SXSW is an Important Festival…Utilize It!

If you are a part of the entertainment industry, and you have no clue what SXSW is, then you should exit immediately; do not pass “GO,” do not collect $200. But, for those of you who still need explaining, SXSW, or South by Southwest, is a ten-day annual festival held in Austin, TX that celebrates music, film, and technology. It is a great place to discover new things, and also to get your brand out there.

The interactive side of the festival boasts new technology from leaders of the industry and new comers trying to bust into the scene.  They offer “keynote presentations, panel sessions, book readings, meet ups, workshops and core conversations” to help inform those who are interested, and also hold a trade show to showcase new products and businesses.

The music part of the festival is host to thousands of musicians on 80 stages throughout downtown Austin. They, too, hold panel sessions to discuss topics of the music industry, such as touring, releasing an album, and much more. Artists from every genre of music come to SXSW to be heard. It is one of the largest music festivals in the United States.

The Dodos, "Sleep" at 2011 SXSW

The film festival, like any other film festival, debuts new films and offers conferences to discuss the films and learn new techniques. The festival has “invaluable networking opportunities and immersion into the art and business of the rapidly evolving world of independent film.”

This is a very important festival and conference for the entertainment industry, not only can you find great products and ideas, but you can meet great contacts. This will help to get any name or brand out there, no matter what section of the industry it is in. The festival offers an unlimited amount of opportunities to learn and became an expert of the trade.

Being in this competitive and intense industry, keeping up with the changing trends and techniques is a must. Utilizing a resource such as SXSW can build your expertise and confidence on the matter. Absorbing every bit of information that is thrown at you will help keep you ahead of the curve, and SXSW is just the place to soak up a few of those great ideas. Festivals like this are important to our industry and keep it lively.

Join the fun next year for SXSW 26^th anniversary happening March 9 – 18, 2012. There are always new things to learn as long as you’re willing.

For more information, check out SXSW's website --> here.

___

Resources:

http://mashable.com/tag/sxsw/

http://sxsw.com/home

http://music.aol.com/sxsw/