I just spent the about a week at the most creative place in the world–SXSW or South by Southwest™.  The cool people just call it “South By.”  It’s an annual conference held in Austin, Texas where creative people from all over the world convene to congregate, network, and learn.  It’s divided up into three parts:  interactive, music, and film.  Attendance comes at a steep price tag, but I was lucky to attend having been sent by the company I work for.

During the event, there are literally hundreds of presentations, panel discussions, and mentor sessions covering all kinds of topics.  I attended about 20 over the course of four days.  South By even draws major celebrity talent like Bruce Springstein, JayZ, Nick Cannon, and Rainn Wilson.  Although I don’t watch The Office, I couldn’t help but be curious about what goes on inside Rainn’s brain—which was the title of his presentation:  What Goes on Inside Rainn Wilson’s Brain.  His was the only celebrity-paneled presentation that I went to.

Some of the mini seminars I attended covered topics like:  B2B Advertising, Staying Creative, Designing for Your Audience, Being Super Better, Connecting to Your Customers, Photocamp, Branding, Product Plots and Launches.  All the information was overly stimulating and at sometimes overwhelming, but I came away with lots of great ideas that I can’t wait to implement at work.

The presentations are spread out all over downtown Austin.  While a good majority were in the Convention Center, I often had to walk blocks, sometimes miles to get to the next presentation.  This was right up my alley.  South By was an experience that has rejuvenated and empowered my skill and imagination.  I hope to repeat the experience next year.  Here’s my favorite picture from the trip:

Austin, TX:  Congress Avenue During SXSW

Austin, TX: Congress Avenue During SXSW

 

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san antonio wedding photographers ata-girl photography since 2010I started Ata-Girl Photography Co. in 2010 and I am one of the premier San Antonio wedding photographers who is available for local and destination weddings. In addition to wedding photography, I also specialize in high school seniors and family portraits in San Antonio and the surrounding areas. I am a professional photographer who enjoys documenting the important milestones and captivating moments in people’s lives. I firmly believe that the unique set of circumstances I have faced in life has prepared me to take a personal and genuine interest in my photography clients. When I’m not photographing a wedding, family or high school senior, I enjoy watching my daughter play softball, hiking, cycling and listening to Elvis!