You may have noticed that #SXSW was a trending topic on Twitter for the whole of last week. Basically hoards of journalists, techies, musicians, and other conference regulars flew down south to Austin to attend the South by Southwest Interactive better known as SXSW.
Recognized as one of the largest festivals for technology and art, the annual five-day event has grown tremendously with over 72,000 attendees in 2016. Over the years, SXSW has been hyped as the Coachella of the Adtech industry, but why the HYPE? Whether you follow tech closely or consider yourself a newbie, are a trep (short for entrepreneur), an analyst, or developer, or just ready to launch your product within this tech hub, SXSW has a little something for everyone!! Not to mention all the music and fooooood. So much food.
Here are some of the highlights of SXSW 2017 in case you missed them:
CREATE & CULTIVATE: A SPACE DEDICATED TO WOMEN’S GROWTH & EMPOWERMENT IN VARIOUS INDUSTRIES
Create & Cultivate is the online platform and conference series geared toward women entrepreneurs in the digital world. They partnered with some of the best global brands creating a full day event of panels, networking opportunities, free food, and drinks as well as the chance to meet and hear some of the most influential female entrepreneurs and influencers.
The #createcultivatesxsw pop up included lifestyle, media, and tech brands such as La Croix, Dunkin Donuts, Brit & Co., and Nubian. And there were a ton of cool speakers including Create & Cultivate founder Jaclyn Johnson, actresses Kristen Bell and Sophia Bush, and comedians Hannah Hart and Mamrie Hart.
CALL TO CURING CANCER
Two years ago, Former Vice President Joe Biden lost his son, Beau, to brain cancer. At SXSW, Biden made a passionate and tearful speech asking tech companies to get more involved in research geared towards finding a cure. The real question is – why isn’t this already more of a thing?
PLANNED PARENTHOOD IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Last month, Tumblr donated $80,000 to Planned Parenthood. At SXSW, in partnership with Tumblr, Planned Parenthood made the most noise by hosting a HUGE rally. Almost 2,000 people waited in line to participate, while 13,000 more RSVP’d to hear music and speeches in support of the organization. Both the organizations also urged Twitter users to share their Planned Parenthood stories and lend support through the #TechStandsWithPP hashtag.
SNAPS FROM 25,000 FT ABOVE
You may not have heard about Cory Richards and Adrian Ballinger, who endured treacherous weather conditions and scary Oxygen levels while climbing Mount Everest. The two adventure junkies had their priorities right by documenting their journey via first-rate Snapchat footage. The footage led them to become social media sensations and the pair attended SXSW discussing their trip, fame, and their next Everest climb collaborating with Snapchat under the hashtag #EverestNoFilter. Prettttttty cool (pun intended).
SELF DRIVING CARS: ARE THEY THE FUTURE?
The concept of self driving cars was still in ideating stages at the last SXSW. However, flash forward to this year’s event, and self-driving cars proved to be huge crowd pullers. Companies like NIO Eve and EP9 were major attractions. The Eve, expected to launch in 2020, can fit five people and can free you up to do other things while “driving”. We’re not sure how we feel about this one. What do you think?
FEMALE MUSICIANS & ACTS THAT KICKED ASS AT SXSW
SXSW has always been a place where super-talented, super-cool, lesser-known women artists can perform and showcase their talent. Among the talented ladies this year were TEI SHI , GIRL POOL, NONAME, BIBI BOURELLY, JAMILA WOODS !! 💕
Did you keep tabs on the events at SXSW? Share with us your favorite moments from the week long festival/conference!
(Feature Image: @LaCroix )
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