Registration FAQ
1. I just found out I can't attend for a really good reason. Can I get a refund?
All of our materials, both printed and on the web, clearly state in multiple places that all purchases are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to future events- see our refund policy below. If you cannot attend the conference this year, you can transfer your registration to another person for SXSW 2012 only.
To transfer a registration, please log into the shopping cart used to originally purchase the registration. Click on 'Transaction History' on the right side of the screen. All registrations purchased using this shopping cart will appear. Click on 'SXSW Registration Transfers' at the bottom. You'll be prompted to log into the transfer application. Use the same username and password used for access to your shopping cart. Choose the registration to be transferred. Enter the new registrant's contact information. You'll have the opportunity to either cancel or transfer the original registrant's housing accommodations, should they have one. Enter payment information for the $125 transfer fee and hit submit. Both the former and new registrant will receive the new registrant's registration confirmation email, once it's been processed.
There is a $125 non refundable transfer fee.
2. What are SXSW refund policies?
PLEASE READ!
SXSW, Inc., at its sole discretion, may cancel or refuse registrations/applications/purchases from any individual or company at any time. By clicking on the 'Finish Transaction' button or authorizing payment to SXSW in any form payor agrees to the following SXSW, Inc. policies: 1) Payments are not refundable for any reason including, but not limited to, failure to use SXSW credentials due to illness, acts of God, travel-related problems, loss of employment and duplicate purchase. 2) Discounted prices are based on the date payment is received in the SXSW office. 3) Unused registrations/applications have no monetary value and cannot be credited to future years or events. Be aware no refunds or credits are allowed due to failure to redeem a discounted coupon during the registration process. 4) Badges are issued to individuals and can be picked up and used only by the individual named. 5) A $125 processing fee will be assessed to change the name on a registration. 6) SXSW Registration Badges may not be used as a prize in any form of contest, game, or sweepstakes without written pre-approval from SXSW. 7) Conference registrations include a one-year subscription to SXSWorld Magazine valued at $20. 8) Please read our Terms of Use
3. What's the easiest way to register for the conference?
The quickest and easiest way is to register online and pay by credit card. You will also be able to book hotel accommodations through the Hotel Requestor after registering. If you must pay by check or PO, the form is available here. To pay by purchase order or wire transfer, you must be a publicly held international corporation, government agency, state agency, or educational institution. Due to long transaction times, SXSW will no longer be accepting wire transfer after March 1st. Your registration must be paid to take advantage of the discounted rates. You may also register onsite at the Austin Convention Center the week of SXSW.
4. When should I register?
You should register to attend SXSW as soon as you have made a definite decision to attend. Those participants who are able to make a commitment to attend at an early date will receive discounted registration fees and have the best chance of securing their preferred hotel accommodations. Please make sure that you have made the necessary agreements required to attend prior to purchasing a registration since registration fees are non-refundable. For the undecided, SXSW does offer walk-up registration at the Austin Convention Center during the event.
5. How will I know that my registration form and payment were received?
If you've registered online, you can expect a confirmation email within twenty-four hours. If you mail in your registration and payment, please allow for appropriate mailing time. The confirmation is sent by email to the address provided on the registration form and will show that we have received your payment and will include a receipt. During the registration process, you will have the opportunity to enter a cc email, in case your confirmation needs to be sent to your travel coordinator, supervisor, assistant, colleagues, or travel companions.
6. How do I register a group for SXSW?
To register a group for SXSW, you'll need to use the appropriate registration process followed in FAQ #3. You'll need to fill out each individual's registration, providing their contact information. If purchasing online, fill out each individual's registration and click the Continue Shopping button provided on the checkout page. Depending on the number registering as well as your credit card transaction limits, it might be best to register and pay for a portion of your group at a time.
7. I'm a Trade Show Exhibitor. How do I buy additional registrations?
There are special registration procedures and rates for Trade Show Exhibitors. You should email your questions to a SXSW sales representative and someone will be in touch.
8. I would like to register someone to attend now, but I don't know who will be attending as yet. What do I do?
To register for SXSW today and to reserve housing accommodations and discounted registration rates, assign the registration to a fake name-Jane Doe1, Jane Doe2, Jane Doe3, or Happy Dude1, Happy Dude2, Happy Dude3. Be aware that if you use a fake name to register and for housing accommodations, you will need to transfer that registration and replace the fake name with the individual who will be using it. A $125 processing fee will be assessed to change the name on a registration.
9. When is the last day that I can register to have my contact information listed in any of the SXSW Registrant Directories?
The last day to be included in any of the SXSW directories is February 10, 2012.
10. When should I arrive in Austin?
Check out the SXSW Schedule to see when activities kick off. Many registrants arrive the first day of registration (Thursday, March 8, 2012 for Film & Interactive or Tuesday, March 13, 2012 for Music). Interactive panels and Film Festival screenings begin Friday, March 9, 2012. Music Fest showcases begin on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 panels begin on Wednesday, March 14, 2012. Some attendees arrive earlier to enjoy Austin during the springtime.
11. Where do I pick up my badge?
You can pick up your badge at the Austin Convention Center in Exhibit Hall 1.
12. What time does SXSW registration open, so I can pick up my badge?
SXSW Platinum, Film, Interactive, and Gold registration is open:
Thursday, March 8th | 11am-9pm
Friday, March | 9th 9am-9pm
Saturday, March 10th | 9am-6pm
Sunday, March 11th | 9am-6pm
Monday, March 12th | 9am-6pm
Tuesday, March 13th | 9am-9pm
Monday, March 12th | 9 am- 6 pm
Tuesday, March 13th | 9 am-9 pm
Wednesday, March 14th | 9 am- Midnight
Thursday, March 15th | 9 am-10 pm
Friday, March 16th | 10 am-7 pm
Saturday, March 17th | 11 am-4 pm
13. What will I have to do to pick up my SXSW badge?
To receive your SXSW 2012 badge, you will be asked to wait, fill out a short form, and if you're over the age of 15, present a government issued ID. Feel free to ask any volunteers or visit a Connection Center should you need assistance. While in line, keep an eye out for signage to ensure you're in the correct line and guide you on your way to the registration area.
14. So now I'm registered, how can I find out who is speaking and performing at the event?
We will make scheduling information available closer to SXSW. Keep checking the official SXSW website for the latest information regarding scheduled events. It's the best source of information for all your planning needs. You may also access a scheduling app via SXsocial.
15. I just found out that I can only stay for part of SXSW. Can I transfer my issued badge?
No, once a badge has been issued to you, we cannot reissue the badge to a different person.
16. When will I receive my copy of the SXSW Registrant’s Directory?
After registering you will gain access to a searchable directory via SXsocial. You will pick up a printed directory at SXSW, along with your registrant bag.
17. How can I obtain a copy of my receipt?
You can obtain your SXSW 2012 receipt by logging into the Shopping Cart used to purchase your registration. Click on Transaction History for access to printable receipts. If you need a receipt from a previous SXSW, please email reg@sxsw.com.
18. I haven’t received SXsocial login details- what should I do?
If you haven't received your SXsocial log in, please email sxsocial@sxsw.com .
19. I don't seem to be receiving emails from SXSW. What's the problem?
Some spam filters and gray list may filter out automated communications. Please add the following email addresses to your spam filter's list of approved senders: reg@sxsw.com, webmaster@sxsw.com, housing@sxsw.com, sxsw@sxsw.com.
20. What’s the SXSW BBQ/Softball game all about?
The 26th annual South By Southwest Barbecue and Softball tournament is the traditional closing social event of SXSW. Games run from 12:30-5:30 Sunday March 18th at Monroe "Lefty" Kreig softball complex, about ten minutes from downtown. The BBQ and Softball game is included in the cost of your Platinum or Music registration. Registrants can sign up to play in the SXSW Softball Tournament on Thursday or Friday at the Austin Convention Center. You can also just show up with your badge on Sunday for free beer and BBQ. You can find full information on the event here.
21. What’s the SXSW and Dishola BBQ Crash Course all about?
The SXSW and Dishola BBQ Crash Course is the kick off to SXSWeek. Tickets to this event are sold out and no longer available. Other events for Music and Platinum registrants can be found below.
22. I’ve already purchased my registration, but would like to upgrade my badge type. What do I need to do?
To upgrade your badge type, please contact SXSW registration at 512.467.7979. We will need your credit card information (credit card number, expiration date, and CVV number) to charge the upgrade. Please DO NOT upgrade yourself by purchasing additional registrations for yourself via the SXSW shopping cart.
23. What's the Tuesday Music Mixer and Fajitas all about?
Get a jump start on networking at the Music Mixer with Fajitas at The Palm Door on Waller Creek on Tuesday, March 13th, 2012.
After a short two block walk from the Austin Convention Center, enjoy a savory fajita buffet and a couple complimentary beverages while you plan for the conference and festival ahead. Advance registration and payment is required. The cost is $50 per person and only SXSW registrants (and Trade Show stand workers) can attend. Each registrant may purchase one additional guest ticket. You'll have the opportunity during the registration process to add this event to your registration. If you've already registered and would like to attend the Tuesday Music Mixer, please email reg@sxsw.com
24. What is the Wednesday Welcome Dinner at the Hilton all about?
To help ease your way into the SXSW madness, plan on attending this Southwestern-style buffet on Wednesday, March 14, 2012.
The Welcome Dinner offers you one of the first of many networking opportunities- so dress casually and enjoy the entertainment! The buffet and bar service (including two complimentary beverages) will begin at 6:30 PM at the Hilton Hotel.
Advance registration and payment is required. The cost is $90 per person and only SXSW registrants (and Trade Show workers) can attend. Each registrant may purchase one additional guest ticket. You can add the Welcome Dinner ticket during the registration process. If you've already registered, but would like to attend, please email reg@sxsw.com
25. What are SXSW's accommodations for the disabled?
You can find information on all of SXSW's accommodations for the disabled here
25. What is the SXSW Golf Tournament all about?The SXSW Golf Tournament takes place on Wednesday March 14th at the Riverside Golf Club. Under the direction of SXSW co-founder Louis Jay Meyers, the SXSW Golf Tournament has raised over $60,000 for various charities including the SIMS Foundation, AIDS Services of Austin, East Austin Optimist Club, Lone Star Musicians Foundation and others. The 2012 tournament is in its 22nd year and has had over 2000 golfers participate. The SXSW Golf Tournament is open to all musicians and music and media professionals. Click here to download the SXSW Golf Entry Form
Do you still have questions? E-mail reg@sxsw.com
