SXSW Marketing News

To kick-start the new year, airlines in the U.S. and around the world have slashed airfares making travel to SXSW ridiculously cheap from lots of places. Airfares under $300 are commonplace online and travel from Los Angeles to Austin can be had for as low as $218. Fare sales like this usually don’t last long so don’t hesitate to make your SXSW plans.

Register now and take advantage of the discount badge price (before January 16th), inexpensive hotels (outside downtown), and cheap airfares (while they last).

More than 35,000 people in the United States and around the globe read the the SXSW in-house magazine SXSWORLD. Doesn't your company, product or service want to reach this influential readership? If so, there is still time to introduce your brand to these creative decision-makers through advertising in one or more of the upcoming issues of this publication. Advertise in one of the two issues that come out in March plus the May issue at the 3x discount rate and receive the second March issue for only $400. This offer only valid when purchasing a companion ad in the SXSW Interactive / Film / Music Program/Directory. Click here for more information on advertising rates -- or just e-mail Katie King for details. Katie can also give you information on all other 2009 marketing options.

Getting your message into the hands of SXSW registrants has never been easier. Just put a super cool and functional insert into our Conference Big Bags. CD samplers, keychains, sunscreen and lip balms can be customized with your company's information and distributed to our attendees through the commemorative Big Bags. SXSW registrants are happy to receive these promotional items and increase your company's brand exposure with each use.

To make things even easier, we also have a turn-key solution available. Simply pick an item from our list of premium inserts, send us your artwork and we take care of the rest. Don't fuss with price comparisons and multiple shipping costs when we have already handled all of that for you. Contact sales@sxsw.com for more information, but hurry, as the ordering deadline for these inserts is January 21.

Click here for a description of each Premium Insert available.

We'd like to welcome back the folks from Armed Forces Entertainment, who've been participating in SXSW for the past few years and are coming back to join us in 2009. They're a lot hipper than the name might imply... think a contemporary USO that books artists from Kid Rock and the Gin Blossoms to up-and-coming bands they meet at South by Southwest to tour around the world. Melissa Welch gives us an update.
Photo: Stephen Kellogg

1. Tell us a little about Armed Forces Entertainment. You guys offer a great service to new artists. Fill us in.

We have the coolest job in the world. We get to work with some of the most talented up-and-coming artists in the US. We scout them, select them, and book them to tour around the world to perform and bring a piece of home to our troops serving overseas.

2. Who are some of the bands you consider success stories? Any that you've found at SXSW?

There are so many. The one that comes to the top of my mind is Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers — they are awesome. A really good mix of alternative rock/Americana. We hooked up with them last year when they were playing a SXSW showcase at the Thirsty Nickel. They are traveling to Europe to play for our troops in March 2009.

3. Where are some of the most intriguing places you've taken bands? Any crazy stories?

We have taken bands to some of the coolest places in the world, from the Egyptian pyramids to Honduras to the Middle East. Bands get to experience the culture of each location where they perform, get to meet the locals, tour the sites. And, well, as for stories, we have a saying: "What happens on an Armed Forces Entertainment tour, stays on the tour." Really, it's one the most incredible experiences a rising artist can have, trust me. I toured with a Chicago-based band, Hello Dave, to the Middle East. That tour ranks up there as one the best memories of my life.

4. How do bands get on board with you?

All they need to do is go to www.armedforcesentertainment.com and click on tour with us. The application is easy to navigate, but does require an EPK. So artists need to have their promo photos, MP3s, video and biographies ready to upload.

5. What music do you all listen to in the office?

Hmm...you name it. John Mayer, Nina Simone, Pat Green, Jack Johnson, Little Wayne, Ludacris, Beatles, Norah Jones, Kid Rock, Kings of Leon, Dave Matthews, Charlie Robison, My Morning Jacket, Cake, Virginia Coalition, Urban Sophisticates, Five Star Iris, Subrosa Union.

After the holidays, be on the lookout for your February issue of SXSWorld magazine. The preview edition will be packed with what to expect at SXSW 09. SXSWorld is how to get the edge with the latest announcements before the event and details on already confirmed participants.

Bone up on Germany's Reeperbahn Festival, past and present. Get the latest Quincy Jones news before seeing his music keynote in March. Have a taste of the film programming with interviews from directors Todd Haynes and Richard Linklater and an expose on the opening night film I Love You, Man. Also, look for profiles on Sam Altman, co-founder and CEO of Loopt.com, Rachel Bussel of food blog Cupcakes Take the Cake and Linda Kaplan Thaler, author of New York Times bestseller The Power of Nice. Plus, check out which companies are confirmed for the Film, Interactive and Music Trade Shows as well as updates on the Texas Guitar Show and Austin Record Convention.

There's still time to get your ad in the preview edition of SXSWorld! Contact sales@sxsw.com before January 7, 2009. Interested in an ad package? Ask about the latest ad special!

Top: Richard Linklater

When should you book your hotel for SXSW 2009? “Now” – says web pundit Arianna Huffington while plugging SXSW on “The Daily Beast” (December 15th). According to the doyen of bloggers: Music “rocks” and Film “rolls” but she gives big love to Interactive “where the coolest of the creative kids hang.” The woman knows whereof she speaks. There are lots of great hotel rooms still available for all three events – even a few Hilton rooms left during Interactive/Film. See the complete list at sxsw.com/hotels.

The Film and Interactive Trade Show is a hotbed for networking and is the place to meet face-to-face with the digital creatives at SXSW.

Visit the newly-launched exhibitor pages for intel on who will be there in March. Exhibiting companies include Associated Content, Empressr, Google, Linkworth and Serverbeach.

To learn more about how your company can recruit, promote or educate from the trade show floor, please contact Katie King.

Photo courtesy of Jenn Soto.

It has come to our attention that a company called Expo Guide is sending out misleading mailings. SXSW is in no way affiliated with Expo Guide, nor with Fair Guide, who engages in similar practices. Please read all incoming mailings asking for your data update in exhibitor listings/directories/fair or expo guides etc. very carefully, the small print in particular! Without realizing, you may be entering into an contract in which you agree to annual fees or other charges in exchange for a listing in the guide.

StopECG has published basic advice here:
www.stopecg.org/expo-guide.htm

We would like to welcome first time exhibitors in the Music Trade Show, Robertson Taylor Insurance Brokers. Representing one of the first companies to sign up for the upcoming '09 show, Mark Shore of Robertson Taylor is very eager to interact with the registrants, play some softball and have a great time at SXSW. Oh, and we are in total agreement regarding the treatment of french fries...

1. Tell us a bit about Robertson Taylor Insurance.

Robertson Taylor Insurance Brokers are a leader in the Entertainment Insurance industry. We insure many of the major touring bands in the world today.

2. What made you guys decide to exhibit at SXSW 09?

We thought that since we work with many clients in the music industry SXSW would be a great why to reach industry insiders who may need our expertise.

3. You are extremely excited about the SX Softball Tournament. Where does all this enthusiasm come from? A long history of softball playing perhaps?

I do play softball often as I am in a few leagues. I also umpire games for Los Angeles Municipal Sports. The SXSW Softball Tournament gives me (The weekend athlete) a chance to be on the field and compete for the title of champion. At 45 years old I only have a few games left in my body. LOL!!

4. Is there anyone in your office that gets picked on for their taste in music? If so, why?

I do some times. I like a lot of RAP and Hip Hop with some Sinatra mixed in.

5. I recently learned that there are many schools of thought regarding which condiments belong on a hamburger. Do you have an opinion on the subject?

Burgers need mustard, ketchup, lettuce, tomatoes and extra pickles are a must. By the way fries need a mustard and ketchup mix for dipping.

And we just live in it. Celebrating the creative and dynamic industries that come together at SXSW, SXSWorld Magazine covers what's happening in the Interactive, Film and Music worlds.

Filled with compelling stories, profiles and news, SXSWorld is also an ideal advertising vehicle by getting your brand out before, during and after the festival to the thousands of key influences who attend SXSW. The next issue is set to drop in early February - reserve your space today by contacting Katie King.