Your Official and Unofficial Guide to SXSW Interactive 2019

Strap on your VR goggles and your coziest walking shoes, SXSW is here and Austin is being transformed into a playground for all things awesome.

In this post, we'll do our best to show you the events we think are the most interesting. We know, it's totally subjective. But we want to shine a light on the events that matter most to Austin tech entrepreneurs -- with a dash of music, celebrity and free tacos and beer.

We also listed other useful SXSW guides at the bottom of this post.

There are far too many awesome events -- official and un-official -- to list here. So we're trying to keep it brief. If you think we're seriously mistaken on one of these or if you have a killer event that includes Austin founders and startups, hit me up at bwistrom@americaninno.com.

We've done our best to make it clear what you need a badge for and what's open to the public (often requiring an RSVP available through the link and often allowing people with badges in first). No badge? Get a Guest Pass, which gets you into some cool events. But, please, double-check your favorite events to ensure you'll have access. Things sell out. New events pop up. 

Let's dive in.

Friday, March 8

First, a Breakfast Taco

Why: Let's get it started off Austin-style. Friday is International Women's Day, and few tech startups have done more for women in a short time than Austin-based Bumble. They're offering free breakfast tacos from 7-9 a.m., and it's a great chance to see all of the other events in their lineup throughout the week. Plus, the breakfast option is available each day.

Say Hi to Hugh

Why: If you're new to SXSW -- or just need an update to get your barings and understand what's new and different -- head over to the official SXSW welcome with Hugh Forrest.

To Go Far, Go Together: Technology's New Imperative

Why: Priscilla Chan, co-founder and CEO of the Chang Zuckerberg Initiative, will chat with CNN's Poppy Harlow about how people and tech can work together to solve major world problems.

The Inclusive Innovation House

Why: From startup showcases to panel discussions and podcasting, you'll find a ton of opportunities. The house is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. It closes at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Austin CEO Diaries: So You've Been Acquired. Now What?

Why: If you don't already know these names, you probably should ... Jag Bath (Favor), Cotter Cunningham (RetailMeNot), Brian Sharples (Twyla) and Michelle Skupin (RetailMeNot) will share their stories of what it's like to have your company acquired and how to manage growth, hiring and everything else that comes along with a big exit.

SXSW Startup Crawl

Why: You want to get down with the Austin tech scene? This is your chance. You can pick a starting point and take shuttles (or walk or scooter) to a bunch of cool Austin startup offices and accelerators. You'll find tasty bits, free drinks, dancing, games and more along the way.

Saturday, March 9

FutureEverything: Poetry in Data

Why: Use that morning brain wave power to absorb a SXSW Art Program installation by Naho Matsuda. It transforms urban data here in the ATX into poetry in real-time.

Austinpreneur: Fearless Women in Action

Why: It's a live podcast with Jean Case (The Case Foundation), Mellie Price (SoftMatch) and Stephanie McMahon (WWE) where they'll discuss building powerful brands and using brands for the greater good.

Austinpreneur: The Texas Startup Manifesto

Why: If you weren't aware of the strong ties between the startup scenes in Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio, this is the session for you -- and it might help you find new places to hunt talent, capital and traction. Joshua Baer (Capital Factory), Alyce Alson (The DEC) and Lawson Gow (The Cannon) will fill you in.

The Daily Show with Trevor Noah

Why: Take a break from your focused sessions to see some funny stuff from a team that does funny very well.

SXSW Pitch: Augmented and Virtual Reality Technology

Why: You came here for tech startups? Yeah, well then, dive into the AR/VR pitch competition, which includes BehaviorMe, DigitalTwin Technology GmbHm, LinkDyn Robotics Inc., Obsess, and StoryUP. See all the SXSW Pitch finalists here.

Sweet Innovation

Why: Austin prime timers Brooklyn Decker and Andy Roddick and joining with Dell, Tiff's Treats and Judah & The Lion for a cookie bar, bar bar and music.

CHVRCHES, Jade Bird & Abraham Alexander

Why: You've been eating tech knowledge all day, so cut loose and shake a leg.

Sunday, March 10

SXSW Pitch: Blockchain Tech

Why: What better way to start a Sunday than watching founders pitch blockchain ideas to investors? Plus, you can help cheer along hometown startup Eggschain.

Austin Drone City: UAVs for Public Good

Why: Richard Davis (Austin Fire Dept), Deborah Giles (Intel), John M. Jones (TxDoT) and James Mason (APD) will discuss mass shootings, bombings and other horrific events and how emerging technologies help emergency responders manage big events and respond to tragedies.

Raising from Angel Investors: Ask Me Anything

Why: Raising money isn't easy, but knowing how to approach angel investors can get you that much closer to a deal. Learn the ins and outs with Kelsey August and Claire England of the Central Texas Angel Network and Craig Harris of Wild Basin Investments.

Featured Session: Michael Pollan and Tim Ferriss

Why: Having Michael Pollan and Tim Ferriss is already a big draw. Add a convo of psychedelics and their therapeutic uses, and you have a must see for anyone interested in the future of treating a variety of mental illnesses.

Startup Night SXSW 2019

Why: See startups pitch from a rooftop during the, and have a few drinks along the way. Then check out the finals in the evening.

Hell Yaaaas

Why: You've always wanted Questlove to DJ your party. Well, this might not be your party, but you can check out the musical genius along with Dan Deacon and Hesta Prynn at the Good Omens party. Looks like Questlove is holding down the midnight-1 a.m. time slot.

Monday, March 11

Dell Technologies: The Experience

Why: Hometown tech giant Dell has a lot going on at SXSW. Stop by their main hub to get a glimpse and find out what else you might want to check out. Often times, these hubs are less crowded in the morning -- but still packed with good info and bites.

Startup-Corporate Partnerships Key to Austin Innovation

Why: Austin loves its independence, but big tech is here. And it can be your friend. Learn about how scrappy startups and huge corporations can work hand-in-hand from a few folks who know those connections well: Sara Chapman (Dell), Karen Kilroy (Kilroy Blockchain), JD Weinstein (Oracle) and Sabrina Wojtewicz (Bunker Labs).

Diversity Advocates SXSW Meetup

Why: Hosted by the creators of last year's Mosaic Awards -- Janice Omadeke, Ruben Cantu and Naji H. Kelley -- this afternoon event brings together entrepreneurs from across the city and around the globe for networking, remarks and more honoring companies leading the way in diversity and inclusion.

Austin Technopreneurs Changing The World

Why: The title alone is a winner. But you'll want the details from Preston James (DivInc), Tiffany Taylor (Tiff's Treats), Mike McKim (Cuvee Coffee) and Erik Day (Dell Small Business.)

Interactive Keynote: Instagram Founders

Why: You wanted to see some tech celebs? How about Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger of Instagram chatting with TechCrunch's Josh Constine?

Food+City Startup Showcase

Why: Austin's Food+City hosts its fifth annual startup challenge. Watch pitches, enjoy some food and drink and watch some interesting pitches.

Stopping Counterfeits: Austin's YETI Example

Why: You know Yeti, and you've seen how much their idea was replicated. Get the inside scoop on how counterfeits damage businesses with Yeti's Jeni Zuercher and Joe Berghammer of Banner Witcoff.

Localeur's SXSW Birthday Bash

Why: Join globe-trotting, Austin-based startup Localeur for its bday party. Tunes by MICK & ulovei. Good times a plenty.

Tuesday, March 12

Accelerated Intro to Machine Learning

Why: We all kinda know what machine learning is. Maybe. Get it right in this high-speed session with Jay Boisseau (Dell EMC), Ganesh Padmanabhan (CognitiveScale), Elisa Sepulveda (Galvanize) and Lucas Wilson (Dell EMC).

Innovation Policy Day

Why: The Consumer Technology Association is hosting an innovation policy day with a killer lineup of experts from Google, IBM, Walmart and a few elected officials.

Free Head Shots

Why: You'd be amazed at how many people don't have a professional head shot -- you know, not the selfie kind. You can get one for free if you have a Guest Pass or badge. Just remember not to be wearing that Motley Crue shirt, unless that's your path.

Graduating from an Accelerator? What's Next?

Why: Join Mike Millard (MassChallenge), Claire Hansen (CTAN), Mokshika Sharma (Sigma Lion) and Lou Ellman (RoyaltyZone) for a conversation about how to manage your startup as you emerge from an accelerator.

ShipStation Lounge

Why: Drop in to learn about e-commerce innovations. It's open all afternoon, but take note that Sterling Smith (SandBox Commerce) speaks at 12:30 p.m. and Chris Stuenkel (Austin Bazaar) is on at 1:30 p.m. Plus, they'll have bites, pop up shops and tunes.

Culture COLLiDE

Why: A global street festival? Count us in. This is open most of the day, but you can drop by for happy hour from 5-7 p.m. or for the global street festival, which has "elevated street food" from around the globe from 8-10 p.m.

SXSW Interactive Bash

Why: Get your party on with Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, DJ Myles Hendrik and tons of friends and beverages.

Wednesday, March 13

Project Innovate Pitch Competition

Why: Dell is hosting a pitch competition for early-stage ideas. And the panel includes Dell's CTO.

Death to Roadways: Ending Traffic with Flying Cars

Why: What's SXSW without some flying car tech? Grounded. Don't be grounded. You can get the lowdown on our flying future with Aarti Shahani (NPR), Shivika Sahdev (McKinsey and Company), Jaiwon Shin (NASA) and Michael Thacker (Bell).

UT Austin's Best Undergrad Startups

Why: Let's see if McConaughey cheers for Longhorn startups like he does for the football and basketball teams. OK, we don't know if he's coming. But we'll have plenty to enjoy as student startups do 5 min. demos with local CEOs and investors.

Bruce Sterling

Why: Austin resident Bruce Sterling has conducted several memorable SXSW keynotes. Through his sci-fi writing, he brings our imaginations to life and makes us think about the future in ways we never have before.

Austin Goes AWAL

Why: Party time. Check out Saint PHNX, Omar Opollo, The Strumbellas, Ella Vos and R2HAB.

Thursday, March 14

Blockchain Beyond the Hype: The Ripple Effect

Why: SXSW has a killer blockchain track. One of the top sessions is with David Schwartz of Ripple and Sara Silverstein of Business Insider. They'll talk about blockchain's greater impact in the world.

American Inno: How to Uncover Emerging Ecosystems

Why: Yep, we're promoting our own panel, too. American Inno National Director of Product and Strategy Will Flanagan and Senior Editor Brent Wistrom will take a deep dive into how American Inno scaled itself from a single startup news site in Boston to a growing network of 12 cities.

Wyclef Jean

Why: Isn't it time we get our SXSW Music going? Get it going with music legend Wyclef Jean. He's on at 1 a.m., but earlier in the night you can catch Raquel, Moira Mack, Kofi Black and Jazzy Amra.

Friday, March 15

The Current Day Party - Andrew Bird

Why: It's Friday. You already called in sick for work. Let's party! Catch Andrew Bird, Cherry Glazerr and The Nude Party - for free.

Beastie Boys!!!!

Why: Perhaps the biggest name at SXSW this year -- Adam Horovitz and Michael Diamond. The Beastie Boys members will have a keynote chat with Amazon Music's Nathan Brackett. Need we say more?

Why VCs Have Joined the Block Party

Why: Big money in the blockchain. Join Jimmy Song (Blockchain Capital), Alyse Killen (StillMark), Gil Beyda (Comcast Ventures) and Rachel Wolfson (Forbes Media) for a chat about why VCs are stoked about new financing models.

SXSW Gaming Opening Party

Why: Enough with the music. Let's get to the games. The gaming portion kicks off with a bash involving the creators behind Blankos Block Party. All kinds of surprises await.

Saturday, March 16

Covfefe Talk: Social Media Ethics for 2019

Why: Social media has become a bit of a wasteland at times. But we can improve it by leading by example and knowing what's cool. Attorneys Lisa Borodkin and Hanna Shafran will explore new ethics rules and how they apply in real world situations.

SXSW Marketplace

Why: If you haven't hit it up yet, best get to it today.

The Politics of Marijuana: What's in Store for Texas

Why: Join Alexandra Samuels (Texas Tribune), Jose Menedez (Texas Senate), AJ Louderback (Jackson County Sheriff) and Heather Fazio (Texans for Responsible Marijuana Policy) in a discussion of what Texas is doing and might be doing when it comes to marijuana law reform

Sunday, March 17

Get Your Game On

Why: Did someone say "secret party game?" Yep. Go on secret missions and win big.

Get Your Green On

Why: It's St. Patrick's Day. And although SXSW is winding down, there's green beer to be consumed -- a long with a bunch of more culturally enriching opportunities.

Go into Hibernation

Why: If you've been crushing it for the past 12 days or so, it's probably time for a cleansing diet, naps and a non-digitized sunset. No events or advice here. Just a reminder to take a load off because Monday is coming.

Other Guides

We got a ton of help from reading other SXSW guides. You'll want to check them, too, since we only plucked a few here and there from these more in-depth and specialized lists. A big Thank You to everyone who shared or list or simply posted one we could find.