Welcome to our special blog series on the South by Southwest Interactive conference. We put an iPad in the hands of one of our copywriters traveling to the event in the hopes that he will use it for good, and not just a place to set his drink. Let's see what happens together...

Here we are, the weekend before the main event and this SXSW rookie is getting the big game jitters. I'm being sent to Austin - along with @DTKoontz, @SamSchill and @Mr_TT, aka "Three Guys from Iowa" - to learn the latest from leaders in interactive and rub elbows with the world's coolest nerds.

Still on my to-do list:

• Write a blog entry on prepping for SXSW.
• Download a new version of Angry Birds for the plane ride.
• Download Dramamine for the plane ride.
• Load up my iPad with respectable apps.
• Buy my first luggage like an adult.
• Pack that luggage.

Using this handy SXSW first-timers tip list as my guide, I feel like I'm ready to hit the ground running (or stair stepping, as it sounds like Austin is known for some funky footpaths). Still a little leery of flying down to Texas - especially considering last time I flew my plane went off the runway - but when the boss says, "Hey, you're going to SXSW!", you're going to SXSW.

I've put together a tentative itinerary - trying to piece together the most useful sessions for our clients and to my personal benefit. Early highlights on the scheduling wish list include a mobile marketing ag session feat. Iowa's own Meredith Corporation team and @nathantwright, a writer's creativity exercise feat. Bob Coudal and a talk from the mastermind behind The Oatmeal. Plenty of contingency panels penciled in, just in case rooms fill up early.

Watch for more live blogging coming from the conference when the real deal begins. SXSW, here we come.

~Corey Johnson (@heycoreyj)