By Fresh Brewed Tech Staff
Planning to attend San Diego Startup Week (SDSW) but not sure how to navigate the more than 150 events, let alone parking downtown? No need to panic or have FOMO – the Fresh Brewed Tech team has you covered. We’ve put together some tips to help guide you through the week.
First of all, Startup Week has grown as much as the very ecosystem it represents – this year, the week-long event, May 28-June 3, will kick off at Republica Malta, Tijuana, where participants will learn about the binational focus on innovation and the entrepreneurial spirit on both sides of the border. This event also showcases how people and companies have made it big in Tijuana. We recommend taking the Blue Line Trolley to San Ysidro and then “cabbing” it. You can get the trolley app on iTunes or Google Play. And don’t forget your passport!
This year, SDSW will also host a majority of its activities at the San Diego Convention Center, with a North County Day on June 2 at Make in Carlsbad. There is also a “Bonus Day” on June 3 for First Mondays at Border X Brewing in Barrio Logan. Check out the schedule here. Some sessions have limited seats so it’s best to get your tickets early.
SDSW 2019 is May 28-June 3.
Below are some more tips to make the most of Startup Week.
1. Download the SDSW app and create a schedule
SDSW has a new app this year so be sure to search for “Whova” on either Android and Apple after you’ve purchased your tickets. Once in the app, search for “San Diego Startup Week.” The app allows attendees to browse all events, mark favorites, and create a personalized schedule for the week. The app also includes speaker bios, and a mini social network so you can connect with other attendees and share updates.
2. Consider a coworking space downtown for the week
If you’re going to be downtown all week, it may be a good idea to work out of one of the many coworking spaces available – DeskHub, WeWork, DowntownWorks, and Union.
3. Consider alternative transportation
Parking can be difficult downtown, so consider taking a cab, an Uber/Lyft, the bus, trolley, or bicycle. The MTS Green trolley line drops off at the Convention Center station right in front of the building. It also connects to Santa Fe Depot, where you can catch the NCTD COASTER or Amtrak. MTS routes 2, 7, 30, 50, 110, 120, 901, 215, 235, 280, 290, 923, and 992 have stops downtown within a few minutes’ walking distance of the convention center – Google it. By using the Whova conference app you can also find carpool buddies to help save on parking.
Download The Free Ride app (aka FRD, pronounced Fred).
Dockless Bike & Scooter Share – there are many options. And your first ride (within 30 minutes) is free with most companies.
LimeBike – pedal bikes, electric assist bikes, electric scooters
Ofo – pedal bikes
Mobike – pedal bikes
Bird – electric scooters
4. Parking
If you do drive downtown, keep in mind there is no free parking for SDSW this year. Find a list of closest parking lots here.
5. Get Social: Below is a list of “in-the-know” social channels for SDSW
- SD Startup Slack
- FB Tech Scene
- FB SD Lean Startup
- FB Startup San Diego
- San Diego Tech Hub Slack
- Popular SD hashtags: #sdsw19 #sdtechos #startupsd #sdlifechanging
6. Speaking of being social… Don’t forget about some of the special events during SDSW, including the Keynote Reception & Opening Party, three-day Startup Fair, Downtown Startup Uncrawl, Uncrawl After-Party, and Startup Showcase.
7. Stay comfortable San Diego
As with any week-long event, wear comfortable shoes and bring your own water bottle to refill at complimentary water stations.
8. Grub
The Convention Center has onsite food vendors to help fuel you in between sessions. You can also check out this list of healthy dining options close to the Convention Center.
And, if you love tacos as much as we do, below is a list of recommended nearby taco shops.
9. Connections
Don’t forget to bring old fashioned business cards. You’re going to meet many incredible people and you’ll want to be sure to stay connected. By using the SDSW app you can also make connections ahead of time to meet with other attendees. There will also be a networking wall where you can list what you are looking for in help or for a connection and others can write to connect with you.
