As our time here at the legendary interactive festival winds down, here is a look back at the 10 most talked-about brand activations:
- Studio uses Tinder to promote Ex Machina
Some festival-goers using Tinder were matched with Ava, a 25-year-old Tinder bot created to promote Alex Garland’s sci-fi thriller Ex Machina, which premiered at SXSW.
- Meerkat breaks out
FOMO is never higher than during SXSW, making this live-streaming app the perfect way to instantly drop in on celebrities, founders, and brands during the festival.
- Mophie uses St. Bernards to search and rescue owners with near-dead devices
Through a partnership with the St. Bernard Rescue Foundation, nine full-size dogs and three puppies were used to deliver Mophie chargers—stored inside brandy barrel necklaces—to attendees in dire need of a charge.
- Lyft integrates One Touch PayPal into its interface
As part of a promotional campaign during SXSW, riders who paid with PayPal received a $5 discount on their first ten rides as well as a chance to hitch a ride in a Ferrari 458 Italia, 1963 Bentley, Tesla Model S, or another noteworthy ride.
- Game of Thrones allows attendees to create digital art
GoT encouraged attendees step on a stage, grab a (wooden) sword, and then go nuts on digital targets.
- USA Networks leverages beacons at SXSW for the “Mr. Robot” premiere
The network created custom beacon alerts at various locations through the official SXSW app, rewarding festival-goers with free food and drinks, courtesy of “Mr. Robot.”
