In one week from today, I’ll be heading west to Austin for the first time, for my first experience of SXSW. Thanks to a few veterans around the office here at Engauge I’ve been briefed on the do’s and don’ts, told the go-to spots, and registered for far too many after hours get-togethers.

In addition to their tips, I’ve put together a few of my goals for the week:

1. Be outgoing. I don’t have a problem in the slightest chatting with people I know well. Throw me in a room of strangers and I’m back in kindergarten again. I’m determined to fight this next week.

2. Keep business cards to myself. This might sound crazy, but with so many digital alternatives, the paper cards can stay in Atlanta. A few of my favorites, Contxts and Hashable.

3. Pack light. It’s no secret Texas is hot and humid in the Spring. This means Chacos, dresses and tanks. Considering I despise winter, this shouldn’t be too hard to do.

4. Blog daily. This will be tough, but I’m being sent to Austin to learn and share the knowledge, I’m making this daily homework for myself.

5. Plan accordingly. Or maybe lack there of, but with the help of a few tools, I’ll be hoping to keep my schedule locked in one place. A few of the tools I’m looking forward to checking out: Beluga, Sched.org, sitby.us and Planely.

So the countdown is underway. Let’s just go ahead and rename this grown up version of  spring break. Have a tip or suggestion for a SXSW newbie? Share in the comments.