For first timers sxsw can be overwhelming. Hundreds and hundreds of panels, thousands of people, and the opportunity to learn, network and be introduced to exciting new ideas from leaders in the tech community.

Hugh Forrest SXSW interactive director outlined some of the keynotes this year and acknowledged the diverse options represented by having speakers such as Juliange Assange and Edward Snowden as keynotes this year.

Hugh Spent most of the time outlining ways to make your time at SXSW most valuable to you.

Hugh Outlined 3 Tips To Maximize Your Experience:

1) Have A Plan – Use The tools available to you, but know your plan isn’t rigid. Allow serendipity to happen.

2 ) Explore sessions outside of your expertise – Makes event more meaningful SXSW is about exploration of new ideas and pushing yourself.

3 ) Network – Be friendly say hello to as many people as possible – connect with as many people as possible.

Outlining some of the growing areas of SXSW such as Startup village, the gaming expo and SXSW create, a growing area represented by the Hacker/maker/diy culture represented at SXSW.

Acknowledging that SXSW is bigger then just interactive Hugh pointed out the importance of meeting people outside your field. Tuesday, convergence day of music, interactive, and film is great way to make connections outside of your area.

Last January Sxtxstate was fortunate to interview Hugh as part of our story SXSWileaks: How To Survive SXSW.