By Chaviva Galatz, ROI Micro Grant recipient. Chaviva is the Kvetching Editor and she used her grant to attend SXSW in Austin in March, 2012.

There’s something about the energy at SXSW Interactive. Something that screams: BE CREATIVE! NETWORK! CHANGE THE WORLD! It’s an energy that sends you home wanting to create the next mountain-moving startup, to develop a new way for nonprofits to boost their interactions and donor base online, to be a better, more-inspired person. At least, for me that’s what SXSW Interactive impressed upon me.

This was my third trek to SXSW Interactive and my first time around as just an attendee and not a panelist. I guess you could say I went from being the influencer to the influencee! I focused my energy on nonprofit panels, trying to figure out how to make waves in the world of the niche nonprofit like the one I work for: the Colorado Agency for Jewish Education. It was both inspiring and depressing because so many of the panels focused on large nonprofits and not those of us in the niche market like the Jewish world of giving. The upside was the inspiration it gave me for a possible panel for next year! I also thought it was interesting that the conference focuses so much on for-profit startups and not nonprofit startups, which, of course, means more inspiration for change-making.

If anything, attending SXSW Interactive gives you a chance to experience innovation, the gaps in that innovation, and inspires you to fill those holes with your own creative genius.

Personally, I discovered that I got a lot more out of SXSW Interactive this year, and I think it’s because of two things. First, I think it’s because I didn’t have to stress about my own panel and got to focus on all of the free time I had to spend in the Samsung Blogger Lounge or sitting around at the Food Truck Court meeting new people. The second thing that impacted my altered experience at SXSW Interactive was being part of the ROI Community contingency and having opportunities to meet and discuss the panels we were attending and our everyday work, too. In the past, I’ve had a friend or two at SXSW, but never an entire posse of creative and curious individuals out to maximize their experiences amid the throngs of attendees.

Also? Beyond the inspiration and work connections, it was just downright fun. Sharing a house with fellow ROIers, grumbling on our ride into the city in the morning, and giggling into the night was an invaluable experience. It was like a mini-ROI conference all over again!

If I had to offer someone advice on SXSW Interactive, it would be simple: Be inspired. Whether you’re attending a million sessions, hanging out and talking to random people, sharing drinks at one of the many sponsored outdoor events, or sharing a table over lunch, be inspired by those around you. Talk to them, hear their elevator pitch, make a connection. Go to the TradeShow and pick up as many tchotchkes as you can possibly tow, and speak to the representatives of as many brands as possible; you never know when a simple hello can lead to a partnership, whether professionally or personally. Listen, learn, interact, be open to new experiences and new technologies and new people. Be inspired, be innovative, and grow.