Less than two weeks from now, tens of thousands of people will descend upon Austin, Texas for the annual South by Southwest (SXSW) conference — and ModSquad will be among them! We can’t wait share ModSquad’s unique story with like-minded gaming, music, and technology enthusiasts, all while enjoying the quirkiness that is Austin.

While this is our debut year at SXSW, we at ModSquad have attended our fair share of conferences, so we’ve put together our very own guide for attendees. Whether you’re a local Austinite and SXSW veteran or an out-of-towner flying in for the first time, we’ve gathered tips we think are sure to help you make the most of your time at the event.

SXSW 2017 Panels You Won’t Want to Miss

If you’re reading this blog, you probably share some of our interests in things like digital media, community management and moderation, customer service, gaming, remote work, and technology. Here’s a list of the panels we’ll definitely be checking out and think you’ll want to, as well.

Networking Sucks. Build Communities People Love Friday, Mar. 10, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

“From local groups to national organizations to podcast communities, our panel of successful leaders will discuss how to create a community that people absolutely love.” Read more…

Trolls: To Feed or Not to Feed Saturday, Mar. 11, 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

“In this session, social media community managers come face-to-face with their page trolls. Hear some horror stories from the social media managers responsible for keeping a page clean, and hear what drove the blasting from some of the internet’s top trolls.” Read more…

How Do You Keep Your Company Human in 2030? Sunday, Mar. 12, 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

“In the foreseeable future, the unprecedented rate of technological progress in AI, digitalization, AR/VR, and automation will once again force us to reimagine the definition of meaningful work. Every aspect of companies, from their culture to how they connect with customers, is going to be challenged.” Read more…

Living Brands: Design With – Not For – Customers Sunday, Mar. 12, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

“To thrive, brands must atomize and create bespoke experiences that deliver against their promise. They must become Living Brands to forge relationships with users, with experiences that are available anytime, anywhere. But how can brands remain recognizable when the visible becomes invisible?” Read more…

The Social, Sharing, and Streaming Future of VR Friday, Mar. 17, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

“A common concern about virtual reality is how isolating it might be. … Join Adam Arrigo (TheWaveVR), Alex Schwartz (Owlchemy Labs), Bruce Wooden (AltspaceVR) and Tadhg Kelly (VREAL) as they discuss the social side of virtual reality.” Read more…

AR: Bringing the Magic Back to Gaming Friday, Mar. 17, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

“Jeri Ellsworth, co-founder of castAR, will discuss the state of AR in a post-Pokemon GO world, redefining social gaming in the digital age, lessons learned in hardware and software development, and why gaming is the perfect entry point for mass-market adoption of AR technology.” Read more…

(Re)Exploring Gaming for VR Saturday, Mar. 18, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

“In 2016, we saw many great examples of existing game genres being translated into VR, but as much as gaming needed to be redefined for success on mobile, we continue to face the same challenge with VR.” Read more…

 

5 Ways to Make the Most of the SXSW Experience

At ModSquad, we’re all about strategic planning and digital safety, so we’ve applied our knowledge to helping you stay safe at SXSW while making sure you leave satisfied.

1. Plan ahead. Check schedules ahead of time and decide which speakers, performances, and exhibits are most important to you. Set reminders for yourself that give you plenty of time to arrive at the right location.
   • Pro Tip: The free SXSW GO app is a great way to browse and keep track of everything happening. It’ll even send you personalized recommendations of other events you might enjoy.
2. Bring your business cards. You never know who you’ll meet at SXSW. Whether or not you’re there to network, we highly recommend carrying some business cards so you can trade and reconnect after the event.
3. Bring an empty bag! SXSW is all about the free swag. Especially if you’re flying in for the event, make sure to pack an empty bag or leave plenty of room in your suitcase for the free stuff you’re sure to collect.
   • Pro Tip: Follow@FreeShitGuide (they named it, not us…) to stay informed on which booth has the coolest swag.
4. Leave time to recharge and stay healthy. Drink plenty of water (ideally from a reusable water bottle), get a good night’s sleep, and carry hand sanitizer! Additionally, take time throughout the day to seek out some shade, sit, and relax.
   • Pro Tip: If you device needs a battery boost, just come by ModSquad’s booth (#523) and take advantage of our free charging stations.
5. Wear sunscreen. Don’t underestimate the power of the Texas sun. Bring some SPF 30 (or higher) and reapply whenever you’re venturing outdoors. A hat is also a great idea (and will keep you from squinting in all the selfies you’re bound to take).

Visit ModSquad at SXSW!

Okay, perhaps we’re a little biased, but we’re confident that if there’s one thing that can’t be missed at SXSW this year, it’s ModSquad’s booth (#523). Our meet-and-greet on Sunday (March 12) from 3-4 p.m. is the perfect way to kick off your SXSW experience, with great company and photo ops.

Will you be at SXSW this year? What events or speakers are you most looking forward to? Let us know in the comments!

P.S. Trust us on the sunscreen. 😉

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