Monday, February 12, 2018

SXSW Badges vs. Wristbands vs. Credless

"Where do I buy a ticket to SXSW?"
--That Guy

SXSW is unlike any festival in the world; it's part festival and part conference. As such, SXSW does not sell tickets. Just like a conference, you can buy a conference badge, and just like a festival, you can buy a festival wristband. Yet, unlike any other conference or festival, you can actually buy neither badge nor wristband and still attend!  That said, a badge gives you the highest level of entry, followed by wristbands, and then free entry is more hunger games style of festival'ing.  The question is, which option is right for you?

Badge People (~$800 - $1600) (https://www.sxsw.com/attend/)

This group is attending SXSW for business and/or education. Most people rocking badges have their respective employers pay for them or at the very least, buy them through their small company to be expensed. You buy a badge if you plan on attending the conference side of SXSW, which includes presentations, panels, speakers, workshops, industry meetups, and anything else under the sun to help you promote or progress forward professionally. You can only access the conference side of SXSW with a badge, and they have 3 different badges (interactive, film, music) which grants access to those industry conference events. There's also a special 4th badge, Platinum, that gets you into all 3 at priority level.  Although badges are all about the business side of SXSW, they do also grant you into the pleasure side, giving you access to films and music showcases too. Badges have priority into their respective industry festival events, above wristbands and free entry. Another perk, badges of specific types (interactive, film, music) also act like wristbands for entry into the festival events of other industry events (ex: music badge acts like a film wristband and vice-versa)

Method Man and Redman performing with The Roots
 live band at Budlight House SXSW Music 2017.

Wristband People (https://wristbands.sxsw.com/)

Wristbands are for those doing SXSW for the festival fun of it all. Wristbands do not grant access to any of the conference side of SXSW. However, depending on your wristband type, you get 2nd level priority access to the festival events. There are three types of wristbands as of 2018: Gaming, Film, Music.

Gaming Wristbands ($20 - $50) (https://gaming.sxsw.com/attend/)
A Gaming wristband gets you into the SXSW Gaming Expo. If your a fan of video games (or ever were in your life), it is worth a day of your time, but unless you're a hardcore gamer, not worth more than a single day. They individual days and a wristband for all three days. This is probably the only family friendly event of all of SXSW, so ages will range widely. Also note, a SXSW Music wristband includes access to the Gaming Expo, so no need to buy a gaming wristband if you've already got a music wristband.

Real Life MARIO KART racing
sponsored by Nintendo at SXSW Gaming 2014.

These grant you access to ALL the SXSW film screenings, and there are hundreds!  The films range across all genres and theaters are spread out across downtown and central Austin. Some films are very indie and may never make it to a streaming service, let alone the silver screen, yet others are award winning or even world premieres of blockbuster movies! Even better, the staff, crew, and stars of these movies are often present to introduce the movie and/or do Q&As following the screening.  The major catch to a film wristband is that you'll have secondary priority to Film and Platinum badges. For most movies, this won't be a problem, especially if you're there decently early. However, for major blockbusters and premieres, you'll need to be there hours early for even a chance to get in.  Fortunately, even the major premieres often have re-screenings on subsequent days during SXSW, you just probably won't get the add-on bonus of having the film crew or actors present.  If you do the Film wristband, I highly suggest NOT doing the music wristband, as they just collide too much to truly get your money's worth from both in the same year.

Lead actors from the Raid 2 movie entertain the audience
 at SXSW Film 2014 while staff tried to fix issues with the film reel.

Music Wristbands ($170)
The tried and true music wristband is for the live music lovers. The wristband grants secondary access to nearly all SXSW music events, behind Music and Platinum badges. There are a handful (probably less than 10) music events that are BADGE only.  That said, with a music wristband, you'll be able to get into nearly all of the shows you try, as SXSW reserves venue capacity room specifically for wristbands and badges.  The beauty of this, is that you'll be able to hop from venue to venue in a single night, seeing a variety of shows from typically 8pm to 2am.  SXSW music runs for 5 days (Tuesday through Saturday) and if you can see 15 different shows/artists in that time (3 a night), you'll get you're value in the wristband (assuming $10-25 normal price for a show). I do not think I've ever seen less than 30 shows in that same window.  The BIG caveat to music wristbands is that you MUST live in the Austin area in order to purchase one presale (based off your Credit Card zip code), although they do allow to add-on a second wristband for someone not in the Austin area. Note to my hustlers, they DO check ID when you pickup the wristband. Once pre-sale is over and the Music conference/festival of SXW starts, they normally offer wristbands to the general public, regardless of where you live, at select locations (venues or SXSW registration HQ).

To be honest, most of these shows will have the option of an entry free if you do not have a wristband or badge, usually around $20, give or take. However, with the cover charge option, you'll have to show up early to get in and probably won't be able to leave and have a chance at getting in anywhere else each night. The power of the wristband is much shorter lines, less hassle/hustle, access to badge/wristband only shows, and you can hop around so much more easily from venue to venue, seeing exactly who you want to see. If you're legit into your music and shows, wristband is worth the investment. If you're more focusing on free food/drinks aspect of sxsw, it won't help you get any more of that.

If you're still on the fence about a music wristband, I wrote a more extensive blog on their value back in 2014 (I've been doing SXSW for quite a while), and the content still stands:


Steve Aoki throwing one of many cakes into the crowd
for Live at the BBQ during SXSW Music 2014.

The Credless ($0.00 - $30.00)

As I alluded to at the top of this article, it's actually possible to attend SXSW without any SXSW conference badges or SXSW festival wristbands. For Gaming, Film, and Music festival events of SXSW, it's possible to buy a la carte. Gaming allows for single day passes, film has an option to buy a ticket to individual SXSW Film screenings, and most Music Showcases have a cover charge option at the door.  Unfortunately, all three of these options are subject to capacity of the event, and to be honest, it's difficult to get into Film and Music events without badges or wristbands unless you're there, in line, very early, but it is possible (I've done both!).  Gaming is actually fairly easy to get into even without purchasing anything in advance. All SXSW Interactive events require a badge and there is not an option to purchase anything at the door (nor is there even a wristband option for Interactive).

In addition to official SXSW events, there are nearly as many (if not more) unofficial SXSW events held by small/indie companies to large, brand name corporations (Sony, Spotify, Samsung, Apple, etc.). Nearly all of these events do NOT require any SXSW credentials (badge or wristband). Instead, they require your personal contact information so they can market to you. You'll be require to at least give your name and email address to RSVP to these unofficial, free events, but some will ask for much more all in exchange to free entry into their events. These events can have some MAJOR showcases and experiences ($100 concerts, free open bars, free food, substantial giveaways, free uber rides home, etc.).  Most of these events occur during Interactive (first weekend of SXSW), but there's still a fair amount during Music (2nd weekend), most notably events by Fader, Pandora, Spotify and other major music industry companies.  As you might imagine, these events are wildly popular as a result of their like of price tag, so it can be difficult to get in if you're not there early, but that's all part of the hustle game at SXSW if you're in it for the good, free times.

JayZ and Kanye West perform together at Austin Music Hall
for an event sponsored by Samsung during SXSW 2014.

Final Thoughts 

For those new'ish to SXSW and just looking to enjoy it with minimal stress, I recommend purchasing a wristband (music or film, but not both, do much overlap!).  This allows you to still chase the major official and free events at your leisure, but always have a backup option with one of the other hundreds of SXSW official shows/films if Plan A doesn't work, so there's never a night you take a loss, a risk the Credless face every day/night!

Monday, January 13, 2014

What is SXSW Survival Blog FAinterQview

We have a digital sitdown with author of this blog to ask a few questions about the purpose SXSW Survival Blog (sxswsb) and who's writing it.  In this interview transcript below, ME is the sxswb author and anyone else is THEM.

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THEM: Let's start with the veggies before the deserts. What is SXSW Survival Blog NOT?

ME: It's not a place to get the latest #sxswrumors or #sxswsecretshows. If you are reading this blog (and hey, I hope you are!), the digital force is strong enough with you to find 95% of everything happening at SXSW. Believe in yourself!

There are several REALLY good sites, apps, twitter'ers, tumblr'ers, facebook pages, and (I'm preaching to the choir here) blogs, that can be found with some decent #google-fu.

THEM: Anything else while you're at it?

Yes, let's get this awkward moment out the way now: I'm sorry, but I can't get you in or on the list. I'm not in any position of power. I'm just like you... just with a sxsw survival blog. In SXSW hookup context, it's the only difference.

THEM: You're assuming we don't also have sxsw survival blogs, don't you think?

ME: Yes, I do think I'm assuming that, but then again, you are here. :)

THEM: Point conceded.  OK, let's skip to desert now. What ACTUALLY is SXSW Survival Blog?

ME: Check out the second paragraph description of Survivorman tv show.  Instead of surviving wilderness, we're teaching you how to survive a party/population apocalypse. A #partypocalypse, if you will.  I'm here to help you satisfy that bottom level of Maslow's hierarchy during SXSW all by yourself.

THEM: Neat! After reading that Wikipedia, it looks like you're going to get us laid and find us some high quality whatever homeostasis is, right?

ME: Wrong. Read my last answer, last sentence, last prepositional phrase.

THEM:  Hmph. Well, we guess #DIY is trendy, we can roll that way. But what are you're credentials here? We don't even know you.

ME:  True, you don't know me, and the name "mikophey" is not on my Driver's License. But what is on my DL is my city: Austin. I'm a local. I have worked in downtown Austin for multiple years. I have #homecourtadvantage.  Like a first person shooter, it makes all the difference in the world to know the terrain of battle.

THEM:  There you go again, assuming. And we got you this time because we ARE locals too!

ME: See, I told you I'm just like you. What school did you go to here?

THEM: Well, see, actually, we're not all from Austin, some of us just moved here, and well, ummm, most of us are just here for the week.

ME: All good, I'm not from Austin either. But I've been here since the Longhorns won the Rose Bowl, and I'll be here when they do it again! #texasstrong

THEM: Well, better you than me spending all my time writing this blog.  Sounds useful, but I don't have the time to sweat all the little things.

ME: Homeostasis is something to sweat. #sciencejoke. Keeping a homeostasis state takes planning.  As a project manager in another life, I leveled up my planning skills.  As an event planner and coordinator in the antiquity years of the 2000s, I did time on the front lines of many events as they happened. With these 2 powers combined, I have become a captain of planning and surviving events spanning multiple days without having anyone killed or even serious bodily injury; they always make it back in one, repairable piece with stories to tell.

THEM: Silly question, but even sillier not to ask: Have you ever been to SXSW before?

ME: I've been to at least one SXSW event for the past 8 years.  Of those 8, the last 5 I've had at least a music wristband.

THEM: So you're just a music guy, then?  You know they now have stuff going on the weekend before the music starts, right?

ME: It's actually my favorite weekend. I do Interactive, Film, and Music all for a combined total of 10 straight days. Yes, 10 days, which includes 6 business days from work on vacation. Surviving in a partypopuculypse for 10 days takes meticulous planning across many areas of life. Or the regenerative powers of a 13 year old.

THEM: OK, so let's put this altogether. You live in Austin, you're not a SXSW newbie, you have some crossover skills from your day jobs for this kinda thing and you are going to show me how to still be alive the day 11th day when SXSW ends. Does that sum it up?

ME: You couldn't have said it better if I wrote that for you myself!

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Sunday, January 12, 2014

SXSW 2014 Music Wristbands: Are they worth it?

SXSW Wristbands 2014
SXSW Music Wristbands go on sale January 16, 2014 at 10am!

http://wristband.sxsw.com/

It gets earlier and earlier every year.  At some point, I'm going to be buying my SXSW wristband for the next year as I walk out of the last show for the current year.  They should offer a lifetime pass option for locals so we don't have to go through the 1st day sale scramble, refreshing the wristband sale screen over and over in 4 different browsers, hoping your IE browser doesn't get it (I prefer Firefox!).

Wristbands will be on sale for $169, a $10 inflation from 2013.  Walkup price for the wristbands are said to be $225, purchasable at select venues by anyone (Austin resident or not) the week of SXSW Music.

Value of the Music Wristband
With such a high price tag, I often have people ask me if it's worth it.  A terrible question for me, because I'm ridiculously bias and drinking the SXSW kool-aid.  But in the spirit of trying to be objective, I will say the wristband is simply an investment in opportunity; it's what you do with that wristband that gives it value.  Be prepared to research and do some hustling in order to bring out the wristbands full value.

In the 5 years I have been purchasing SXSW wristbands, 4 of those years I have probably seen a return of $400-$500 in value (2013 I was sick for 2 of the music days and didn't go out!).  I base this value on the number of shows I saw and the caliber of artists.  Usually there is one $50 caliber artist I see each night, and about five (5) $10 shows through the evening/night, giving us $100/night. Multiply this by the 4 days SXSW Music traditionally occurs (Wed-Sat), and we have $400. Even better, since 2012, SXSW has started bringing solid caliber groups on Tuesdays, so that fluctuates the final value between $400-$500.  Yes, there are times when you'll not get into a spot with the $50 caliber artists, but there's also nights where you'll see $100 mega artists, so that washes out.

Value stated, you still have to put in work to have that value realized.  With wristbands, there's no guarantee you'll get into any venue, especially when high caliber artists are involved.  However, if you don't have a badge or wristband, then you have almost NO chance of getting in.  If you simply show up early, get in line, you'll usually see the shows you trying to see.

The Hustle Game
Nevertheless, there are many, many, many shows and events that are free (require no wristband or badge) or (and usually) just require an RSVP.  For folks on a budget, this can still lead to an amazing time at SXSW, but be warned, the level of effort it takes for you to see a show is an order of magnitude greater than those with wristbands/badges, who usually get priority access to these "Free w/RSVP" events.  Be prepared to show up atrociously early to shows and wait in line for equally atrocious amounts of time.  Meanwhile, your wristband/badges to walk up to your same show, and jump ahead of you through their own separate line. There's also a factor of convenience to account for.  With a wristband/badge, I can not only show up later to SXSW every day (more sleep, less stress rushing) and I can also hop to other venues, seeing a lineup of shows more tailored to my tastes, instead of just watching whatever is thrown at you while waiting at a venue for your main attraction.

SXSW Domination Team cuts
On a final note, I will give one piece of advice I learned from years past.  If you are going to buy a wristband or badge, you should partner up with other wristband/badge holders to experience SXSW. Locals can even buy a +1 wristband for a friend during early bird sales and that +1 does NOT have to live in Austin!

For those friends who heard all about SXSW and randomly show up in Austin for it, wanting to meet up and roll with you, check their necks and wrists.  If they don't have a badge or wristband and you do, you'll need to cut them from your SXSW Domination team.  Sure, you can meet up for lunch/dinner at the food truck lot on Colorado and 5th, but after you eat and exchange niceties, its time to split ways.

Those without wristbands/badges are going to put you in awkward situations when you are let right on in a venue while they are stuck outside for the next 3 hours moving only 10 feet in a 100 foot line.  Suggest some free venues for them to checkout (RedBull stages, Auditorium Shores) and remind them that next year they should totally buy a wristband so y'all can do more than just lunch next time.  I had to learn this lesson myself one year, after I missed out on Nas and a few other top notch artists because I had a group of friends with me, just arrived from outta town, with no SXSW bling on their necks or wrists.  Never again, I vowed... and so should you!


Whatever you do decide to buy (or not buy), do make sure you have friends in your same boat, riding along with you.  Experiences in life are best shared with others, even if it's just people-watching the crazies and aloof on 6th street while standing in line for a bratwurst!



1/13/2013 Addendum:
Badges vs. Wristbands
@wanderkeli made a good suggestion worth pointing out. Badges have priority over wristbands when waiting in longer lines.  This means, even with a wristband, you could be passed up in line by badgeholders if the venue has a line to get in.  Larger events expecting over capacity numbers may even have separate wristband vs. badgeholder lines. 95% of the time, you'll be fine with a wristband, able to get in just about any venue with a little waiting.  However, be wary of that 5%.  If a venue is at capacity and they aren't even letting all the badgeholders in, your odds of getting in with a wristband may be bleak, or at least require significant wait times.  This is where your "Hustle Game" comes in. Big name acts you want to see will require you to be early and in line to yield the best chance of entry; don't expect to be let in 5 minutes before the show starts to see Michael Jackson's resurrection show at a venue only holding 500 people. Be smart and plan ahead, whether you have a wristband or even badge (and especially if you have neither!). More to come on the planning in upcoming blog posts!