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Moosylvania Blog

The music, film and interactive extravaganza that is SXSW is opening today, and with a slew of Moose descending upon Austin, we thought we might give you a little glimpse of just some of the sessions we’re looking forward to attending.

Get Lit: Why Story Matters: Mastering QWERTY does not a writer make. It’s about taking the letters on your keyboard (and some well-placed punctuation) and turning them in to something engaging. Something powerful. And something that sticks with you. Fiction has been doing just that since Shakespeare and beyond, and there’s a lot marketers can learn about connecting with an audience —simply by telling a good story.

Y Rappers R Better Marketers Than U: It’s true, rappers are fearless marketers. They command attention, and sell a TON of product in the process. This session takes a look at how they project brand image, market to new audiences, cross promote, innovate in digital and leverage product placement to drive culture. Also, we’re hoping there will be some Cristal there.

It’s Alive: Interactive Machines That Captivate: Ok, there may or may not be some concern that the machines are about to take us all over. We’re pretty sure our attendance at this session will arm us with the knowledge we need to go all Neo and organize a rebellion, but if it doesn’t we’ll at least learn all about some pretty sweet interactive experiences, and how to leverage innovative tech developments to create incredible experiences for audiences.

Potterize it! Sharing the Magic of Fan Culture Ok, this writer will freely admit an obsession with everything Hogwarts, but beyond the obsession, there’s a real example of marketing magic there. J.K. and the Potter crew have rallied an extraordinary fanbase, and managed to keep it thriving for years. There’s a lot we can learn about adapting new tools to keep content fresh, encourage participation and continue to stay relevant to our audiences—just by examining this literary phenomenon.

Other Miscellaneous Awesomeness: Comedy Bang Bang Showcase? Jeffrey Tambor’s Acting Workshop? Funny or Die: The Future of Comedy & Everything Else? Um yes please! We like to laugh. We also like to eat, which is why we’re putting Taco Table and the BBQ Crash Course at the top of our South by Southwest Interactive session lists.

Which of these sessions would you most like to attend? Any you think we might have missed? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.

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