10 SXSW Austin tech events you can't miss this year

Written by Built In Staff
Published on Mar. 04, 2015

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Alfie Photography / Shutterstock.com
 
The start of SXSW is officially just 9 days away and the Austin tech community is already buzzing. The 22nd year of the festival promises to gather the best and brightest in tech for a week of sharing ideas we're sure to remember. SXSW also officially announced SX Go, their offical app that syncs with 1,000 beacons across town to deliver attendees an unprecedented amount of live updates regarding happenings. We already told you what Director Hugh Forrest is most excited about for the week, but now we’re highlighting the events that our local tech industry is afflilated with that are a can’t-miss. 
 
Get ready for March 13 and we hope to see you out there! 

1. IoT Labs at SXSW, March 12 at 10 a.m.

For the last two years at WebVisions shows, Claro Partners held an Internet of Things (IoT) Lab. This year, Claro is back with an IoT Lab at SXSW. In one day, teams of designers, developers, makers and strategists will explore the tons of opportunities around connected devices. Forget the internet-connected fridge – they're creating products and services that use the tech to provide something that people really need.

2. Capital Factory Startup Crawl, March 12 at 5 p.m.

Start off at the Capital Factory Startup Crawl Party before heading to over to dozens of startups. Last year more than 50 companies and 24,000+ registered crawlers participated. Grab a group of friends and take the shuttle from startup to startup for a free beverage, to drop off a resume, see office space or just kick back before SXSW starts on Friday. This is, no doubt, one of the best and biggest extravaganzas of the week.

3. ATC Gateway, March 12 at 6 p.m.

Join the Austin Tech Council as they kick off the week by showcasing Austin's executive clout, global appeal, and the collaborative and vibrancy of the Austin tech scene while showcasing ATC member companies. With more than 2,000 already registered for this event, space will be limited — so register now! 

4. SXSW A-List Pitch, March 13 at 2 p.m.

Capital Factory brings the A-List of Austin's early-stage startups ready for Series A funding in a series of five-minute pitches. Looking to join a company or for your next investment? This is for you.

5. Hardware House, March 13 at 6 p.m.

This year, Stage Two has teamed up with Gigaom and WeWork to bring you another great SXSW hardware happening. You'll see the latest and greatest tech demos, hear the stories behind creating CE hardware and gadgets, meet creators from Kickstarter and beyond, eat delicious Tex Mex, drink beer, and rock out to some live music. 

6. Umbelmania SXSW, March 13 at 8 p.m.

Dancing and technology collide at Umbel’s annual party and concert the Moody Theater, featuring Spoon, DJ Chicken George, signature drinks, fun giveaways and… luchadors? You won’t want to miss out! Umbelmania is open to the general public, with priority going to SXSW Interactive badge holders.

7. TechBreakfast Spectacular 2015, March 14 at 9 a.m.

Come and discover and experience TechBreakfast, a national phenomena where the latest technology is shared in a "show and tell" fashion. No powerpoint. No presentations that drone on. 25 demos of the coolest tech happening throughout the world with some tasty local breakfast from Crave. 

8. Happy Hour: Innovation for America, March 14 at 5 p.m.

Innovation for America is an open bar happy hour celebrating accomplishments and stories of leaders in innovation, civic tech, and social good. Share drinks with a national cohort of supporters from technology companies and organizations who change this world for the better every day. FWD.us is mobilizing the tech community in support of policies and reform. 

9. Tech Cocktail’s Startup Celebration at SXSWi 2015, March 15 at 7 p.m.

Join Tech Cocktail as they showcase ~20 of the hottest startups across the world while enjoying a night of great conversation, giveaways, and of course cocktails.  Past showcased startups at our events have gotten great feedback, been funded on the spot, met new employees, investors, and some have even be acquired. 

10. Austin Open Coffee Club: SXSW Edition, March 17 at 9 a.m.

What's better than coffee and a good conversation with dozens of innovators? Join for a morning of socialization and have some breakfast tacos (Tacodeli), and espresso (Houndstooth), all under one roof at Austin's entrepeneurial center of gravity, Capital Factory. 

Have an amazing SXSW everyone and make sure to check out all the other tech events happening around town and add your event to our events calendar if we missed it. 

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