4 Ways to Prepare Your Company for SXSW 2014

A rousing mix of music, film, and technology, SXSW is an exciting venue to connect with your clients and build brand awareness. With solid event planning and a few fun, creative strategies, your company will stand out from the crowd and make a lasting impression.

Plan something fun.

With so many vendors and companies competing for the attention of SXSW attendees, you would be wise to swap put some conventional marketing and networking strategies and give your audience something to really look forward to. Host a party at an Austin venue and hand out fun promotional badges for entry. Give them access to your products and let them play. Create a friendly competition. Keep them engaged and you'll keep them coming back.

Go social.

You've snagged your space and planned your events. Now, let your social networks spread the word and create a buzz. Create an event with a check-in and allow guests to invite their friends and colleagues. Connect with partners or clients in and around Austin and collaborate on co-hosting an event using their office or other existing spaces. Share goals with your audience, and build suspense around products or services you plan to unveil at SXSW.

Promote, promote, promote!

While making a good first impression is vital, it is equally important that your potential clients or audience remember you after the show. Promotional products are an excellent means of making an impact after the fact. Small customized pieces like pens and magnets are handy to pass out or display on a tabletop. If that's a little conventional for your tastes, go all out and with larger items like customized electronics or personalized laptop bags. Halo laptop bags will definitely leave a lasting positive impression on potential clients. In fact, they actually offer a wide range of promotional products ready for your creative marketing.

Streamline with apps.

Making connections is crucial, but it is equally important to keep track and follow up. In an event as large as SXSW, that can prove challenging. Fortunately, there are several apps on the market that allow you to transfer virtual business cards and other information quickly and easily. Cardmunch, Bump, and Evernote are three such useful apps.

Attending SXSW in 2014 can help grow your business and create the brand awareness your company needs. Preparing for it with these four tips will help you be successful and make the most of the conference.