SXSW is just around the corner so no better time than now to plan your panels, parties and people to meet. Also, these guides will help you deal with life’s most vexing problems like where do I go for barbecue and does anyone have a room to rent or a couch?

The official fist-timers guide to SXSW by the show’s organizers.

GSD&M’s SXSW SXSurvival Guide contains a series of boards they’ve assembled on Pinterest ranging from Weird Austin to Daytrips to Eats and Parties. It’s a comprehensive look at what’s in store complete with countdown clock – only 16 days until SXSW kicks off.

For startups, The Capital Factory has created the most comprehensive list of SXSW events for founders and entrepreneur-wannabes with “The Ultimate Startup Guide to SXSW 2012”

Omar L. Gallaga with the Austin American Statesman has covered SXSW for years and his coverage is always stellar. Already, he has reported several blog posts on the conference.

Since 2000, SXSW Baby has been the unofficial weblog of all things SXSW. Definitely worth visiting throughout the conference to find out what’s happening.