Austin, night. The air is humid as I make my way towards the Iron Cactus. I am surrounded by chattering voices and ceasless activity. These are, of course, the grackle birds. As I near 6th street they are joined by a different, but no less intense cacaphony - a mix of live music, bartenders yelling drink orders, and visitors exchanging URLs. "Welcome to SXSW Interactive," I think to myself.

- excerpt from South by So Wired: Staying Awake in Austin

This year, I made my first trip to SXSW, to speak on the Moblog Nation panel. A veteran of the festival called it her "rite of spring," and I can see why - I came back refreshed, invigorated and inspired thanks to a few days of sharing thoughts, ideas and food with friends (old and new).

Also, there is alcohol involved. And sleep deprivation. Not to mention double espresso. But all of these serve a common purpose - keeping people going so they can get to one more panel, attend one more party, have one more conversation, meet one more person.

Because here time, or lack thereof, is the greatest adversary.

I won't try to summarize every panel I saw in excruciating detail (see the sidebar of additional resources for excellent panel commentary). I do want to capture some of my personal thoughts about the people and places, hiptops, my panel, and the food.

I knew SXSW would be a challenge for me: I am not the best at socializing, especially in large groups of new people. I still get nervous giving any sort of presentation. I tend to either mumble or speak too quickly. What I forgot, what I always forget, is that people are basically cool, and everything tends to work out all right in the end.

On to Before >