SxSe Talk: From @vicequeenmaria

"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

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

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

 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?

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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!