Whether you’re a Southby veteran or a nerd newbie, you’ll definitely want to know how to make the most of SXSW Interactive this year. And while we’ve had some preliminary posts on our own advice, it’s always good to ask some people who could probably write an entire book on it. In the panel How to Rawk SXSW, Min Jung Kim, Ben Huh, Denise Jacobs, and Jeremy Keith talked about how to put yourself in prime position here in geek heaven.

Kim:
Most of the important stuff that happens at SXSW happen between the panels – Don’t be afraid to strike up random conversations with strangers. I know, Mom always told you that’s a bad thing. And maybe it is most of the time. But, that’s what we’re all here for, so keep your eyes and ears open for impromptu plans and get ready to meet some friends!

Jacobs:
Go talk to your geek crushes! – People you’ve been stalking on Twitter, celebrities you thought were unreachable, and panelists you’ve always thought of as “too cool for school” are now within reach! Say hello, tell them about your ideas, ask them why they haven’t been tweeting lately.
Go to panels that are completely off the wall for you. If you go to something that’s completely out of your realm of expertise, you may get an idea you’d never have gotten otherwise. If the panel sucks, feel free to leave…and don’t feel bad about it. It’s about trying new thingsYou can leave a panel – if you’re not feeling it, don’t feel bad about it. Be comfortable, don’t try to look cute- Jacobs

Huh:
Pace yourself – With so much going on, you WILL miss something lots of things. Don’t worry about it, and just keep on truckin’. Go with the flow and don’t worry. You’re here to have fun.