1. Brand Integration of the Day
UBER Pedicabs
Uber is a convenience cab service that allows consumers to request a cab
via SMS or App. It’s an extremely efficient service that allows you to track
vehicles by GPS. Uber enabled a large group of Pedicabs (Bicycles with
two-person carrying carts attached to back) and sent them out through
the packed streets of Austin during SXSW festival.
Insight
Pedicabs rule SXSW. Uber realized this and instead of bringing more
exhaust to the space with cabs, they connected to the Pedicab scene in
Austin. Fun and smart.
2013

2. Vibe of the Day: Sunglasses
Summary
Yep, the sun is finally out at SXSW. Despite the excitement over the past
couple of days, the weather has been downright gloomy. Today is
different. Today it’s shadesville. And we’re not talking your traditional
Ray-Bans. No color of plastic frames has been left unturned. Branded
sunglass giveaways galore have hit the streets.
Insight
We all feel the mood the weather can have on groups. And the mood of a
large group can vastly alter the atmosphere at an event. Within the agency,
we’ve all noticed to energy that seems to flow from everywhere when the
sun is out, and similarly feel sapped when the sky is gray. People are
affected by weather at different levels, but we shouldn’t discount how it
might affect our creative process and energy we bring into our workday.
2013

3. My Awesome Event of the Day
A Conversation with MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow
Among other things, Rachel Maddow discussed her book, “Drift.” An
examination of how the way we go to war as both a country and a society
has changed in the past 30-40 years. It is not so much of a hassle
anymore. Our political leaders have made decisions that make use of force
easier and less controversial.
Insight
“We used to be a country that went to war. Now we are a country that
sends a military to war and we have very little to do with it.” - Rachel
Maddow
2013

4. Brand Integration of the Day
HBO/Game of Thrones
HBO’s Game of Thrones promoted its upcoming Season 3 premiere in a
variety of ways at SXSW. Unveiling limited edition Mondo posters, pedi-
cabs designed like the Iron Throne, meet-ups, and a 21st Century photo
booth where anyone (yes, even a guy in cargo shorts) could take their
rightful place on the Iron Throne. At least for a couple of minutes.
Insight
Obviously, there were plenty of GOT fans at SXSW. So HBO took full
advantage of this captive audience, allowing fans to fulfill their fantasy of
having a picture taken on the Iron Throne that was immediately emailed to
them (so they could share with all their friends), and printed out as a
souvenir. Also, it’s tough to look kingly in cargo shorts.
2013

5. Vibe of the Day
Summary
Pop culture is culture. Huge groups of people collect around relatively
simple things. The session “#catvidfest: Is This the End of Art?” dissected
how the Walker Art Museum staged #catvidfest and garnered 10,000
attendees, as well as international media attention. Maybe I shouldn’t use
“dissected” in a post about cat vids.
Insight
Austin360 summed it up this way: “Cultural institutions shouldn’t
underestimate the power of pop culture programming in bringing in
new audiences.” The insight: Neither should we.
2013

6. Brand Integration of the Day
Mashable
Mashable set up Mashable House, a tent across the street from the
Convention Center, where attendees could chill, connect, and most
importantly, meet their favorite internet memes. Like grumpy cat.
Insight
Mashable is a key source for staying current in online tech and
digital culture. Don’t be afraid to have fun with your True North.
2013

7. My Awesome Event of the Day
Grumpy Media Guy meets Grumpy Cat
Grumpy Cat live and in…”person”…was the runaway attraction of at least
the first two days of the show. So much win!
Insight
As I’ve heard Marshall say….guys…let’s not over-think this.
2013

8. Brand Integration of the Day
GroupMe
In somewhat of an ironic twist, the app I am using the most on this trip is
also feeding me. The GroupMe app has been bringing our C-K team
together daily here at SXSW, while their branded tent is bringing people
together over grilled cheese and beer.
Insight
The trend towards apps that bring people together physically is alive and
well at SXSW. It tends to quiet my cynicism that we would rather stare at a
screen than a face. GroupMe not only facilitates human connections with
their group texting, content sharing & location app, but have brought their
brand to life and their users together with comfort food. Nothing replaces a
meal with friends, an insight that wasn’t lost on GroupMe. Cheers.
2013

9. Awesome Event of the Day
Responsive Design at Every Angle
Emily Wengert VP, User Experience Huge, Jacob Surber Sr Prod Mgr HTML
Design Adobe, Sophie Shepherd Web Designer Happy Cog, Trent Walton
Founder Paravel discussed challenges they've faced as more of more projects
begin incorporating responsive design. From new processes, client education,
the relationship between developers and designers and the mobile-first debate,
the panel discussed how they have charted this new territory.
Insight
We are exploring the development of a responsive site for a client. One of the
biggest takeaways from this panel was the critical nature of the relationship
between developers & designers, side-by-side. Developers are getting more
creative. Designers are gaining code literacy. Wireframes are designed in
HTML. How does this work when your developers are outside of your agency?
Can that collaboration truly take place?
2013