SXSW: The New Frontier For Creatives

"SXSW is where the future hatches." -SF Chronicle.

The Hotbed For Creatives

SXSW was started in 1987 as a way to fill the void of isolation that the TX independent music scene felt from the rest of the world. Over the last decade it has become the goto destination for creative people and the companies they work with to develop their careers, also to be the bridge of communication with creatives from all over the world to meet and share ideas.

SXSW has developed events, trade shows, and festivals in the following niches:

-Film

-Music

-Gaming

-Interactive

-Eco

The demographics that they serve are second to none as well:

-39% ages 31-40

-82% Industry execs

-35% household income of $100K-$150K

-33% have a purchasing power of $1000K or more

-39% have a job function in the creative field

Multi-Wide Industry Impact

SXSW has had a multi-fold impact on the industry, for example Twitter was first launched at SXSWi. Twitter has gone on to impact every industry as a communication tool for brands and individuals.

They make this level of impact because , according to Josh Jones-Dilworth, who has worked on SXSW’s PR and serves on the SXSW Accelerator advisory board. “If anything, SXSW-goers are marketing-averse, super-savvy and able to triage credibility (or lack thereof) with a sniff.”

This multi-industry experience is  craving for the next big thing and that alone sets the tone for more innovation.

My Strategic Postioning

As a creative entrepreneur that is offering branding and consulting services to these creative-types positioning myself among the creative elite would be a giant step in the right direction.

 The events that attract the creatives that I would serve the best would be involved in Film, Music or Interactive events. 

One of the things I will do is to begin to is sign up for their newsletter and also connect with them on their social network channels to stay up to date with the latest happenings.

What are your thoughts?

• How can positioning your creative business or services at SXSW impact your product or services?