SXSW

South by Southwest provides a showcase for independent music, film and technology from around the world. Around 2,000 musical acts play on over 90 stages over the course of the conference. SXSW Music occurs in conjunction with Music Gear Expo. SXSW Film brings together emerging talent and festival veterans. This year, comedian and filmmaker Doug Benson will  host the film awards. SXSW Interactive has become an incubator of cutting-edge technologies.

There are some fun events on the schedule, including a BBQ Crash Course March 9, where participants can learn about Texas BBQ and get messy while sampling. Workshops, panels and registration happen over the next couple of days, and the night of March 13 kicks off with a Music Fajita Mixer. There is a golf tournament March 14, the Austin Music Awards March 17, and a barbecue and softball tournament to end the conference. (Registration Costs: separately, the Interactive Badge costs $750, Film Badge costs $500 and the Music Badge costs $675; however, there is a Gold Badge option that covers both SXSW Film and SXSW Interactive that costs $950; or a Platinum Badge that gives acces to all three conferences for $1195) For updated information, visit the SXSW website.