusinessmag.com
