Day 2 in Austin makes me forget Germany for good. Not only does the day's program promise many interesting insights and encounters, but the weather also cooperates: 32 degrees Celsius and sunshine. A welcome change in March. Today's plan is to go with the flow. I quickly discovered how easy that is at SXSW, and what pitfalls this undertaking also harbors.
My day in the city starts at the German Haus, which has rented space in the Barracuda bar. Just like last year, I learn. This is where the German tech scene will be meeting over the next few days. The program ranges from exhibitions and lectures to concerts and group parties. The outlook is rosy, then. At 9:30 a.m., preparations are still in full swing. Inside the bar, there's a lot of activity, while outside the door, "GERMAN HAUS" is being sprayed in large white letters on the building's facade. DIY at its best. This image permeates the entire city center. This time, for the first time, there will be an "Africa House," with Peru also represented. So there's a lot to see. When we want to take a first look inside the German Haus, we are immediately approached by a member of staff: "Are you German?" What a question. We arrive at the venue 2.5 hours before the official opening; of course, we are German. So as not to disrupt the preparations any further, we continue on through the city.
Patience is a virtue — and sometimes misplaced
I quickly realize that you can't spend too long deciding where to go. The walking routes can be long, and if you hesitate too long, you risk not arriving at the venue on time. Moreover, some events are so popular that you risk not being allowed in if you leave too much time. On my little tour through the city center, I end up at the Marriott Hotel, among other places, where various workshops and lectures are being held, but after a short while I set off again, only to stumble upon the open-air area of Mercedes as part of the "me Convention." It looks like a big playground for adults: I have to go! A stage has been set up in a drained swimming pool, a Swedish band is playing, followed by lectures. A very relaxed and cool atmosphere, just like the whole of SXSW.
Welcome to the German Haus
At 12 noon, the time has come: The German House opens its doors, and many, including non-Germans, have answered the call and spread out in the Barracuda Bar. Conveniently—and fittingly for a German House—it has a beer garden in the backyard, where you can relax on benches and lounge chairs and/or meet for a chat. Just like inside, there's a stage here, which will be used for the coming days.
Whoever arrives late…
After just under two hours, I head to the convention center. Today's interactive keynote is scheduled: Journalists Ta-Nehisi Coates and Jeffrey Goldberg, both from the US magazine "The Atlantic," will speak on the topic of "Journalism in the Age of Trump." Sounds incredibly exciting. Which makes it all the more frustrating that the event hall is massively overcrowded and I'm turned away right before I reach my destination. My 16-year-old village disco self feels the salt in the wounds of my youth that I thought had long since healed. Oh well, there are still alternatives. But even a lecture on "How AI is Transforming the Film and Television Industry" isn't something I'm granted.
I subsequently decide against attending the lectures and, on a recommendation, head to the Mashable House. Here, too, I have to wait in line, of course. But at least I'm in after about a 25-minute wait. Stepping through the threshold of the Mashable House is like the first step into paradise. Smiling faces everywhere you look. This is ensured by a VRcade area, a golden ball pit, a Hot Wheels contest, and last but not least: two bars. So there's truly something for everyone.
Plan: Planning
After sticking to my plan and letting myself go, I'm glad to now have a better overview of the city center and the venues. Nevertheless, my resolution for tomorrow is to plan more, arrive on time, and take more with me. The village disco youth has, after all, become the typical German who stands in front of the bar entrance 2.5 hours before doors open.
This was the first day at SXSW
Tech trends and horror scenarios: Day 3 at SXSW
“A conference to think outside the box” — The conclusion of SXSW 2018
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