Mercedes-Benz And Smart Renew Cooperation With South By Southwest 2018

January 30, 2018 by Mercedes-Benz

Jan 30, 2018 -- Following the joint success of the first me Convention in Frankfurt last year, Mercedes-Benz and South by Southwest® (SXSW®) continue their partnership in 2018. At the SXSW Conference & Festivals in Austin, Texas from March 9-18, me Convention will be represented by a unique talk and event format as part of the Mercedes-Benz and smart sponsorship of SXSW in 2018.

The first me Convention, organized by Mercedes-Benz and South by Southwest (SXSW) in September 2017, was a kick-off event full of inspiration, innovation and new insights. Over three days, 150 speakers inspired more than 2,700 participants from over 35 countries to think about the future. This year the automotive manufacturer and the Texas event for the creative, digital and tech industries are extending their relationship and bringing the spirit of the me Convention to the USA.

In March, me Convention will transport its spirit and values to the context of the festival. At SXSW, participants will discuss relevant issues of the future, and me Convention will co-host the SXSW programmed content in the 'Intelligent Future Track' from March 9-15, 2018, in the Fairmont Hotel. It will also bring together the most exciting speakers across the events in a new format at the end of each day titled 'Mystery Talks by me Convention'. The topic of this daily presentation at Palm Park will be a surprise and only announced at short notice.

me Convention will also have additional activities at Palm Park, next to the Austin Convention Center. Participants will encounter the open culture of dialogue that was an important feature of the special atmosphere at the me Convention last fall in Frankfurt. In a progressive and interdisciplinary way, the activation will put the focus on community and inspiration. Livestreams, meet and greets with speakers, a food court, events such as yoga sessions or workshops, plus interactive installations will bring attendees together in a festival atmosphere for relaxed networking. Like last year, smart will offer SXSW participants a retreat from the bustle of the convention. This year, the 'tiny house of smart' will be on display alongside other exciting themes in Palm Park.

'Following the successful launch of the me Convention format with South by Southwest, we will continue our collaboration in 2018,' said Dr Jens Thiemer, Vice President Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars. 'Our intensive collaboration began just over a year ago, when our CEO, Dr Dieter Zetsche was at the SXSW in Austin. As part of the IAA in Frankfurt, the first me Convention took place, tightly curated and inspired by SXSW, whose makers had never before entered into a partnership outside the US. Therefore, it is more important to us to return now with an advanced concept to the place where the me Convention originated.'

The CEO of SXSW, Roland Swenson said: 'SXSW is excited to welcome Mercedes-Benz, smart, and our unique collaboration with me Convention to our event. We both share a strong focus on the future and discovery of what's next. Together, our collective community can be a powerful force in creative problem solving.'