Why SXSW Is An Ideal Event for Live Production

If you work in the media industry or tech sector, chances are you circle the dates for SXSW in your calendar every year. And rightfully so. South By draws in big name players across a multitude of industries – tech, film, television, music and even government. The 2-week festival is an ideal meeting spot for influencers from all different backgrounds. For brands and media companies, SXSW is an ideal event to host a live video production. You have a wide range of subjects you can cover and access to celebrity talent and media personalities. Not to mention the fact that it draws in tens of thousands of attendees annually, giving you instant access to potential viewers.

Let’s take a closer look.

Access to Guests for Your Live Productions

SXSW draws in a lot of high-profile celebrities. From actors and musicians to CEOs and even former Vice Presidents. If you’re looking to produce live programming at SXSW, there is a huge pool of celebrity talent to pull from. This makes it easier for content producers – and, specifically, talent bookers – to book recognizable guests and line up interviews. For any brand or media company looking to produce programming, lining up key talent is a big step towards producing impactful content.

Access to Brands for Co-Sponsoring Your Live Production

In addition to a diverse pool of talent – and attendees – SXSW also draws in a wide range of brands. Big companies like Twitter, Pandora and Google to smaller start-ups and non-profits. If you’re looking to produce live programming at SXSW, there are lots of opportunities to partner with complimentary brands who can contribute to – and enhance – your programming. Finding a co-sponsor can help lessen your production expenses while broadening your audience and reach.

Access to All Encompassing Content for Your Live Production

South By touches a wide range of industries, making it easier for almost any brand or media company to find relevant content that will resonate with their viewers. Broadcast Management Group produced 3 days of live programming for Mashable at SXSW in 2017, and we were able to produce SXSW-specific content that perfectly complimented the Mashable brand. Each daily program featured interviews with actors, musicians and politicians, as well as various tech segments showcasing some of the latest technology that was on display at SXSW. All of which fit perfectly into Mashable’s focus on pop culture and technology.

Instant Access to an Audience

SXSW draws in around 100,000 attendees, giving you instant access to a huge amount of potential viewers. Add onto that at-home viewers watching your live stream and the impressions can add up fast, greatly impacting your brand recognition and contributing to your ROI. All it takes is a small gathering of people to draw attention and generate buzz. If you’re able to secure big name talent, it would be easy to sell out a venue and maximize your viewership.