4. Lines
Did I mention that there are lines? Lots and lots of lines. Well, in case I didn't get that across to you: there are lines everywhere and for everything. Standing is great for exercise, but it gets real old real quick. I recommend investing in those folding chairs that fit into a sling. They are easily portable and don't weigh too much. I recommend getting the best one you can afford. That is, the one with the most support and lightest construction. It's well worth every penny you spend. Earlier I wrote about standing in line to get a better space in line. This is known as SXXpress, pronounced south by express, not suckspress. See, heres the real deal. With all the waiting in line you do, you are NOT guaranteed to get into what youre waiting to see. With SXXpress, the organizers would set aside 20% of the theaters capacity to guarantee holders a spot. So, if you stood in line and got a SXXpress Pass for the movie you wanted to see (and, yes, you might wait in that line and still not get your passis the line issue getting through yet?) when you got to the theater you would get into the SXXpress pass line and would go in first. Generally this meant that you would end up waiting in line two or more hours. The first hour waiting to get your SXXpress Pass. The second hour waiting in line at the theater.
3. Base Camp
Have a base camp as close to the action as possible. Because of all of the walking and standing in line, you want to be as close as you can be to home. There are many options for getting around, but they all cost. If you're independently wealthy, no problem. If you're a working shlep, not so much. Hotel prices range from $93 a night (Americas Best Value Inn) to $699 a night (AT&T Conference Hotel). There are people who rent out their homes during SXSW. The prices vary greatly according to the brochure so this is probably only for high rollers.