"Whether it's for the Texas barbecue or exposure to the influential American music industry, bands and music executives from across the globe say the South by Southwest Music Conference (SXSW) has become a can't-miss event." - Associated Press, March 15, 2004 SHOWCASE APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN Apply online for a showcase at <http://2005.sxsw.com/music/showcase/form/ >. The closing deadline for international applications is October 29. Tips: The earlier you apply for a showcase, the earlier SXSW will send out showcase invitations and the earlier you can initiate the visa application process in a timely and cost-effective way. Frequently asked questions are answered on the FAQ page at <http://2005.sxsw.com/music/showcase/faq/ >. ***** IMPORTANT POINTS FOR IMRO MEMBERS TO CONSIDER BEFORE APPLYING FOR A SHOWCASE AT SXSW ***** 1. Don't apply for a showcase unless you are FULLY committed to attending SXSW in 2005. 2. It is strongly recommended that if selected to perform at SXSW that you organise a series of gigs, business meetings, label showcases in the US in advance and after SXSW. It is not recommended that you travel just to simply perform one showcase at SXSW. You might consider New York and/or LA in your travel plans as suitable locations to target industry before or after SXSW. 3. Travelling to SXSW is an expensive exercise for any act. And particularly so if you are travelling as a group. Ensure that you will be in a position to have the necessary budget in place to cover all expenses (i.e. flights, accommodation, equipment hire, meals etc). In the past acts have applied for a showcase at SXSW only to realise further on down the road that they are not financially in a position to travel. Acts have pulled out at the last minute for this reason which can make things difficult for the SXSW showcase organisers. DON'T solely rely on grants to fund your trip as they can be difficult to source. 4. Contact the Arts Council to investigate if you qualify for their Mobility Grant Awards Scheme. Some IMRO members have successful sourced funds here which they have used to help offset travel costs. 5. Contact the American Embassy to discuss WORK VISA requirements as this is a necessary administrative requirement when performing in the US. Do this well in advance as previous experience has shown that VISA's can take some time to process. Some acts have had to cancel appearances at SXSW in the past because their VISA's did not come through on time. 6. Do your research. Is SXSW for you? Are you at a stage in your career development to make the most of the experience? International acts that have tended to do best from SXSW in the past are ones that have detailed promotional programmes in place well in advance to exploit their appearance at the festival. 7. SXSW is a fantastic opportunity to showcase to some of the biggest players in the international music industry but preparation is crucial to make the most of the experience. DELEGATE REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN Register online to attend SXSW 2005 at <http://www.sxsw.com > <http://www.sxsw.com >. The lowest price ($345) offered for SXSW Music registration is available now until October 1. Tip: If you are frequently asking questions about SXSW registration, visit <http://2005.sxsw.com/register_to_attend/faq/ >. SALES & SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Maximum impact with minimum investment is available to early bird customers looking for marketing opportunities at SXSW 2005. Learn more about your wide range of options at <http://2005.sxsw.com/market_at_sxsw/ > Tip: Indies, small businesses and unsigned artists are eligible for additional discounts. MUSIC REGISTRANTS TOOLBOX The MU Registrant Toolbox is your online portal to all things SXSW Music. Bookmark this page <http://2005.sxsw.com/music/toolbox/ > and discover everything you will need to optimize your experience at and before the 2005 event. Tip: Connect with other attendees using the Online Registrant Directory and the SXSW Forum. Plan your SXSWeek with printable maps and scheduling applications. View Quicktime Video clips of the event (as well as past events) in the Media Library. Get the details on internet access at the event, as well as various local Wi-Fi hotspots. HOTEL BOOKINGS ARE NOW OPEN Stay at The Hilton Hotel, SXSW Headquarters hotel across from the Austin Convention Centre and1 block from 6th Street. Tips: Reserving early offers you the widest choice of accommodations possible. Visit <http://2005.sxsw.com/register_to_attend/hotels/ > . TRANSATLANTIC TRAVEL Media Travel (formerly Music Travel Ltd) has seats available now from London Gatwick to Houston with a deluxe motor coach direct to your hotel for only £295 (plus £65 taxes and charges). Inexpensive add-ons from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester (£59), Dublin (£85), Paris, (£59), and Amsterdam (£65). See schedules at <http://www.mediatravel.com/home.html > Contact Guy Lindsay-Watson by email <guy@mediatravel.com> or phone 0044-020-7627-2112. EMAIL/MAIL NOTICES Sign up for occasional email updates on SXSW music deadlines, activities and other items of interest to friends of SXSW at <http://kudzu.sxsw.com/mailman/listinfo/musicgen > <http://kudzu.sxsw.com/mailman/listinfo/musicgen >. Sign up to The Daily Chord, a weekday digest of links to news stories from the worlds of music and technology. The Chord pays special attention to developments in the digital music field, tracking the interlocking business, legislative and legal concerns which are shaping the way music lovers will experience their passion in the future. Sign up for the list-serve at the Chord Page <http://2005.sxsw.com/music/daily_chord/ >. Join the SXSW postal mailing list to receive our informative brochures and news updates at <http://2005.sxsw.com/about/mailing_lists/ >.