SXSW 2009 Registration is OPEN!

We're officially 7 months and 17 days away from South By Southwest 2009, so you know what that means... it's time to buy your badge and book your hotel.

Prices have gone up again this year. Instead of the $500 early-bird special, it's now $550 for a Music Festival badge. Downtown hotels, on the other hand, seem to be somewhat reasonable (approx. $200/night), especially if you're sharing.

This is the first year I've registered early enough to request a room in the downtown Hilton (right by the convention center), and I'll be beyond psyched if I actually get a room there.

So who else is going?