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Written by: Matthew McGuire
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SxSW Interactive is the first leg of the South by Southwest in Austin Texas. The interactive section takes place March 11-15. Over the 30 year history at SXSW, the festival has grown to provide guests music, film and technology-based events.

Computer programming enthusiasts, healthcare professionals, media producers, marketing socialites, hackers, models, and gamers will all unite in the first five days at SXSW 2016.

SX Health and MedTech Expo will be held on March 12-13 this year. SXSW reported that 5,000 attended the first expo in 2015. Interactive badge holders can access the two day event at the JW Marriott, on 110 East 2nd Street.

In addition, the Trade Show and SXSW Accelerator will be taking center stage during the first leg of SXSW. Connect with companies to find opportunities at The Job Market on March 12-13. The Job Market is an excellent way of residents in Austin, and in nearby areas to get a taste of the festival without being a badge holder. SXstyle is setup for Interactive badge holders.

SXstyle takes over March 11-13 at the Westin Hotel, on the 3rd Floor at 310 E 5th Street. This section of SXSW features:

  • Fashion Apps
  • Wearable Technologies
  • Virtual Components/Future of Retail
  • Innovation Design

The festival has organized events for this year in tracks on their main website. It is a smart way to display events that would fit similarly in a curriculum. SxSW Interactive provides ways to meet up with industry professionals, keynote speeches, and a variety of workshops. Watch Tim Ferriss give insight on how to be a good person in a hectic environment below on YouTube.

SXsports will take place in the heart of Austin, Texas. Most programming occurs at the Four Seasons Hotel with some Featured Sessions taking place at the Austin Convention Center.

The Gaming Expo section is technically March 17-19 in the Austin Convention Center. It is held after SxSW Interactive wraps, but those in the area can check this event out without a badge. This section of the festival includes: Geek Stage, Tournament Stage, Indie Corner, Tabletop Experience, Free Play PC Arena.

SXSW also hosts a Convergence Day on Tuesday, March 15. This day contains a large scope of events featuring sessions with badge holders from film, music and interactive. One downside to the festival, is how they spilt up guests to concentrate their time with events.

A perk on Convergence Day is having the opportunity to meet individuals from different industries, as well as the chance to learn aspects about different media industries.

How To Own SXSW

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Tim Ferriss: How to Rock SXSW in 4 Hours | SxSW Interactive 2015 | SXSW

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SXSW News

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