There are so many exciting events and conferences that are held at the Austin Convention Center, some events even lasting more than 1-2 days. Uptown Suites is one of the top choice hotels near the Austin Convention Center. Just a short 7-mile drive down the road, Uptown Suites offers comfortable rooms each with an in-room kitchen, free wifi, and other great amenities. The best part, book a week-long stay at our property (even if you only plan to stay one or two nights), our rates oftentimes less than a one-night stay at any downtown Austin hotel!
We’ve created a “What To Expect” guide when traveling to Austin and the Austin Convention Center for any event or conference.
Public transportation is an easy and cost-effective way to get around downtown Austin. For just $7 a day you can get a day pass for the Capitol Metro. The quickest and easiest way to get to the Austin Convention Center from our downtown property is to hop on the MetroRail 550 from the Crestview Station and get off at the Downtown Station. From there the convention center is just a short 6-minute walk.
If you plan on driving and parking at the convention center, the two suggested parking garages are the 201 East 2nd Street garage and the 601 East 5th Street garage. Parking is from 6:30 AM – 9:30 PM, Sundays through Thursdays, and 6:30 AM – 2:00 AM, Fridays through Saturdays. Daily rates range from $5 (2-hour parking), $10 (8-hour parking), and $45 daily max.
One of the biggest conferences and festivals that comes to Austin each year is South X Southwest (SXSW). This 10-day event features topics like coding & development, design, food, and so many others, each experienced through interactive sessions, film, and music. Tickets range from $825-1,650 (prices increase as the event date approaches).
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay during the event, look no further than Uptown Suites. We offer comfortable, spacious rooms, each with in-room kitchens, free wifi and more. Our weekly rates are oftentimes less than a one or two-night stay in downtown Austin.
SXSW offers so much more than any other conference including keynote speakers, festivals, live performance, film screening, networking, and awards.
The keynotes and sessions during the conference portion of SXSW include speakers experienced in film, music, writing, app development, and more. Past keynotes have been given by Ta-Nehisi Coates, Melinda Gates, and Barry Jenkins (just to name a few).
The Interactive Festival provides the networking experiences for all the SXSW attendees. Attendees will have an opportunity to network through the variety of lounges & parties, meetups, and online experiences.
During the Film Festival portion of SXSW, attendees can enjoy film screenings and the SXSW film awards. Attendees will also have an opportunity to hear keynotes and alumni stories.
The SXSW Music Festival showcases independent and up-and-coming artists. Performances can be watched on the Radio Day Stage, International Day Stage, and the SXSW Outdoor Stage. Listeners can also hear SXSW performances on SXSWfm®.
Attendees can enjoy a few laughs at the Comedy Festival. Standup, improv, sketches, podcasts, and panels will be held all throughout SXSW 10-day event.
The Gaming Festival is an exciting part of the SXSW event. Game developers have a chance to show off their creations and attendees have a chance to play live with other attendees.
For more information about SXSW keynotes, performances, interactive experiences and more visit SXSW.com.