Austin, TX, a city renowned for its creativity and innovation set the stage for Impact XM’s first Behind the Brands Experience Crawl. Across several unique stops, we connected with influential brand leaders, explored iconic spaces, and uncovered insights into partnerships, engagement strategies, and results-driven activations.
In this recap, we’ll take you behind the scenes of our stops at SXSW, Austin FC, and Warm Audio to showcase how these brands are driving meaningful connections and delivering measurable results.
SXSW: Decoding the Festival’s Partnership Power
Our journey began with a deep dive into SXSW’s transformation from a local event to a global cultural force. Peter Lewis, Chief Partnerships Officer at SXSW, shared how the festival’s commitment to creativity and collaboration has fueled its growth and how carefully curated partnerships enhance the attendee experience.
With the Austin Convention Center undergoing renovations, SXSW is embracing a decentralized campus model, reshaping the festival landscape to foster collaboration and maximize engagement. Local leaders, including Visit Austin’s Tiffany Dixon Kerr, emphasized how this evolution is turning Austin into a premier destination for brand activations.
Austin FC: Building Partnerships and Driving Value
At Q2 Stadium, home of Austin FC, we explored how the club’s innovative sponsorship model creates value for partners like Dell and Intel. From exclusive C-suite experiences to data-driven campaign tracking, the partnership strategies showcased how Austin FC delivers impactful, measurable results.
Keegan Sandman of Dell highlighted how their stadium activations seamlessly integrate with broader marketing initiatives. These successful partnerships have expanded beyond the stadium to other major events, illustrating how brands can leverage these relationships for long-term success.
Warm Audio: Crafting Connections Through Creativity
We wrapped up our experience at Warm Audio, where co-founder Aubrey Young shared how the brand has built a thriving community through authenticity. From legendary artists using their gear to intimate jam sessions in their studio, Warm Audio creates spaces for genuine connections and meaningful collaborations.
Their approach blurs the lines between B2B and B2C, proving that creating a personal touch can strengthen business relationships and build brand loyalty. The visit underscored how innovative spaces, like their studio, can serve as hubs for creativity and connection.
Conclusion:
The Behind the Brands Austin Experience Crawl offered an exclusive look into how Austin’s most innovative brands are redefining engagement through creativity, collaboration, and strategic metrics. From behind-the-scenes insights to hands-on workshops, the day was packed with inspiring moments and actionable takeaways.
If you enjoyed reading about this journey, stay tuned for details on our future Experience Crawls, where you can join us for more unforgettable opportunities to connect, learn, and grow. Ready to take the next step? Connect with us today to explore how Impact XM can help elevate your brand and secure your spot in one of these exclusive experiences.