Chevrolet Will Be In Full Force At South By Southwest 2013 #SXSW

If you’ve never heard of or been to South by Southwest (SXSW), then you’re missing out on one of the biggest opportunities to learn from, listen to, and interact with thought leaders in technology, music, and film… if that’s your thing, that is. And as luck good marketing strategy would have it, Chevrolet has been an active and proud sponsor of the conference, with SXSW 2013 being no exception. In fact, this will be the fourth consecutive year that Chevrolet will be the Official Ride of the Festivals as a Super Sponsor.

“We understand that connectivity drives creativity, so we hope to fuel attendees’ overall experiences by providing ways to stay engaged while on-the-go at South by Southwest,” said Chris Perry, U.S. vice president, Chevrolet Marketing.

Chevy has some convenient events, venues, and activities planned for the festival, which takes place March 8-17, including:

Catch A Chevy

SXSW registrants looking to discover the thousands of SXSW official events can use festival-favorite Catch A Chevy to navigate Austin’s busy streets in a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze Eco or Malibu at no cost. Chevrolet will have 50 vehicles hitting the streets of Austin between March 8–13 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and March 14–16 from 11a.m. to 8 p.m.

Festival-goers can find a ride near the entrance of the Austin Convention Center off Trinity between 3rd and 4th Streets or keep their eyes peeled for an empty Catch A Chevy on the street and flag the driver for a free lift to their next SXSW destination.

Drive A Chevy

For fans looking to catch a little wind in their hair, Drive A Chevy offers the opportunity to test drive a variety of Chevrolet vehicles, including the Camaro, Corvette, Equinox, Sonic, Spark and Volt.

Drive A Chevy will be available to attendees March 8–13 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and March 14–16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. near the entrance of the Austin Convention Center (4th Street and Trinity).

Find New Roads Lounge

Chevrolet’s Find New Roads Lounge, located in the Austin Convention Center, provides consumers a chance to recharge their devices and imagination. The lounge offers attendees opportunities to meet and mingle with their peers while plugging-in their devices.

The lounge will also enable attendees to stay up to date with social media trends and chatter being shared by fellow SXSW attendees.

Chevrolet Crossroads Lounge

Hit the brakes and take a moment to relax at Chevrolet’s newest SXSW location. The Chevrolet Crossroads Lounge will pop up at 6th Street and San Jacinto daily during the Music festival, offering consumers an oasis amidst the hustle and bustle with seating to relax, charging stations for mobile devices, and a chance to let loose while acting as DJ using the Chevrolet Sonic’s MyLink infotainment system to play their favorite tunes.

Staying Social

Chevrolet will also tap into festival-goers’ social sides by providing daily VIP upgrades, including access to private events, music wristbands and side stage platform passes at Auditorium Shores.

Festival-goers can win by registering and scanning at Chevrolet displays including the Find New Roads Lounge and Chevrolet Crossroads Lounge.

There are additional opportunities for attendees to receive giveaways by checking-in at Chevrolet events using Foursquare and joining the conversation via social media using @Chevrolet or #ChevySXSW.

Auditorium Shores Experience

Music is at the heartbeat of Austin and festival-goers will undoubtedly feel it while listening to their favorite bands perform at Auditorium Shores. The outdoor venue, SXSW’s largest stage, hosts an unmatched view of downtown Austin and a chance for music lovers to capture the moment with the help of Chevrolet.

Chevrolet will have a Camaro on site and available for photo opportunities with the stage and skyline in the background. Fans will be able to capture their photo and share it with friends and fellow music lovers using Chevrolet’s on-site photo sharing capabilities and using #ChevySXSW.

Tweethouse & Technology

Chevrolet Tweethouse returns to SXSW to host panels and parties that celebrate the Social Web and the people who are creating and evangelizing technologies that are defining the future.

This year’s event will take place on March 9 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop and features special session panelist, Brian Solis, and a musical performance from Mark Ballas. RSVP required with SXSW receiving priority access.

Additional panelists include Andrew Dinsdale, director, Chevrolet Digital and CRM, who will discuss how integrated campaigns can amplify a brand or person’s message, and Nick Pudar, vice president, OnStar Planning and Business Development, who will speak to the convergence of mobile devices and consumers’ overall experience with a brand or product.

Chevrolet will continue the conversation on leading-edge technology by displaying a Chevrolet Spark equipped with the newest in-vehicle infotainment system MyLink and technology during the SXSW Trade Show. The trade show takes place March 10–13 and is located at the Austin Convention Center in Exhibit Halls 3 and 4.

The GM Authority Take

Given GM’s continuous effort to bring increased levels of high technology, connectivity, and convenience to its vehicles, SXSW presents the perfect opportunity to not only communicate those efforts to thought leaders and influencers, but to also learn form and interact with the pioneers of the high-tech and creative arenas.

Besides communicating its efforts to improve it infotainment systems, or plans to integrate 4G LTE connectivity into its vehicles, The General can also also show off its products to show-goers and attendees by allowing them to ride in and even drive Chevy vehicles. Seems like marketing money well-spent to us.