Around 45,000 official registrants, and many more unofficial, descend on Austin every year for the 10-day music, film, and interactive conference South By Southwest. We asked locals for their unvarnished opinion on the annual population (and taco, and beer, and brand) explosion.
Lara
"Great opportunity to connect and meet new people! :)"
Reggie Ugwu / BuzzFeed
Steve
"Utter madness — but fun, crazy madness — the kind you look forward to (probably because you forgot) and are relieved and exhausted when it ends."
Reggie Ugwu / BuzzFeed
Ramon
"Under-appreciated."
"It's the world's greatest entertainment in our backyard for 10 days," he elaborates. "And if you're 15 or 16 walking around, it'll change your life."
Reggie Ugwu / BuzzFeed
Daly
"Tech needs moar diversity."
Reggie Ugwu / BuzzFeed