Last week here in Austin, South By South West took place with a record number of attendees. At the festival, those in attendance were privy to mass numbers of artists, filmmakers, musicians and other celebrities. Most were unable to meet with these people on a face-to-face basis, unless of course you were, like me, an official SXSW volunteer. Stationed at the Austin Convention Center on Cesar Chavez, I was pleased to be volunteering in the coveted “Greenroom”; where all panelists, guest speakers, and celebrities alike came first to check in and relax before starting their event. Tasked with creating their placards, meeting, greeting and showing them to the refreshments and restrooms, I was able to meet a vast array of celebrities such as Sophia Bush, Fred Armasin and Guy Kawasaki just to name a few. Starstruck to say the least, it was one of the most interesting, stressful and rewarding experiences I’ve had to date. Starting on the first Friday of my Spring Break was a little frustrating; waking up for volunteering at 7 a.m. while the rest of my friends slept in from a night of partying. But in the end, it all paid off, as SXSW volunteers who devote at least 60+ hours recieve a coveted Music Badge! This badge grants you full access to all music events starting the following Tuesday, which just so happens to be the day your volunteering ends. Thos working less than 60+ hours can still recieve a Music Wristband, and those working 80+ hours (kudos to you) recieve Platinum Badges as compensation. Communication and networking skills are a definite must have for those interested in taking a position, and it was a welcome lesson in my intended field of Public Relations. If you’re interested in volunteering for next year’s SXSW festival, I’ve provided a link that you should most definitely check out!
SXSW Volunteer Page
