MARKETING

AT SXSW
2019 Overview
M ARCH 8 - 1 7 , 2 0 1 9
SXSW
was established
in 1987 to help
creative people
achieve their
goals.
In 2018, SXSW empowered 432,500
people from 102 countries with a
platform for achievement, inspiration
and discovery.

Learn more about the history of SXSW

photo credit JEALEX Photo / Getty Images

 SXSW CONFERENCE

Participate.
Learn. Network.
“You know a technology has arrived when
SXSW adds a new track celebrating it.”
– Fast Company

The SXSW Conference features 20+

different tracks that prove
the most unexpected discoveries happen
when diverse topics and
people come together.
2,147 Sessions
4,967 Speakers
75,098 Attendees

See all Conference Tracks

Amy E. Price
 SXSW FESTIVALS

Interactive.
Music. Film.
Comedy.
In addition to its conference,
SXSW is known for its four
festivals: Interactive, Music,
Film and Comedy

See Festival info

Nicole Burton
 INTERACTIVE FESTIVAL

Discovery
by day.
Networking
at night.
The SXSW Interactive Festival
provides a variety of compelling
evening networking experiences
that complement the many
learning opportunities at the
SXSW Conference.

727 Official Parties & Events

Explore the Interactive Festival

Bryce Williams
FILM FESTIVAL

Raw
Innovation.
Emerging Talent.
The SXSW Film Festival has become
known for the high caliber and diversity
of films presented, and for its smart,
enthusiastic audiences.
Running the length of SXSWeek,
Film Festival attendees can connect with
tech and music industry experts for an
unparalleled experience.
174 Shorts
139 Features
145 World Premieres
72,872 Attendees

Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images

Explore the Film Festival
 MUSIC FESTIVAL
The
Destination
for Music
Discovery
Every year, the SXSW Music
Festival is the most influential
music industry event in the world.

2,057 Performing Acts.

569 International Performing Acts.
66 Countries Represented.
161,000 Attendees.

Explore the Music Festival

Diego Donamaria
 COMEDY FESTIVAL
Standup.
Improv. Sketch.
Podcasts. Panels.
Parties.
“Comedy is an increasingly large and visible
part of the South by Southwest experience.
This feels in keeping with SXSW’s idea of
convergence (or thinking of it as one big
cultural festival) — comedy has something
for everyone, be they here for film, music or
interactive.”
– My Statesman from Austin
American-Statesman

Explore the Comedy Festival

Tina Rataj
SXSW
Some2017
SXSW
2018 Highlights
“The respect for artistry is still real and
deeply felt at SXSW.”
– Ad Age

“The 10-day event, in which more than

70,000 registered attendees explored
various entertainment disciplines —
film, television, music and interactive
entertainment — has always had a
rebellious spirit, be it celebrating
underground music or disruptive
technologies.”
– Los Angeles Times

“The South by Southwest Festival is a

convergence of the music, tech, and film
industries. It’s where the greatest creative
minds in the country go to view each
other’s work, network, and collaborate on
future projects.”
– Refinery 29

credits, l to r: Diego Donamaria, Amy E. Price, Kit McNeil, Matt Winklemeyer, Merrick Ales, Merrick Ales
 SXSW 2018 Demographics
AGE GENDER ORGANIZATION YEARS EMPLOYER / # OF EMPLOYEES
<21 1% Male 52% IN BUSINESS LARGE BUSINESS (500+) 38%
21-24 6% Female 47% 21% of Participating Organizations SELF-EMPLOYED &/OR A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER
25-34 37% Other <1% Identify as a Startup (UNDER 50 EMPLOYEES) 35%
35-44 31% SMALL BUSINESS (OVER 50 & UNDER 250) 19%
45-54 18% 1–5 100+
24% 10% MEDIUM BUSINESS (OVER 250 AND UNDER 500) 8%
55-64 6%
65+ 1% 51–100
6–10 PURCHASING POWER AT WORK
14% 12% None $100,000+

EMPLOYMENT STATUS 21–50 21% 28%

11–20
73% Employed 22%
18% Under $50,000–
$1,000 $99,000
20% Self-Employed or Freelancer 13% 5%
5% Student $1,000– $10,000–
2% Not Employed WORK RESPONSIBILITIES $9,999 $49,000
20% 13%
27% Management
ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE 23% Creative Development DECISION MAKING POWER
WITHIN THE ORGANIZATION
70% For Profit 17% Something Else HAVE A HAND IN MANY DECISIONS 28%
11% Public Sector 15% Sales / Marketing DECISION-MAKER FOR MY
26%
SPECIFIC DEPARTMENT
10% Non-Profit 10% Business Development ULTIMATE DECISION-MAKER 24%
5% Education 8% Communications / PR HAVE A HAND IN SOME DECISIONS 17%
4% B Corporation NOT IN A DECISION-MAKING POSITION 5%
 SXSW 2018 Demographics
BUSINESS GOALS 78% U.S. ATTENDEES SXSW ATTENDEES
FOR ATTENDING SXSW BY REGION
UNITED STATES 75%
67% Find New Business Opportunities
18% Pacific INTERNATIONAL 25%
49% Connect with Existing Clients 2% Mountain
TOP 20 COUNTRIES
16% Seek Employment/Contract Work 1% West North Central (94 COUNTRIES REPRESENTED)

12% Seek Investors

26% West South Central United Kingdom Finland
10% Hire Talented People Canada Denmark
5% East North Central Mexico Netherlands
10% Launch a New Product or Service Brazil Germany
5% Invest in New Companies
1% East South Central Austria Ireland
Belgium Turkey
2% New England
Spain China
13% Mid-Atlantic France Japan
TOP 20 PARTICIPATING INDUSTRIES Norway Republic of Korea
IN DESCENDING ORDER­­ 7% South Atlantic Sweden Australia
Marketing/Advertising Design
Film/Television Government
Music Consumer Goods 2%
Education Web/Internet Services
Computer Technology Event Services 18%
Press/Media Digital Entertainment 13%
1%
Non-Profit Legal Services 2% 5%
Health/Wellness Food & Beverages 7%
Computer Service Gaming/Games
1%
Financial Services Apparel & Fashion 26%
 SXSW SPONSORSHIP

Align with SXSW at the highest level

Jordan Hefler
SXSW
SXSW
2017
Sponsorship
SXSW Sponsorships deliver the greatest
marketing impact, aligning brands with
SXSW leading up to, during, and after
the events. The SXSW sponsorship team
offers valuable support and guidance to
develop a custom program to fit your
brand’s needs.

SXSW WORKS WITH SPONSORS TO:

• Reach target demographics by honing activation
approach
• Integrate sponsor products and offerings
• Achieve marketing objectives and amplify sponsor
initiatives
• Garner the attention of thousands of influential
industry tastemakers and press figures while
influencing tens of thousands of consumers
• Align with SXSW in international marketing
campaigns

Learn more about Sponsorship Opportunities

credits, l to r: Jordan Hefler, Waytao Shing Leticia Smith, Jordan Hefler, Jordan Hefler, Leticia Smith
 SXSW PROMOTIONAL
OPPORTUNITIES

Promote your brand through an

array of custom opportunities

Aaron Rogosin
SXSW
Promotional
2017
Opportunities
SXSW offers businesses and
organizations–large or small–
opportunities to get in front of
creative, highly educated early
adopters. With official events
and exhibitions, you’ll be able to
reach your target audience to get
exceptional results.

BY MARKETING AT SXSW,
YOUR BRAND CAN:
• Target a specific industry or demographic
• Showcase a new product or service
• Reach thousands of influencers, media outlets, and
consumers while making strong B2B connections
• Host a custom activation or activate within an
official event
• Increase engagement

Learn more about Promotional Opportunities

credits, l to r: Jordan Hefler, Diego Donamaria, Aaron Rogosin, Lisa Hause, Dylan Johnson, Merrick Ales
 Promotional
Opportunities
The following opportunities are a few
ideas of what’s possible with SXSW.

BRANDING
• Printed items
• Digital items
• Transportation
• Advertising

EVENTS & ACTIVATIONS

• Lounges
• Awards & Stages Sponsorships
• Interactive Festival Events & Parties
• Film Festival Events & Parties
• Music Festival Events & Parties
• Private Events

EXHIBITIONS
• Printed Guides
• Exhibition Opportunities
• Stage Sponsorships

Contact us to speak with a SXSW representative

credits, l to r: Merrick Ales, Merrick Ales, Merrick Ales, Merrick Ales, Merrick Ales, Randy & Jackie Smith
 SXSW EXHIBITIONS

Connect and network

with your target audience

Judy Won
 SXSW
SXSW
2017
Exhibitions
In addition to its conference and festivals,
SXSW hosts numerous, world-class
exhibitions.

SXSW TRADE SHOW

The all-encompassing exhibition for creative industries
within Interactive, Film, Music, and more

FLATSTOCK
The world’s top gig posters and artists

SXSW MARKETPLACE
One big pop-up shop for fashion, art, and more at the
center of SXSW

SXSW WELLNESS EXPO

Fueling minds, bodies, and souls through the growing
wellness industry

GAMING EXP0
The hub of gaming culture at SXSW

STARTUP SPOTLIGHT
Highlighting one-one-one connections with promising startups

Learn more about Exhibition Opportunities

credits, l to r: Samanth Burkardt, Laura Lindley, Laura Lindley, Nicky Lochman, Merrick Ales, Matt Bradford, Randy & Jackie Smith
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QUESTIONS? CONTACT US FOR
MORE INFORMATION. [email protected]

Merrick Ales