6 strategies to take your startup to SXSWi without spending a fortune

You must have heard this a million times: if you have a tech startup South by Southwest Interactive is the place to be. And you must have used the same reply the same amount of times: it’s just too expensive.

But there are ways to visit the place where Twitter first became a public sensation without spending a fortune. Here are six strategies to take your startup to SXSWi without spending a fortune:

1. Attend events with free food: most events and talks in the festival include free food. And most of it is delicious! You don’t need a pass to get in most of these events, just register. Remember, schedule them so you can cover your three meals and snacks 😉 Also, take a refillable bottle with you they have free oasis in several spots. Check the schedule here.
2. Get a Guest Pass: according to austinot.com the easiest way to enjoy the festival free events is getting a SXSW Guest Pass. Pick it up in several locations and get in to free, officially sponsored events. Lean more about the guest pass here
3. Make the most of the shareable economy: Use sites like Airbnb to find houses and apartments you can rent with your team or with other entrepreneurs. For transportation get together with a bunch of other people and split costs for Uber, Lyft or Taxi rides. If you have trouble finding a car or want to experience the city in other ways, Austin B-Cycle offers bike rentals at affordable prices.
4. Walk the floor: SXSWi is a place to see and be seen. Walk the floor, visit booths and talk to people who can be interested in your startup. Print business cards (between 500 and a 1,000) and give them to potential partners, investors or customers. Have your pitch ready and develop a great gimmick to create clever giveaways in social media. The things you give away don’t need to be expensive, just fun and consistent with your brand and communication strategy.
5. Connect with people before getting there: go to Twitter and search #SXSWi. In the content listed under this hashtag you’ll find countless of free events and parties outside the convention floor. Make appointments and register in the meetups. Be a startup with a plan.
6. Download the SXSW app: the app allows you to make your schedule beforehand, create tags in your profile to get recommendations, and add reminders to your calendar directly from the event page. This helps you get organized and keep your scheduled on track.

See? There are ways to get around without going broke. Besides the learnings you get and the contacts and potential investors you’ll meet are priceless.

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