South By Southwest is an annual more than week long set of festivals and conferences focused on music, film, and technology. The event brings together professionals from the media world as well as super stars and interested fans.

Most people are timid around purchasing a ticket for SXSW, however this time the money is definitely worth the trip. Here’s why:

1. YOU GET TO VISIT AUSTIN

Austin, Texas (besides being my hometown) is home to some of the best music festivals, like Austin City Limits, and of course, SXSW. There are things like the Barton Springs Pool, the city’s natural swimming hole, Torchy’s which is one of the best places for a breakfast taco, Mount Bonnell to climb up for a wonderful view of the city, and more.

2. THE OBAMAS CAME

Come on, now! The Obamas? Both President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama graced the stages during the festival to speak on some important issues. President Obama discussed Apple, the FBI Issue, and using technology for civic duty as he kicked off the interactive portion at the ten-day festival last week.

Mrs. Obama will spoke this week about the Obama Administration’s initiative Let Girls Learn alongside Missy Elliot, Diane Warren, Sophia Bush, and Queen Latifah.

The Obamas are showing out during their last year in the White House, and we could not be happier.

3. SESSIONS, SCREENINGS, and SHOWS! OH MY!

Where else will have you the opportunity to be so close to film executives talking about the future of their own crafts? This year, Jeffrey Abrahamson is talking about the business of cinematic virtual reality. Every year, there are always hundreds of film screenings that debut at South by Southwest, and who knows, you could be seeing the next Academy Award winning documentary.

4. THE BOMB LINEUPS

The festival always comes correct during their music portion, which starts today. Throughout the festival, there will be performances by 2 Chainz, A$AP Ferg, Desiigner, DJ Khaled, Future, Mick Jenkins, Nas, and a host of many more.

With the abundant A&R executives and marketing specialists there, someone is bound to leave with a record deal, which takes us to our last reason.

5. NETWORKING

At South by Southwest, there are thousands of employers, consumers, artists, journalists, and more waiting to be impressed by the shows, speeches, and films that await them. This is your time to get in there with your smile, your resume, and your personality to create those life-long connections that may lead you to your dream job! There are tons of major brands and startups looking for the next big star at their companies and people who will help them get to where they need to be.

So, yes, go get your ticket for SXSW 2017. I promise you, it’s worth it.

 

(Photo by Steve Rogers Photography/Getty Images for SXSW)