SxSe 2011 The Biggest Tweetup in South Florida - Florida Keys

SxSe 2011 Wrap-Up

2011-08-01T15:09:00.003-04:00

Just like in 2008, we left our mark at Rum Runners in Holiday Isle. But this year, we forgot to sign the giant panties! Photo by @vicequeenmaria.

SxSe took place in Key West this year and was as good as an unconference as an unconference can get!

Some folks went down to the southernmost island in their own wheels but the majority cruised to Key West in three Chevy cars provided by GM Southeast, making the 180 mile trip a breeze. (Read more about the carpool here.)

As with SxSe in previous years, new friendships were forged and old ones strengthened -- all originating through Twitter. Unfortunately, many from the original SxSe crew were unable to attend, but they were there in spirit. New this year was the loosely organized but very active "Miami Rat Pack" social group.

Some really good shop talk about social media was served up, but in the most casual and informal way -- at the bar, by the pool or over dinner. James from @soulofmiami called it a "social media retreat" and that's really what it felt like.

Some of the gang during a performance break at The Green Parrot. Left to right: @alexdc, @szeliu, @gopalo, @janiec, @johnnybond86 and @vicequeenmaria.

Miami's Afro-Cuban Funk band PALO! played for us once again -- we enjoyed them in 2008. This year, they had a gig at the Green Parrot Bar, which was packed with revelers both nights. Key West locals know good music when they hear it -- to paraphrase owner John Vagnoni -- and the proof was in all the booty shaking going on at this legendary watering hole!

Our main tweetup took place at the pirate-y Rum Barrel where we enjoyed happy hour on the rooftop terrace.

But folks did whatever they wanted together or apart, before and after. Key West is perfect for that kind of laid-back, no obligation, no bullshit kind of fun, which for some of us included drinks at the Rum Bar served up by local rum legend Bahama Bob, sunsets at Mallory Square, a visit to the clothing-optional Garden of Eden bar, a drag show at Aqua, chocolate orgasms at Better than Sex and a gourmet meal at Café Solé.

SxSe headquarters at the beautiful Eden House was perfectly located, not too close or too far from Duval Street.

Serious social media discussion, SxSe style. Photo by @vicequeenmaria.

We even had some hashtag squatters talking about #sxse but not actually showing up to meet anyone who was "officially" attending. You know an event is good when complete strangers decide to have a satellite party of their own!

But enough of the boring summary! Let the pictures do the talking.

More great photos over at Soul of Miami.

To keep up with SxSe, follow us on Twitter or on our Facebook page for announcements.

A BIG THANK YOU

SxSe is a non-commercial effort. We do, however, accept discounts and donations of goods and services. Hospitality is always welcome, too!

Thanks to the following folks for their support in the planning stages and during the event.

Eden House
GM Southeast
The Green Parrot
Island Dogs Bar
PALO!
Porky's Bayside BBQ
The Rum Barrel
Rum Runners at Holiday Isle
Soul of Miami

Getting to Key West Was Just As Fun

2011-07-25T23:59:00.032-04:00

Three Chevy teams, plus others who traveled in their own cars, came together for the main tweetup at The Rum Barrel. Photo by @vicequeenmaria,

Key West is 180 miles from Miami and what with gas prices this year, plus some folks not too keen on being behind the wheel for a long drive, it was a good thing when GM Southeast stepped in to help out with transportation. (Read a wrap-up of the full SxSe event here.)

Those interested in car pooling were asked to leave a comment on the blog, although most people just contacted organizer @vicequeenmaria directly. SxSe ended up with three carpool teams and each one got a Chevy with a full tank of gas.

The Chevy Gazelles (so named because two of them are over 40 and were once pounced upon like innocent prey by a 24-year old guy at a bar), took a Chevy Equinox down to Key West with the XM Radio tuned to the 80's station the whole time. @Vicequeenmaria chauffeured @janiec and @szeliu.

A little rain in Florida City didn't stop @szeliu from tweeting. Photo by @janiec.

The B-Stings, led by @hrb2008 and her hubbie, packed a Chevy Traverse with four road trippin' friends. They even made their own tshirts! The B-Stings were @hrb2008, @tashanicole516, @jbreun01, @kram_ber, @cradi and @valerieradi.

Four of The B-Stings pictured here. Photo by @hrb2008.

@Soulofmiami drove @thepumagirl and @antjphotog in a Chevy Equinox dubbed the Soulmobile.

The Soulmobile leaving the 7 Mile Bridge. Photo by @soulofmiami.

Once we were in Key West, we didn't really need to use our cars, but having a sweet, comfortable ride on the way there and back was a real treat. The Florida Keys isn't just a place; it's a state of mind. There's no need to rush to Key West. Some people find that three-hour drive tedious, but it's not if you do it SxSe style.

There's no need to rush back to Miami either. The B-Stings had to leave late Saturday, but The Chevy Gazelles and The Soulmobile squeezed as much as they could out of Sunday, spending hours getting back to Miami. The two teams stopped at Porky's BBQ for lunch and Holiday Isle for refreshment.

We all pretty much drove round-trip with one tank of gas!

BEST TWEETS

During the weekend, GM Southeast was keeping an eye on tweets tagged #chevysxse to see who was posting car-related adventures.

@soulofmiami won a $100 gift card for BEST OVERALL TWEET.

@janiec won a $50 gift card for BEST PHOTO TWEET.

Evidence that the Chevy Gazelles made it to Key West. Photo by @janiec.

@hrb2008 and @vicequeenmaria were tied for FUNNIEST TWEET. Each also won a $50 gift card.

The winners were picked by GM Southeast's great staff. Many thanks to them all for their continued support of South Florida's social media community!

SxSe Chevy Caravan - Get A Free, Sweet Ride to Key West

2011-06-29T22:22:00.002-04:00

We realize Key West is a bit of a drive for some folks, so Chevy has generously agreed to loan us three big SUVs, each with a full tank of gas, to head down to SxSe!

Want to be the captain of a carpool? Leave a comment below on why you should drive your posse down to the Conch Republic!

Your car will be delivered to your door on Thursday, July 14 and picked up at the same location on Monday, July 18 by the awesome Prestige guys. All you need to do is drive to SxSe in a sweet Traverse or Equinox with a car load of your best buddies!

Get creative ... give your car a name and whoever puts out the best car tweet will win a prize courtesy of GM Southeast.

@vicequeenmaria will be driving a Chevy down to Key West on Friday, July 15 and will have room for friends. You will get either a Chevy Traverse (holds 7 adults) or an Equinox (room for 4), so think of all the fun you'll have instead of driving all by your lonesome.

On the way back to Miami, the #chevysxse caravan will drive back together, stopping at Porky's BBQ in Marathon (fried key lime pie, people!) and Rum Runners at Holiday Isle in Islamorada, a famous pit stop in SxSe history!

So what are you waiting for? Leave a comment and don't forget to reserve your room at The Eden House!

Deadline to enter is July 10.

SxSe 2011 Pub Crawl

2011-06-05T15:31:00.006-04:00

Our 2011 Key West Pub Crawl is taking shape!

We'll start on Saturday, July 16 at 5 PM at The Rum Barrel and end at The Green Parrot where we'll have the pleasure of listening to and doing some serious booty shakin' to Miami's awesome Afro-Funk Cuban band PALO!

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

5 PM
The Rum Barrel
@rumbarrelbar
528 Front Street
Key West, FL 33040-6658
(305) 292-7862

We might be on the rooftop. SxSe specials: 2 x 1 domestic beers and well drinks. Well includes Bacardi, Sauza, Bombay, Fris and Jim Beam. Light bites $5 menu.

7 PM
Mallory Square and Pier for sunset viewing and street performer shenanigans (no bar)

8:30 PM
Bars we might hit: Garden of Eden (yes, that's the clothing optional place, you know we have to check it out), Island Dogs, Hog's Breath Saloon, The Rum Bar, Sloppy Joe's, 801 Bourbon Bar, etc; Your favorite bar not listed here? We're open to suggestions!

10:30 PM or 12:30 AM
The Green Parrot Bar
@greenparrotbar

601 Whitehead Street
Key West, FL
(305) 294-6133
We'll wind up the night listening and dancing to PALO! (@gopalo). No cover charge.

PLEASE NOTE!

Everyone pays their own tab, period! The organizer is not responsible for your bills.
There will be no scheduled dinner stop this evening. Please order bar food whenever you're hungry or grab a quick bite somewhere nearby. @vicequeenmaria recommends Mr. Z's Cheesesteak for a fast, cheap and filling crawl meal.

Island Dogs Bar (@islanddogsbar) is offering SxSe wristband wearers 10% off food and drink all weekend long.

In order to take advantage of any special SxSe discounts at supporting bars and restaurants, you will need a special wristband. Ping @vicequeenmaria for details.

Remember, everything about SxSe is extremely casual and informal. The schedule is never written in stone! You may come and go as you please; join for all or part of the fun.

Follow us on Twitter for more updates.

Don't forget to make your reservation for a room at SxSe lodging headquarters, Eden House (@edenhousekw). They secured some great rates for us and are really looking forward to our visit.

About Key West

2011-03-25T17:22:00.002-04:00

A mojito with a view at Louie's Backyard.

Key West is one of the most awesome places on the planet. Many people come here to visit and never leave. At one point in time, it was the richest per capita spot in the U.S., thanks to the wrecking business. As a passing point between the Caribbean and Latin America by the Florida Straits, Key West has seen its rich share of history and characters. Tiny but full of spunk (and no, not that kind, you mongrel), Key West has a charm and hospitality all its own. Never mind the tshirt shops on Duval Street or the college kids at the bars -- there's something here for all jaded adults to unwind and have fun without the pressure and plastic of South Beach.

The south easternmost point of the continental U.S. is actually in Elliott Key near Miami. But this year, we'll be at the southernmost point of all.

Here are some morsels:

A forum thread about the destination at Miami Beach 411, led by @vicequeenmaria. Here are other posts about the Florida Keys at Sex and the Beach.

And don't forget the official Florida Keys Visitor's site for more information.

Parking Info

2011-03-25T17:01:00.001-04:00

Parking at Eden House is limited, on a first come, first serve basis. However, there is free street parking around the residential area surrounding the hotel. Visitor spots are clearly marked; there is one visitor spot for every two residential ones. A municipal lot is located on Caroline and Grinnel Streets and charges a $13 a day maximum. For more info, visit Key West Florida Park and Ride.

If you are not familiar with Key West, do note that if you come here by car, you will NOT need your car throughout your stay. It's better to walk or take a cab.

Schedule of Events

2011-03-25T16:21:00.010-04:00

FRIDAY, JULY 15

Lazy day for anyone arriving early. @vicequeenmaria plans on being there. PALO! will be playing at The Green Parrot (that's also an official pub crawl stop on Saturday) and singer/guitarist Deblois Milledge will be at the Smokin' Tuna.

SATURDAY, JULY 16

Key West Pub Crawl

SUNDAY, JULY 17

Chevy SxSe Caravan returns to Miami! Can't make it to SxSe on Saturday? Join us either at Porky's Bayside BBQ in Marathon for lunch (10% off food bill only for SxSe wristband wearers) or at Rum Runners in Islamorada for sunset refreshment (specials TBA).

Remember, SxSe is an unconference with a loosely organized schedule! Join for all or some of the fun. Other things we may or may not do at some point over the weekend:

Anytime at Island Dogs Bar: SxSe wristband wearers get 10% off their food and drink bill Friday - Sunday
Drag Queen shows on Duval Street
Stop by The Rum Bar at The Speakeasy Inn to say hello to Bahama Bob
Desserts at Better Than Sex
Optional sailing, snorkeling and other recreational activities plus tours of local museums and attractions (please make your own arrangements)
The usual shenanigans, including the signing of the big panties

Getting to Key West

2011-03-25T16:07:00.003-04:00

If you are flying into Miami or Fort Lauderdale, please ping @vicequeenmaria for transportation options.

If you decide to fly directly into Key West, a taxi from the airport to Eden House should be about $20.

For locals, we have some group ride options as well. Check out the Chevy Caravan.

Room Reservation Info 2011

2011-03-25T15:51:00.011-04:00

The Eden House is Key West, Florida's original hotel.

Greetings SxSe'rs! We are pleased to announce that the Eden House in Key West will be our main hotel headquarters for this year's event. Eden House was gracious enough to give us great rates at a location fair stumbling distance from Duval Street and Mallory Square.

"Built back in 1924, the hotel has been owned and operated since 1975 by Mike Eden. Now fully renovated, the original art deco hotel building is joined by several renovated conch houses."

RESERVATIONS

Here is what you need to know to reserve your room. Do it asap as rates are guaranteed up to Monday, July 18th, but not availability!

call 1-800-533-5397 and say "sxse tweetup" (that's south-by-southeast) when you make your reservation
room rates for SxSe -- for semi-privates to quadruple occupancy suites, range from $105 to $290 with 15% off plus tax
there are NO resort fees
you will be responsible for your own reservation, which requires a 50% deposit
cancellation policy is up to 20 days before your day of arrival, after that you get a credit in the amount of your deposit to use for up to a year

HOTEL OFFERINGS AND INFO

complimentary happy hour 4-5 pm
20% off breakfast and lunch at Azur Restaurant next door
free limited parking -- first come, first served (more Key West parking info here)
access to pool, jacuzzi, sun deck and hammocks
free wifi by pool and lobby (it's not guaranteed in rooms)
spa discounts at another hotel or in-room massages if your room is big enough (sorry, no happy endings)
discount cards for restaurants around the island
bike rentals on premises for a modest fee (deposit required)

The Eden House is located at 1015 Fleming Street. If you have any reservation issues regarding the rates, please tweet @sxse.

What happens if all rooms get booked at Eden House? Don't worry. Please look at other properties in the Key West that best suit your budget and needs. The SxSe main tweetup will take place at a local bar on Saturday, July 15. For more info, check out the Pub Crawl.

FAQ

2011-03-25T14:59:00.000-04:00

What is SxSe?

It all started in 2008. A few folks from around the country, connected by Twitter, decided to get together with their mutual Twitter pals in South Florida. This happened in April, about a month after the acclaimed conference in Austin known as SXSWi (South by Southwest Interactive).

The event name SxSe (South by South East, rhymes with sexy) is simply a spoof; had we been located in Bum F*ck Egypt, we might've called the event BFE. SxSe has nothing to do with SXSWi whatsoever -- it's just a big-ass party taking place in the nation's dicktip. There are no panels, powerpoint or keynote addresses; however, there is plenty of great discussion, bonding and friendship. If there's anything professional about SxSe, it's a very high standard of olympic-quality mojito drinking.

What's up with the giant panties?

Well, in 2008, @annohio was traveling around the country going to many tweetups. She took a Giant Panty with her every where she went, to be signed by the many wonderful Twitter peeps she met along the way. The Giant Panty was kind of like a Flat Stanley, or as the geeks would say, "a social object." The first Miami Giant Panty signing took place in 2008 at a Jeff Pulver social media breakfast, where the idea of "social tagging" was already featured in the form of sticky notes.

The next day, more participants signed the Giant Panty at Monty's. At one point, @vicequeenmaria grabbed the panty and asked @dearyvette to hold the other end. It was at this moment that the Giant Panty Limbo Dance was born. Giant Panties, as well as bras, briefs and crocs, played a prominent role in SxSe 2009. It's most likely that the tradition will continue every year.

What should I expect at a SxSe event?

We have a bunch of fun things planned for the weekend. You can pick and choose; come to one or all. It's really up to you. You'll make new friends or reconnect with old ones. Laugh, dance, drink, eat and be generally merry.

Again, there will be no panels, unless you consider a "panel" to be the heavy-duty weaving on the crotch area of giant panty. As a matter of fact, we may well have an unpanel during which we impart no information whatsoever.

Important social media subjects such as ...

how to properly hug someone you've only ever talked to on Twitter when you meet in real life
fine-tuning your social media douchebag radar
avoiding dating within your Twitter circle
why your BMI is more important than your Twitter follower count

... and so on, may be discussed spontaneously poolside over cocktails.

SxSe is your blank canvas for fun. Nobody cares about pimping social media bullshit here, which is what makes it particularly, brilliantly and truly social media.

If there are no geeks and social media panels, what the hell am I gonna talk about?

Since the middle ages, clerics and wise men have asked: how many angels can dance on the head of a pin? At SxSe, we can discuss: how many mint leaves should be muddled in a mojito? ... and so forth. If you want to drop abbreviations like "SEO" and "ROI" all night, that's fine -- everyone is welcome to discuss what they please -- but we can't guarantee such talk will get you a lap dance. (Dropping trou won't guarantee that either ...)

Good grief. I hate dancing. Do I really need to know how to pole dance?

Ay caramba! We don't care if you want to spend the entire night like an ostrich with your head stuck in the toilet, although that kind of foolishness, admittedly, would not be fun. Chances are, however, that if you're reading this, it's because you're into social media, but that doesn't necessarily mean you need to hurry down to your closest Fred Murray studio. If you're choreographically challenged, no worries! Leave the ass-shaking and pole-grinding to those of us who thrive on the threat of blackmail!

Do I have to be on Twitter to attend?

No. But it sure as hell helps. Basically, the whole innernets is welcome to attend the events announced in the itinerary. If you're not on Twitter, you'll miss out on keeping up with all the great new friends you'll make in South Florida.

WTF is Twitter?

In a nutshell, Twitter is an online social space where people share information in short bursts of writing -- each message is no longer than 140 characters. You follow a group of people with whom you share conversations and over time, this motley crew of friends begins to care about each other and want to hang out.

SxSe Talk: From @vicequeenmaria

2010-06-04T16:32:00.019-04:00

"Only connect! . . . Live in fragments no longer. Only connect." -- E.M. Forster

Organizing SxSe this year was NOT a labor of love. Let me explain: it was definitely all about the love, but I'd hardly call it labor. In fact, it was a pleasure. You could say I was a little selfish in my intentions, because I knew I'd be rewarded with a gift: enjoying the company of good friends I love, all in one location, here in the sunshine state.

As the event approached, more and more people asked me if there was a speaker's schedule, if a press pass was required -- heck, one person even showed up at the poolside cabana thinking SxSe was an actual conference! But if you read the description on the top right hand corner of this site, you'll see that it's clearly defined: "We're a group of friends on Twitter who love to get together for partying in South Florida."

That's it. Simple enough, right?

I think the spirit of SxSe, which is extremely unconference, truly defined itself this year. We really didn't do much at all, except hang out and connect, re-connect and just plain enjoy ourselves in camaraderie with good eats, drinks and of course, many laughs. No one here had an agenda. No one was trying to "sell" anything. No one was a "persona" or an "expert" though we did have our share of a few dipshits who tried to leech off my tab. If I could write another tag line for SxSe (besides the cocktail one), it'd be this: leave your ego at the door.

So even though the big tweetup on Saturday night had a much bigger turnout than I expected -- I estimated 50 but surely there must've been at least 70 -- the days before and after were quiet, pleasant and relaxed. A few of us enjoyed cozy, intimate dinners around Fort Lauderdale's riverfront area, drinks at the hotel lounge, beach walks and swims, naps (by ourselves, of course!), Sunday brunch, sunset cocktails and poolside lounging under the stars. Tying all these moments together were endless, interesting conversations.

Perhaps the more riotous shenanigans took place Saturday during the day at the poolside cabana, but what happens in SxSe stays in SxSe -- Facebook or Flickr evidence proving otherwise. And the most "official" thing we did was a live internet radio show, recorded in the Hyatt lobby.

I had a late checkout Monday after the event. Everyone was already gone. The intensity of the weekend was winding down and it felt surreal. I couldn't go back to Miami without a swim at Fort Lauderdale Beach and that's exactly what I did. I love this beach in particular because it's probably the only strand in South Florida where you can still sit in the shade of giant Casuarina pines! As I sat on the sand and looked out at the ocean I wasn't thinking about the number of room nights sold (26), the number of schwag bags we filled (17), number of people who showed up at the big tweetup (70+), the number of times I posted to twitter with the hasthag #sxsemia (countless) -- no, none of that -- I wasn't thinking about numbers.

I was thinking about things you can't quantify, things you can't touch. I was thinking about things that have to do with the heart.

The party is over, for sure, but we remain connected by these electronic pipes and most importantly, the invisible threads of loyalty and love.

I think @mkohpotts also captured this feeling beautifully in her post about the event: Rockin' South Florida @SXSE

I can't wait for next year! Word was being tossed around about Key West. Stay tuned and in the meantime, see everyone on Twitter.

And now for some business ...

The Hyatt Pier 66 turned out to be a great location, not only because it was beautiful, but because we could stick together and not deal with any of the transportation logistics issues we had last year. The hotel assigned a fabulous food and beverage manager to take care of us throughout the weekend, which made all the difference in the world. Working with the Hyatt was a breeze and I'd recommend this hotel to any event planner, hands-down.

We had significant community support this year and I'd like to list those folks here. Many, many thanks for the goods, discounts and services you offered!

Annie's Costumes
Chef George Catering
The Cookie Maven - Broward & WPB
Dunkin' Donuts S Fla
Fort Lauderdale CVB - Sunny.org
Himmarshee Bar and Grille
Hyatt Pier 66
Jan Idelman Creative Group
Lucid Salon
Miami Tour Company
Mind Active Media - Syncrospace
Preppy Dude TV
Slice Fort Lauderdale Pizza
Soul of Miami
Sweeter Days Bake Shop
VICINOS Italian Kitchen
Vois
WPBR Radio

Photo credits: 1. mkhall 2. brendajos 3. bsoler (cakes by Sweeter Days Bake Shop)

RADIO: SxSe Live with WPBR

2010-06-04T16:08:00.002-04:00

Here's links to the internet radio show we recorded live in the Hyatt lobby. Hosts were @knowaging and @thedudedean. Guest speakers were @vicequeenmaria @brendajos @annohio and @preppydude.

Streaming
MP3 Download

VIDEO: Meeting Tweeps for The First Time

2010-05-30T12:11:00.000-04:00

Another great video by @miamishines, in which @mklopez meets @loritodd, @malcolli & @latinatwix28 for the first time. In @miamishines's words: "This was a totally spontaneous moment. So everyone that doesn’t understand twitter and only sees tweets like, ” I just had coffee”, you’re missing out!"

Read more at Blancastella.com: Twitter and Social Media in 3D at SxSe

SxSe Talk: From @mkohpotts

2010-05-29T12:07:00.006-04:00

Online friendships made real. Hanging out in the poolside cabana at the Hyatt Pier 66. Photo via @mkohpotts.

The lovely @mkohpotts wrote a recap of her experience at SxSe. If you've ever wondered about the positive side of Twitter, which creates community, check it out:

The year was 2008. We’d been tweet-tweet-tweeting more than a year… and a plan was hatched quietly in the tweet-o-sphere… friends who wanted to meet in person… why not converge on Miami all at the same time?

And SXSE was born. SXSE is not a conference. It’s not trying to compete with other conferences or to be a social media guru breeding ground (actually in 2008 I don’t think we had any idea social media gurus were even coming). Nope! It’s a time and place for Twitter friends to meet in real life. To find, as I usually do, that people’s personalities match the people they are online (people’s Twitter selves may be even more real than the person they are in their regular “real lives”). My Twitter friends are not just “tweeps” — they are real friends, whether I’ve met them yet or not. Meeting them in person just helps add that extra dimension to our friendship.

Read lots more about the weekend's adventures at iAmpersandi: Rockin' South Florida @SxSe

VIDEO: Why Do We Sign Giant Underwear?

2010-05-28T17:56:00.000-04:00

Thanks to @miamishines for putting this informative video together. Learn about the signing of the giant panties and briefs from @annohio and @vicequeenmaria. Shot at Pelican Landing @hyattpier66 and at the lobby lounge during the evening of the big tweetup. See @preppydude and @pamrocksworld blowing candles on their @sweeterdays cakes!

SxSe 2010 is on Foursquare!

2010-05-21T11:00:00.000-04:00

Attention kids! You can now check in at SxSe on Foursquare as "SxSe 2010" ... don't forget to check in when you come to the Hyatt Pier 66. Next year, we'll have a badge.

Thanks to @mklopez for this great idea and @dearyvette for helping out!

Locating the Tweetup at Hyatt Pier 66

2010-05-19T08:58:00.000-04:00

Hyatt Pier 66 and marina is a big property so here's a map to help you. Pelican Landing is at the end of the dock in the marina. After self-parking, walk due west toward the intracoastal, pass Grill 66, then head north toward the venue. Remember to say "South By Southeast" at the parking gate to get your $5 special event flat rate.

Food, Drink and Other Specials

2010-05-06T12:18:00.007-04:00

TWEETUP

Mention SOUTHBYSOUTHEAST Friday - Sunday and receive the following specials; this includes the Saturday night tweetup. There are plenty of other yummy items in the Pelican Landing menu, too. @Vicequeenmaria recommends the conch fritters.

DRINKS

Yuengling $4
Blood Orange Margarita $7

EATS

Fish Burrito $13.00
Sautéed Mahi Mahi wrapped with black bean and avocado. Served with mango sour cream and guacamole.

Pelican Landing Burger $13
Created by Chef Miguel - Featured in 2009 South Beach Food & Wine Festival
Enjoy your juicy 6oz burger patty topped with braised short rib and bacon chili (braised for 8 hours). Served with rocket lettuce and aged English cheddar cheese.

HOTEL GUEST DISCOUNTS

Friday through Sunday, hotel guests will receive gorgeous, handmade wristbands by @brendajos entitling you to 10% discount on food and beverage at the following outlets: Mariner's, The Lounge, Orchids Poolbar and Pelican Landing.

Wristband discount DOES NOT apply for brunch, service at Grille 66 or Tweetup special offer.

OTHER SPECIALS

FINE DINING
For participants with wristbands, 20% off your bill Thursday, May 20 to Sunday, May 23 at Himmarshee Bar and Grille and VICINOS Italian Kitchen.

Himmarshee Bar and Grille
210 SW 2nd St, Downtown Fort Lauderdale (954) 524-1818

VICINOS Italian Kitchen
208 SW 2nd St, Fort Lauderdale (954) 525-7656

PIZZA
For participants with wristbands, 15% off your bill Thursday, May 20 to Sunday, May 23 at Slice Fort Lauderdale. Includes dine-in, carry out and delivery to hotel. Delivery is free.

108 SE 1st Street
Fort Lauderdale (954)762-9434

OTHER SPECIALS

Hotel guests receive 15% off at Hyatt Pier 66's spa during stay. Identify yourself as South By Southeast and present wristband.

If venturing to the 305, SxSe guests receive a complimentary Miami tour or tour combination from Miami Tour Company over the weekend. Identify yourself as South By Southeast.

Parking Info for SxSe

2010-05-04T15:52:00.004-04:00

PARKING AT HYATT PIER 66
FRIDAY, MAY 21 - SUNDAY, MAY 23

SXSE ATTENDEES *NOT* STAYING OVERNIGHT
If you are coming to say hello, to the poolside cabana, panel, tweetup and/or brunch but NOT staying at the hotel:

Special flat daily rate: $5
Self parking, no in/out, say SXSE or SOUTHBYSOUTHEAST at gate

Regular valet parking: $11

OVERNIGHT PARKING FOR HOTEL GUESTS
If you are staying overnight, you'll have to pay regular rates. We tried getting a better deal, but an independent operator handles parking.

Self parking overnight: $19
Valet parking overnight: $23

MUNICIPAL PARKING
We spoke with Fort Lauderdale Parking and Fleet Services but the nearby lot under the E. Clay Shaw Bridge is not open between midnight and 6 am and is $1 an hour anyway. The best deal is to park at the Hyatt.

Schedule of Events

2010-04-29T14:40:00.021-04:00

SOME DETAILS MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. FOLLOW @SXSE TO STAY UP TO DATE.

PARKING INFO • FOOD/DRINK & OTHER SPECIALS

Thursday, May 20
Some guests arrive at hotel -- free time at your leisure. Possible group dinner in Fort Lauderdale, location TBA.

For free time @vicequeenmaria recommends:

Hyatt Pier 66 free shuttle to beach for hotel guests.

Via water taxi: tour of New River; breakfast at The Floridian; lunch at historic Downtowner Saloon or Himmarshee; shopping on Las Olas; tour of historic Stranahan House and/or Bonnet House.

Visit Sunny.org and follow @visitlauderdale for to learn more about Fort Lauderdale activities and attractions. There's even a Visit Lauderdale iPhone app. For recreation deals visit lauderDeals.

Friday, May 21
More guests arrive. Free time at your leisure. Possible group dinner and water taxi fun ride in Fort Lauderdale, location TBA.

Saturday, May 22
9 AM - 5 PM Poolside @SxSe Cabana at the Hyatt Pier 66. Hotel guests may join and/or enjoy Fort Lauderdale at their leisure. No real set schedule, come and go. Possible appearance by @poolboy.

SOMETIME IN THE AFTERNOON Casual unconference talks poolside or IN the pool or in the cabana or whatever, @vicequeenmaria moderating. If @preppydude wears Madras swim trunks, he may do some baptizing as well. Possible topics:

The Art of Interaction @SxSe by keynote speakers @annohio and @preppydude. Learn how to hug the stuffin' out of people.

Power of the Pussy discussion led by @preppydude with @vicequeenmaria @dearyvette and @annohio speaking on this very important topic -- not rated X but definitely grown-up!

Non-hotel guests: a $20 day pass is available at the hotel spa if you need a shower and locker facility. You'll also have use of the spa's sauna, jacuzzi and steam room. The spa closes at 6 PM.

6 PM - ? Big Tweetup at Pelican Landing, located in marina at Hyatt Pier 66. All welcome. Please RSVP for head count. Bring your business cards for a chance to win one "his" or one "her" Aveda gift bag, courtesy of Lucid Salon.

Sunday, May 23
11:30 AM Brunch at Pier Top. No additional @SxSe guest coupons available and SxSe table has reached maximum capacity, but if you wish to enjoy brunch, please make your own reservation and seating time.

Rest of day at leisure for remaining guests.

Hyatt Pier 66 Room Reservation Info

2010-03-16T11:07:00.002-04:00

We're good to go with our room reservations! Please click HERE to get your special SxSe rate at the Hyatt Pier 66. @vicequeenmaria personally saw the Deluxe Lanai rooms and totally recommends them. They're going for $139/per night, double occupancy. These rooms are right by the big-ass pool and marina surrounded by tropical landscaping ... nothing says SxSe like rolling out of bed and straight to the Twitter poolside cabana, which we'll have setup on Saturday. (@poolboy optional.)

The Tower Rooms do boast great views though, but are slightly pricier. It's still an easy saunter down to the pool.

The Hyatt Pier 66 has reserved a block of different styles of rooms for us, so you can pick and choose. Please request one king or two queen size beds when you make your reservation.

If you would rather make your reservations by phone, please call (954) 525-6666 or (888) 421-1442. You must request “SOUTH-BY-SOUTHEAST GROUP” in order to receive the special rate.

Remember, our official event dates are May 21-23, but you may choose to come earlier or stay longer. The same room rates will still apply a few days before and after SxSe.

We really appreciate Hyatt's collaboration and encourage everyone to stay in one place, but hey, if you find other lodging that works better for your budget and taste, that's ok too. We just hope to gather for the big tweetup Saturday night, which is currently scheduled at the Hyatt. There is absolutely no obligation to stay at the Hyatt to attend the tweetup, but if you do, make sure you reserve a room via our SxSe reservations form.

Save the Date!

2010-02-28T22:30:00.003-05:00

It's happening again! Mark you calendars for the biggest tweetup in South Florida, now celebrating its third year!

From May 21-23 we will be hanging out in and around the fabulous Hyatt Pier 66 property on Fort Lauderdale's intracoastal. Just minutes from the beach, the hotel will be SxSe central. For those who wish to stay at the Hyatt, we've secured an excellent rate for deluxe Lanai rooms at $139/night, double occupancy. Stay tuned for more information on reservation codes and instructions.

We've got discounts for brunch on Sunday at the Pier Top, which boasts breathtaking views. Other drink and food specials are in the works.

For those of you flying in, Hyatt Pier 66 is a short cab ride from Fort Lauderdale International Airport. We're arranging for possible complimentary transportation to and from FLL, details to follow. You will not need to rent a car in Fort Lauderdale unless you want to go further afield. All SxSe activities and cool stuff to see and do will be close by via water taxi or the city's local trolley. The hotel offers a free shuttle to the beach.

The big tweetup will most likely take place on Saturday, May 22 at Pelican Landing on site at the hotel. This casual spot is right on the intracoastal next to the marina. We will also have a special SxSe pool cabana during the day on Saturday. (We're negotiating a flat rate for @poolboy to service the ladies.)

If you'd like to learn more about SxSe, please visit our FAQ page. Make sure you follow @sxse on Twitter for updates.

OK, now that all the info is out there, we can stop sounding like a freakin' press release! Remember this is a big-ass tweetup and a barrel of fun!

SxSe Wrap-Up

2009-04-20T17:31:00.000-04:00

"Only connect! That was the whole of her sermon. Only connect the prose and the passion, and both will be exalted, and human love will be seen at its height. Live in fragments no longer. Only connect."

-- E.M. Forster,

Taken at Rum Runner's in Islamorada by @annohio.

SxSe 2009 was everything it promised to be and more. Old friendships were further strengthened and new ones were made. I'm simply amazed at how seamlessly we moved from Twitter to real life in two seconds flat. It's a testament to the power of social media that so many people who would otherwise have never connected came together for a weekend of fun and frolicking. And the best part is -- we'll continue to connect online, until next time we meet.

We had Twitter friends visiting from: Nebraska, Texas, Colorado, Missouri and Norway. Yes! Freakin' Norway! Locally, a few folks flocked over here from West Palm Beach as well as Fort Myers and Naples. And of course, the rest were from Dade and Broward.

We missed one dear friend from St. Louis because of a health condition, though he was present in our hearts. Two other friends, one from Pennsylvania and the other from Massachusetts, didn't make it because of financial constraints. We probably would've had more attendees, but the weekend coincided with Barcamp Orlando.

We come from all walks of life and backgrounds. Among us are military veterans, historians, writers, geeks, teachers, musicians, photographers, businessmen, dental technicians, full-time moms and more. We even have a couple of cancer survivors. Everyone is so beautiful and creative in their own way.

All the events went without a hitch, except for the inevitable fact of Cuban timing, plus the fact that one of the organizers had broken a bone in her leg and was on crutches, and also, someone parked there car in a gated lot that closed after hours and could not get to it until the next morning. But other than that ... dinner at Versailles was perfect, followed by a wonderful performance at Kimbaracumbara with PALO!. We loved listening to Leslie Cartaya's beautiful voice and even got an extra treat when Albita, who was in the audience, got up on stage to sing a tune! The following day, we had brunch at JJ's Diner in South Miami, followed by the big tweetup at Carrabbas in Miami Beach.

We can't thank our supporters enough. PALO! put on a great show. Thanks to everyone who chipped in to make it happen! Annie's Costumes gave us some great schwag, including leis that were just marvelous. We thoroughly enjoyed drinking Stormhoek wine out on the beach after hanging out at Carrabbas and a few people took bottles home as gifts. The next day, a group of us got a very comfortable ride to the Islamorada courtesy of Miami Tour Company. We stopped at Rumrunner's first to enjoy a cool drink and balmy breezes on the look-out platforms, followed by a leisurely meal at Morada Bay.

Special thanks also go out to @brendajos, who sewed the schwag bags and to @dearyvette, who brought all the giant underwear. And above all, thanks to all who attended, shared and connected. We could list everyone's Twitter name here, but the list would be quite long!

And even though Carrabbas did not technically support the event, we appreciate that they put up with our underwear-signing shenanigans!

(And in case you are wondering, the signed underwear is being sent to our dear friend who is sick and couldn't make it.)

We'll let the slideshow do the rest of the talking ... it's quite possible some of us won't laugh as hard all year as we did this weekend. But we have the photos to remind us of the joy of great friendship and company.

Until next year, everybody! It was a blast!

Slightly Revised Itinerary ...

2009-04-12T15:59:00.000-04:00

We will be gathering at Versailles restaurant around 6ish on Friday and try to be seated for dinner by 7 PM. It is a work day so many local folks will have to come from work.

See you there or at any of the other gatherings! Complete itinerary here.

PALO! Flyer

2009-04-11T15:03:00.001-04:00

Check out this great flyer PALO! put together for the Friday night performance. Thanks to everyone who has contribute so far. Remember, it's $10 in advance or at the door to support the band. Hope to see everyone there! We have a very funny surprise sheninigan planned for the evening.

A special thanks goes to Miami Beach 411 for their generous support!

Miami Tour Company Offer

2009-04-07T15:01:00.000-04:00

Miami Tour Company has generously offered complimentary tours to SxSe attendees who want to fill in any free time they may have while visiting Miami.

The tour of the beach and mainland Miami is unlike anything else offered in the area. Using GPS guided audio, the tour features a beautifully-written and well-researched script by local experts and focuses on interesting facts and history. Even the locals love this!

To make a reservation for the tour, call (305) 754-2206 or book online here: Miami Tour Company. The coupon code is SXSE and is valid Friday, April 17th through Sunday, April 19th.

If anyone has questions about the area please visit Miami Beach 411's excellent forum.

Our Supporters

2009-04-04T15:29:00.000-04:00

SxSe is really a Miami party for a group of friends who stay in touch via Twitter, yet a few folks have stepped in to help us make this an even better tweet-up than we could possibly imagine! We'd love to thank you ... so here goes:

Annie's Costumes (@ShariMcConahay) is providing some goodies for our schwag.

Mind Active Media, (@preppydude) is helping with a donation to support the PALO! concert, not to mention being part of the organizing "committed" ... (we'd call it a committee, but that would be WAY too formal and boring).

Miami Tour Company is offering complementary tours to our attendees and Miami Beach 411 (@miamibeach411) will help out with transportation logistics.

PALO! (@gopalo) has scheduled a special musical performance for us on Friday, even though they have a busy schedule that weekend. We look forward to some Afro-Cuban funk goodness!

Stormhoek Wines (@stormhoek) is donating some wine, which we will consume and/or share as gifts. And if you miss Miami too much (as you most likely will), a Gaping Void (@gapingvoid) South Beach print will make an excellent souvenir.

Last, but not the very least, are great folks like @brendajos, @dearyvette and @preppydude, who are helping put everything together. @dearyvette and @preppydude have been instrumental in planning and @brendajos has sewn some wonderful schwag bags. Oh, and I hear @vicequeenmaria kind of did a thing or two, maybe putting this blog together with crazy glue ... who knows what that girl is up to!

We Haz Schwag Bags!

2009-03-28T13:00:00.000-04:00

zOMG! Y'all! Look at the amazing hand-sewn and lovingly crafted bags by @brendajos! Do you know of any supporters who will help us fill them up? Already, @Anniescostumes is going to give us some sartorial treats!

A bazillion thanks to @brendajos for the effort ... the bags alone will be a really unique SxSe gift. You gotta love the @preppydude-inspired argyle!

Thanks also go out to Mind Active Media and PALO! for supporting SxSe. Don't forget! We're accepting matching donations to make the PALO! concert happen on April 17th. This is hands-spank-me-down the grooviest Afro-Cuban Funk band in town. It's going to be a great Little Havana night -- what with super delicious Cuban eatz at Versailles and @vicequeenmaria going on and on about local history and everything ... please do join us!

Support the PALO! Show

2009-03-24T15:00:00.000-04:00

We're planning a wonderful, culturally rich evening in the heart of Miami's Little Havana district on Friday, April 17. We'll start with dinner at famous Cuban restaurant Versailles, followed by some awesome Cuban Afro-funk music by PALO! at Kimbaracumbara music lounge down the street. Club owner Fabio has agreed to open doors for us and Steve Roitstein, musical director of PALO! has generously offered to gather his musicians for a special performance.

A full bar will be available at the usual reasonable prices. A refreshing mojito will be a must at this cozy, intimate venue!

We made a genuine effort to get sponsors so that this performance would be completely free of charge, but that fell through. (Many thanks to @JamiMiami for trying -- she rocks!) The thing is, we gotta cover basic costs for the musicians.

@Preppydude has stepped up to the plate with $200 out of his own pocket to support the show. Let's each pitch in $10 minimum to match and make it happen! If you can, please pay via the Chipin widget before April 17. All funds will go directly to the band's Paypal account. Otherwise, it'll be $10 at the door.

For those of you who have never experienced Cuban food and culture, you're in for a real treat. PALO!'s music is funky, jazzy and fun and features an outstanding vocalist accompanied by great saxophone, keyboards and percussion. Many of us local tweets have quickly become fans. Listen to some samples on PALO!'s website.

SxSe Information Central

2009-03-13T18:47:00.001-04:00

This blog still needs a few finishing touches, but basically, all the information you need about SxSe is here! Please check the links on the right. Don't forget to hashtag your tweets #sxsemia.

See you in April!

Who's Attending

2009-02-25T18:01:00.000-05:00

If you're planning to attend, please leave a comment!

Itinerary

2009-02-24T14:59:00.000-05:00

SxSE ITINERARY

FRIDAY, APRIL 17

6:00 p.m. - (Little) Havana Nights Dinner
Versailles Restaurant
3555 SW 8th Street
Miami, FL 33135
(305) 444-0240
Street parking or on restaurant premises

We will gather between 6ish and 7 pm and try to be seated by 7 pm.

10:00 p.m. - Musical interlude
Special SXSE performance by local Afro-Cuban Funk band GoPalo
Little Havana
Miami, FL
$10 cover, pay at door or contribute here
Street parking, meters free after 6 PM

SATURDAY, APRIL 18

12:00 p.m. - Brunch
JJ's American Diner
1450 S Dixie Highway
Coral Gables, FL 33146
(305) 669-2698
Free parking lot

6:00 p.m. - The "BIG" Tweetup
Carrabba's Italian Grill
3921 Collins Ave
(40th and Collins)
Miami Beach, FL 33140
(305) 673-3525
Valet parking; metered street parking in the surrounding area, some meters free after 6PM
NOTE: Carrabbas is located on the ground floor of a Marriot; it's both an indoor restaurant that happens to serve the hotel bar. We will be at the *back* of the hotel, in the outdoor tiki bar and deck between the pool and beach boardwalk.

11:59 p.m. - After-party
The beach behind Carrabba's.
We'll bring the picnic blanket; BYOB. Also, bring your bathing suit, if you are so inclined.

SUNDAY, APRIL 19

2:00 p.m. - Full-circle Tweetup
Morada Bay Cafe
81590 Overseas Hwy
Mile Marker 80.5
Islamorada, FL 33036
(305) 664-0604
Free parking lot. We'll be outside, by the water.

$ COST

Whatever you incur for food, beverages, and travel. Only extra $10 for musical performance (see above).

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

Joe Peichel
Worldventures
@joepeichel
(612) 251-5609
joe.peichel@gmail.com