Destination El Paso taking part in SXSW
More than 350-thousand people from 89 countries is the type of exposure businesses and companies alike receive at the South by Southwest (SXSW) convention expo.
SXSW is best known for its conference and festivals that celebrate the convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries. The event, an essential destination for global professionals, features sessions, showcases, screenings, exhibitions, and a variety of networking opportunities.
City Representative, Peter Svarzbein is attending this years event and said it is a great tool for El Paso to utilize.
“It is about being aggressive and being proactive and being at a place where people are looking for the next big thing,” Svarzbein said. “Where people are looking for places to invest. It is important and necessary for us to be there.”
Destination El Paso is leading the charge and will be in control the El Paso Showcase on the ground floor, but it will not come cheap. The expo space for a span of 3 days will cost $40,000 and $110,000 total. The rest of the money will go toward expenses such as travel, marketing materials and the showcase itself.
The city and county will split this cost evenly, and pay for it with hotel occupancy tax revenues. But regardless of the price, Destination El Paso Spokesman Byan Crowe said an event like this is one that can’t be missed.
“Being able to attract additional tourists and conferences and meetings, being able to attract film makers and other artists,” Crowe said. “This is the world showcase for that setting, and I think it is great that El Paso is going to be there this coming month.”
Destination El Paso will be there from March 9-10, while the festival itself will begin on March 10, and last until the 19th.
