SXSW: "Why So Serious, It's Just Another Music Fest"

So you want to know what the hype is all about, maybe you know and you're still trying to decide if it is worth the trip, or let's say you made up your mind about attending, yet you know little to nothing about the event itself. Well, no matter what your knowledge level is, The Lab3L has you covered. 

For starters, South By South-West is not just another music festival. It is a HUGE deal mainly because it is the largest festival of its kind, in THE WORLD. This festival is not only one of the biggest music events, it has become a networking hub for over 30,000 new artists, start up companies, blogs, and innovators looking to expand their market. While there are tons of networking opportunities in music, SXSW also provides many networking opportunities for tech heads, film buffs and creative, innovative thinkers that are looking to mingle with like minded individuals. 

Having a successful run for 28 years, SXSW started off as a music festival people attended primarily for entertainment. It later expanded into film and once internet technology was popularized, it's interactive market became the main focus of the festival. This years running time for the festival is March 7 - 16th, with many inspirational, entertaining and memorable moments in store all starting at the Austin Convention Center in Texas. 

INTERACTIVE

SXSW interactive Festival brings you five days of showcases, presentations,  panels, hands on training, exclusive tech and gaming previews and much more. Everyday has a strenuous schedule of events whose soul purpose is to make for a fun, interact live learning events for individuals looking to take their start up business, creative ideas or digital innovations to the next level.

FILM

This edition of SXSW Film Conference and Festival should 'inspire and share visions that will galvanize the filmmakers and ideas of tomorrow. Including Screenings, trailers and several film conferences that will revolution alias the way filmmakers create film. Not enough? The Jimmy Hendrix film is said to be premiering at this event, so that means Andre 3000 maybe in attendance. 

MUSIC

As the worlds leading music and media conference this years attendees can start their day exploring panels, talks, trade show, the music gear expo and many other conference activies to expand their knowledge on the music industry. And as the night approaches, SXSW sponsors bring you over 2,200 artists over 100 stages showcasing their best music. These artists are hand picked so nothing mediocre is expected.

Take a look at a few of SXSW alumni, across several categories that have benefited from attending the event: John Mayer, Twitter, Four Square, Amy Winehouse, Katty Perry, Bon Iver, Foster The People, Skrillex, Artic Monkeys, M.I.A and Norah Jones.

So what are you waiting for? Badges are still on sale and start at $650 (Film), $795 (Music), $1295 (Interactive) all they way to $1695 for Film, Music and Interactive Film Festivals/Conferences. 

So what you can't afford to attend the festival this year. Doesn't mean you have to miss out on other ways of networking and partying. Making your way to Austin,Texas could potentially be one of the best decisions you made in your career or just the most fun.There are a surplus amount of free networking opportunities and parties that you can get into, just by RSVP'ing. So Start your search by looking at annual sponsored events from Taco Bell, The Fader, Spin Magazine, House of Vans, UMG, MTV, Spotify, Pandora and Red Bull to name a few. 

Chance the Rapper @ The Illmore

Interested, but just don't think you'll make it out this year? Start saving for next year and treat yourself or your business to something that has prove to be truly beneficial. 

Just so you won't miss out on anything, The Lab3L will be in the building keeping you up to date during the whole event. ;)