Voices

Why Every Dallas Startup Should be at SXSW

Austin

SXSW (South by Southwest) is the one annual event that combines technology, music, film, startups and epic meetups right in the heart of emerging tech capital, Austin.

Over the last few years, Dallas has been getting attention on the national startup scene more than ever before — which makes attending SXSW an absolute must.

Over the last few years, Dallas has been getting attention on the national startup scene more than ever before.

Here’s what we think every entrepreneurial-minded attendee should have on his or her agenda during SXSW.

Startup Village

What it is: Since its inception in 2012, Startup Village has brought together entrepreneurs and startups for a confluence of panels, meetups, demos, lounges, activations, Startup Spotlights — the list goes on.

Why we love it: Entrepreneurs, startups, and investors are going to be at Startup Village — this provides a venue for collaboration, knowledge sharing and invaluable networking with like-minded folks. In Startup Village, you’ll find panel sessions covering topics such as startup funding, startup ecosystems, and entrepreneurial best practices. Last year, there were a couple of wild card attractions such as Startup Collegiate Sessions that featured startup-related panels and pitch events from some of the nations’ most forward-thinking schools. And, there were Global Connections sessions highlighting an array of global entrepreneurial ideas, trends and startup ecosystems. SXSW has yet to disappoint, so we can only imagine what’s new this year.

How to get in: Startup Village is open to all SXSW Interactive, Gold and Platinum badge holders.

Startup Accelerator

What it is: Startup Village is also the home of SXSW Accelerator, SXSW’s signature startup competition is in its eighth year and will happen Saturday, March 12 and Sunday, March 13.

Why we love it: We always love a good competition, and with this year’s finalists pitching ideas such as enterprise and smart data, wearable technologies, innovative world technologies, payment technologies, virtual reality and more — we strongly recommend anyone working on the brink of emerging tech to be among the first to see the most innovative product demonstrations by the most ambitious talents in the world.

How to get in: SXSW Accelerator is open to all Interactive, Gold, and Platinum registrants. Film badges are allowed entry to Rounds One and Two of the Entertainment and Content Technologies category, as well as the SXSW Accelerator Awards.

TripCase’s Keepin’ It Fly Party

What it is: TripCase is hosting a free night party for SXSW 2016, and they’re bringing Austin local Bob Schneider with them! The party will be a sweet ending to the SXSW Interactive weekend on Sunday with drinks and music at the Iron Cactus right at the intersection of 6th and Trinity.

Why we love it: Besides the obvious (Bob Schneider + Iron Cactus + free), we’re looking forward to meeting all the startups and guests that will be in attendance.

How to get in: RSVP and download the TripCase app for free entry. We’ll see you at the Iron Cactus Mexican Restaurant, Grill and Margarita Bar at 7 p.m. Sunday, March 13, at 606 Trinity St.in Austin.

R E A D   N E X T

D’Andrea Willis is a content marketing specialist for Sabre Corporation where her primary responsibilities include managing and contributing to the blog and social channels. Since joining Sabre in M(...)