1. Be prepared
It is not big, it’s gigantic. Invest a couple of hours in advance of the #SXSW to navigate through the app and prepare an agenda.
2. Love the lines
Try to get some SXX press tickets to avoid spending hours in waiting lines.You might get one. If not: stay optimistic. You’ll have many interesting chats with new people.
3. Leave the “ballroom bubble”
Join the superstars on stage but don’t forget the smaller sessions and venues aside – they are very inspiring. Enjoy!
4. Less is more – unless it’s coffee
You are too ambitious. You are not able to follow your initial plan. Don’t be disappointed and go with the flow.
5. Relax
Enjoy Austin and the many opportunities to learn new things.

Andrea Steverding is head of Marketing & Communications at Oliver Wyman in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.