SXSW (Austin, Texas) 🎫

This week we take you to SXSW in Austin, which kicks off in a couple of weeks (8-16th of March).  Stoked to have Josiah heading over to give us our first conference review. 

SWSW has become a cultural phenomenon, featuring established artists alongside up-and-comings acts, showcasing cutting-edge technology and hosting a lineup of impressive guests. This year is no different with the likes of The Black Keys, waterbaby, Rosario Dawson, Dara Khosrowshahi. Chunk D, Ada Limon, Jane Fonda and Dwyane Wade + sooo much more.

Year started: 1987

Yearly attendees: Approximately 300,000 in 2023

Nicknames: South By

Founders/Owners: Roland Swenson, Louis Jay Meyers, Louis Black, Nick Barbaro

Origin story: Began as a music festival showcasing local Austin talent and has evolved into a multi-faceted event encompassing film, interactive media, technology and education alongside music.

Who is the audience: Creative professionals and enthusiasts across various industries including film, music, technology, education, and culture.

Number of exhibitors: inn 2024 they’ll have 600 artists showcasing, 1600 sessions, 1176 showcases, 450 screenings, 84 special events, 69 activations and 8 exhibitions. 

Public or privately owned: Privately owned and operated by SXSW LLC.

Economic Impact: 

• 380 Million for the Austin economy. 

• Attendees spent an average of $225 on daily retail shopping

Sustainability efforts: SXSW implements various initiatives to reduce their environmental impact, including:

• Partnering with local businesses and vendors.

• Utilizing renewable energy sources.

• Encouraging waste reduction and recycling.

• Offering sustainable transportation options.

Famous performances/attendees: Over the years, SXSW has hosted countless renowned figures and witnessed iconic moments. Some notable examples include:

• Music: Radiohead, Beyoncé, Bruce Springsteen, Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar.

• Film: Quentin Tarantino, Richard Linklater, Wes Anderson, Ava DuVernay, Alfonso Cuarón.

• Interactive: Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Sheryl Sandberg, Jack Dorsey, Tim Cook.