SXSW... AN EXPERIENTIAL MARKETER'S DREAM
South by Southwest (SXSW) is an annual conglomerate of film, interactive media, and music festivals and conferences that takes place mid-March in Austin, Texas. It began in 1987 and has continued to grow in both scope and size every year. With that said… it isn’t just about parties, showcases, free food and drinks!
It is a marketer’s dream! Agencies, brands, and other groups continue to bring their most ambitious experiential ideas to life at SXSW. Well-executed, thoughtful activations enhance the overall experience for attendees! For marketers exploring the brand track at SXSW, even if there weren’t tracks dedicated to exploring the topic of a brand’s higher purpose specifically, it could be felt in many conversations both onstage and off given both the political and cultural environment.
SXSW highlights some of the most inspired thinkers and industry leaders across 25 Tracks of SXSW-curated programming. It also provides a unique opportunity to explore the worlds of Interactive, Film, Music, and Comedy with screenings, showcases, podcast recordings, immersive exhibits, and networking experiences.
Not sold yet? Below are the top 10 reasons you should consider going next year!
CONTENT, CONTENT, CONTENT
SXSW Conference programming covers everything from “Brands & Marketing” to “Entertainment Influencers” to “Food” to “Health & MedTech” to “Social & Global Impact” — with this content delivered in a variety of compelling formats. To me, this is the most compelling! Content is key!CONVERGENCE
The vibrant mix of global professionals from the tech industry, film industry, music industry and various other sectors is unique to SXSW. No other event brings together so many kinds of people who are all so focused on creativity —offering so many opportunities for growth and advancement.INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKERS
From high-profile entrepreneurs to top-name musicians, world leaders and award-winning movie directors, some of the most compelling sessions at SXSW take place on the Keynote and Featured Speaker stage.FIND YOUR TRIBE
Find your current (or future) tribe at SXSW via an extensive selection of registrant-only Meet Ups. Meet “creatives” just like you!NETWORK
Here you have the chance to network with established voices (as well as up-and-coming talent) who can help you discover the top new ideas of tomorrow. The Featured Speaker Connection program that brings some of the event’s most prominent panelists to a more intimate audience has proven to be very popular with SXSW registrants.SXSW TRADE SHOW
This four-day expo spaces are home to hundreds of forward-focused companies and organizations from across the United States and around the world. Hundreds of exhibitors from around the world gave a glimpse of the future with cutting-edge technology from VR demonstrations to robotics.SXSW PITCH
Connect with some of the world’s most impressive founders in 10 different categories (ranging from “Artificial Intelligence” to “Transportation and Delivery”) at SXSW Pitch. If you are a start-up, this is the place for you!SXSW INTERACTIVE INNOVATION AWARD
Meet innovators with amazing new digital projects via the SXSW Interactive Innovation Awards. Stay on top of what’s new and what’s hot!SXSW FILM FESTIVAL
Showcases raw innovation and emerging talent from both behind and in front of the camera.SXSW MUSIC FESTIVAL
Includes nearly 2000 bands of all styles and genres performing in about 100 of the city’s top venues. Of course, it is about the music!
SXSW 2019 was filled with ample opportunity to explore, learn, discover, cut a rug, and leave inspired. If you didn’t get a chance to go this year, be sure you get ready to get your early bird rate starting at the end of this month.