So, here are some of the most common types of people you\u2019ll meet at SXSW:<\/p>\n
The Overzealous SXSW-er<\/strong><\/h1>\n![\"The](\"http:\/\/www.mymilestone.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/sxsw-2.jpg\")
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\u201cWhy are you here? Do you have a product? What company do you represent? Can I have your card? Do you want to meet for coffee? Where are you staying? What are you going to see today?\u201d Aaaaaaand breath. This person is what we call the Overzealous. Most often found prowling the hallways of the Austin Convention Center during SXSW Interactive, this type of attendee has a GREAT new business plan to tell you all about. Did they mention they were looking for investors? Did they also mention that they\u2019re looking for new and interesting opportunities?<\/p>\n
How to spot them<\/strong>: Unfortunately, they\u2019ll usually spot you first. The sounds of feet shuffling quickly toward you and a business card being removed from an envelope will precede them.<\/p>\nHow to escape<\/strong>: Tell them you have a panel all the way at the other end of the center and have to jet. Then just run away\u2026 even if you have nowhere to go.<\/p>\nThe VIP SXSW-er<\/h1>\n
![\"Person](\"http:\/\/www.mymilestone.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/sxsw-3.jpg\")
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SXSW has a ton of events: panels, showcases, premiers and parties. The holy grail of SXSW Badges is the coveted Platinum Badge. This badge gets you into pretty much anything, and sometimes, you don\u2019t even have to wait in an event line with the other peasants. The VIP will keep their platinum badge extremely visible to everyone at all times.\u00a0It allows them to get into VIP events, and they are MORE THAN happy to tell everyone around them about it.<\/p>\n
How to spot them<\/strong>: Their platinum badge just happens to fly into your face as you pass them on the sidewalk, or they loudly exclaim upon encountering any line, \u201cEXCUSE ME, DO I NEED TO WAIT IN THIS LINE IF I HAVE A PLATINUM BADGE?\u201d<\/p>\nHow to escape<\/strong>: More than likely, you don\u2019t have a platinum badge, so you won\u2019t have to worry too much about the VIP hanging around. Although, if you do have one and you prefer to be low-key, mumble something under your breath about the great swag in the VIP lounge and they\u2019ll often retreat to go look.<\/p>\nThe Newsie SXSW-er<\/h1>\n
![\"Woman](\"http:\/\/www.mymilestone.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/sxsw-4.png\")
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There is usually a lot of press at SXSW\u2014representatives from outlets with big names like CNN to little bitty independent blogs will be there trying to get the latest scoop on the newest tech, the hottest band or the best new auteur. \u00a0So, you\u2019ll frequently see them hovering over an outlet, charging a phone, a tablet, a laptop or all three. More often than not, you get caught in the crossfire of a candid shot taken from an iPhone for a live Twitter update. Try not to blink\u2014they don\u2019t have to time to edit.<\/p>\n
How to spot them<\/strong>: The Newsie usually looks like a pack mule, toting their own personal newsroom with them wherever they go.<\/p>\nHow to escape<\/strong>: Normally the Newsie is too busy trying to blog and update all of their social media at once to stop and have a conversation with you.<\/p>\nThe Freshman SXSW-er<\/h1>\n
![\"Girl](\"http:\/\/www.mymilestone.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/sxsw-5.jpg\")
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It\u2019s their first time at SXSW and they\u2019ve always wanted to go and they are so excited to be there and can you tell them where to find 6th<\/sup> Street? These precious, baby birds are venturing out into SXSW for the first time and probably don\u2019t know anyone there. They wander self-consciously from event to event and try to make friends whenever possible.<\/p>\nHow to spot them<\/strong>: They are somewhat disheveled and exhausted looking. Usually because they didn\u2019t realize the full scope of the event and how crazy-busy they\u2019d be. They probably really need a drink of water.<\/p>\nHow to escape<\/strong>: Honestly, if you can help a Freshman out, then you should. Austinites\u00a0are known for our hospitality. So, just make sure they\u2019re well-hydrated and remind them to download the SXSW app.<\/a><\/p>\nThe Local SXSW-er<\/h1>\n
![\"Local,](\"http:\/\/www.mymilestone.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/sxsw-6.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
If you spot a local, see what they\u2019re up to. You can usually tell who they are because you\u2019re not sure if they\u2019re super rich or a hobo. This is a classic\u00a0Austin style. The Local will often weave effortlessly through crowds and high-five the door person at a venue. They just know exactly where to go at what time. Therefore, Locals are great because: 1) They can tell you best place to go; 2) They\u2019re Austinites, so they are awesome, and 3) They were once freshmen, too. So many of us weren\u2019t actually born in Austin, but we got here as soon as we could.<\/p>\n
How to spot them<\/strong>: No badges but tons of wristbands. Men are sporting epic beards and women are fashionably disheveled with a tattoo or two.<\/p>\nHow to escape<\/strong>: Don\u2019t do it! A Local is your friend. Instead, offer them beer, tell them that you dig the East Side and everything will work out just fine.<\/p>\nAt the end of the day, SXSW is a totally wonderful, overwhelming, magical, loud and sometimes ridiculous event! Have fun, be safe and don\u2019t litter\u2026 since we don\u2019t like that. #DontmesswithTexas<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nHow to escape<\/strong>: Tell them you have a panel all the way at the other end of the center and have to jet. Then just run away\u2026 even if you have nowhere to go.<\/p>\n SXSW has a ton of events: panels, showcases, premiers and parties. The holy grail of SXSW Badges is the coveted Platinum Badge. This badge gets you into pretty much anything, and sometimes, you don\u2019t even have to wait in an event line with the other peasants. The VIP will keep their platinum badge extremely visible to everyone at all times.\u00a0It allows them to get into VIP events, and they are MORE THAN happy to tell everyone around them about it.<\/p>\n How to spot them<\/strong>: Their platinum badge just happens to fly into your face as you pass them on the sidewalk, or they loudly exclaim upon encountering any line, \u201cEXCUSE ME, DO I NEED TO WAIT IN THIS LINE IF I HAVE A PLATINUM BADGE?\u201d<\/p>\n How to escape<\/strong>: More than likely, you don\u2019t have a platinum badge, so you won\u2019t have to worry too much about the VIP hanging around. Although, if you do have one and you prefer to be low-key, mumble something under your breath about the great swag in the VIP lounge and they\u2019ll often retreat to go look.<\/p>\n There is usually a lot of press at SXSW\u2014representatives from outlets with big names like CNN to little bitty independent blogs will be there trying to get the latest scoop on the newest tech, the hottest band or the best new auteur. \u00a0So, you\u2019ll frequently see them hovering over an outlet, charging a phone, a tablet, a laptop or all three. More often than not, you get caught in the crossfire of a candid shot taken from an iPhone for a live Twitter update. Try not to blink\u2014they don\u2019t have to time to edit.<\/p>\n How to spot them<\/strong>: The Newsie usually looks like a pack mule, toting their own personal newsroom with them wherever they go.<\/p>\n How to escape<\/strong>: Normally the Newsie is too busy trying to blog and update all of their social media at once to stop and have a conversation with you.<\/p>\n It\u2019s their first time at SXSW and they\u2019ve always wanted to go and they are so excited to be there and can you tell them where to find 6th<\/sup> Street? These precious, baby birds are venturing out into SXSW for the first time and probably don\u2019t know anyone there. They wander self-consciously from event to event and try to make friends whenever possible.<\/p>\n How to spot them<\/strong>: They are somewhat disheveled and exhausted looking. Usually because they didn\u2019t realize the full scope of the event and how crazy-busy they\u2019d be. They probably really need a drink of water.<\/p>\n How to escape<\/strong>: Honestly, if you can help a Freshman out, then you should. Austinites\u00a0are known for our hospitality. So, just make sure they\u2019re well-hydrated and remind them to download the SXSW app.<\/a><\/p>\n If you spot a local, see what they\u2019re up to. You can usually tell who they are because you\u2019re not sure if they\u2019re super rich or a hobo. This is a classic\u00a0Austin style. The Local will often weave effortlessly through crowds and high-five the door person at a venue. They just know exactly where to go at what time. Therefore, Locals are great because: 1) They can tell you best place to go; 2) They\u2019re Austinites, so they are awesome, and 3) They were once freshmen, too. So many of us weren\u2019t actually born in Austin, but we got here as soon as we could.<\/p>\n How to spot them<\/strong>: No badges but tons of wristbands. Men are sporting epic beards and women are fashionably disheveled with a tattoo or two.<\/p>\n How to escape<\/strong>: Don\u2019t do it! A Local is your friend. Instead, offer them beer, tell them that you dig the East Side and everything will work out just fine.<\/p>\n At the end of the day, SXSW is a totally wonderful, overwhelming, magical, loud and sometimes ridiculous event! Have fun, be safe and don\u2019t litter\u2026 since we don\u2019t like that. #DontmesswithTexas<\/p>\nThe VIP SXSW-er<\/h1>\n
<\/p>\nThe Newsie SXSW-er<\/h1>\n
<\/p>\nThe Freshman SXSW-er<\/h1>\n
<\/p>\nThe Local SXSW-er<\/h1>\n
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