Earlier this March SXSW came to Austin for its 40th year! From March 12th through 18th the downtown Austin area transformed into an engaging network of people, panels, and experiences for all to enjoy.
The week-long event featured panels with experienced professionals, CEOs, startup companies, content creators and actors to talk about their area of profession. SXSW focused on the growing industry of technology, culture, including the importance of Artificial Intelligence and how it has a role in the future of media and maintaining human connection.
It also featured interactive expos where badge holders could get free food, hear live music, and try new technology tools. Not to mention in the heart of downtown Austin the SXSW block party featured many brand booths and free rides in a Rivian. Come with me throughout my first experience at SXSW!
Born and raised in Austin, I grew up hearing about the different attractions of SXSW. While I knew it definitely meant more people and traffic throughout the city, it brought a lot of cool brands and ideas to explore. However, I always wondered what SXSW actually is? After some time spent, I took away that it essentially is a collection of knowledge coming from a variety of professionals with different experiences in fields from things like engineering to content creation and sharing that through panels. It also includes brands setting up booths or interactive events like the Rivian car rides, to give travelers and Austinites alike an unforgettable experience.
Being a UT student and a part of Texas Student Television, I had the opportunity to attend the first weekend of SXSW with a media badge. While I was taking notes, photos, and videos for my organization I also tried my best to utilize the opportunity in all the ways offered. I had access to the panels, expos, and got involved with the free events that were open to the public. I felt I was able to walk away with a new appreciation for the event that has come to my hometown for 40 years, and continues to connect people across a vast amount of interests.
Starting with the panels, after scheduling several through the SXSW website I was able to listen in on conversations about topics like AI and the media, how to maintain a consistent brand, how to grow a passion into a career, and making original work in a world of AI. I loved how much knowledge each panelist had with many speaking from their own experience of being CEOs of their company, have recently started their own company, or are in the realm of content creation.
My favorite one was led by the Good Mythical Morning hosts on Youtube, Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal. Speaking from their 10+ years of experience, they talked on how they were able to grow a show about being themselves into a life long career. They explained the process of starting a youtube channel and how partnering with brands created a future for the channel. It can be hard in starting out, but being able to connect the brand with something the audience can resonate with is important. Growing up watching the two, it was a surreal experience to walk away from.
While there is much to learn in the rooms of panels hosted at downtown Austin hotels, there was so much to see happening on the blocks down the city! With a media badge, I went into the Sao Paulo lounge which showcased live music, a free coffee bar, and VR for all to try. I was able to get a coffee and sit to enjoy the live music before my next panel.
An event open to all was the SXSW block party. Brands giving out free soda, beauty supplies, and SXSW swag took up areas outside the Paramount theatre. In the center of this, was the Rivian car rides, where attendees could take a joyride throughout the paved dirt track. Riding in one was full of twists and turns on the custom off-road course all while I learned about the time that went into the setup. My driver and all of the staff at the event were so helpful and excited to welcome people in!
While I only got to experience the first few days of SXSW I couldn’t be more excited to go again next year! I was able to see Austin in a new light and walk away with knowledge that I can apply to my interest in media. For more information on how you can experience the week-long festivities visit the SXSW website.