Photo by Lauren Hartmann

GLC Director of Content Strategy Janet Celosia attended SXSW 2023 and shares what she found useful, inspiring and exciting for content marketers at the conference.

As part of the GLC content strategy team, I’m always looking for new ideas that can apply to our work in helping connect people with brands. 

As a busy mom of a toddler and a first grader, I’ve also developed a keen eye for spotting little things hidden in a pile, thanks to the I Spy children’s book series. 

I spent a day at the SXSW Creative Industries Expo in Austin this March. Below are some things I spotted that stood out among hundreds of technology, design, social good, health and wellness exhibits.

I spy … Artificial Intelligence (AI) 

As content creators, we know the value of engaging and high-quality content. We were thrilled to discover how artificial intelligence can help automate content creation to speed things up. Applications like GPT-3 can generate creative and coherent content that mimics human writing in terms of tone, style and structure.

But AI is not limited to creating text-only content; it can also craft unique visuals! AI-powered tools can analyze and recreate an image in an entirely new style. Imagine the possibilities these capabilities can bring to a brand’s visual storytelling approach. 

I spy … Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) 

VR and AR technologies are not new to the marketing world. However, the latest advancements in both media took the experience to another level. We were impressed by how brands utilize VR/AR technologies to create immersive healthcare experiences.

For instance, brands can simulate a product experience, create a virtual environment that customers can explore, or even gamify it by incorporating interactive elements. Imagine providing an engaging virtual reality experience where your customers can interact with your products, learning about them in an unforgettable format.  The possibilities are endless, and we’re excited to see how brands explore these mediums as they grow in popularity.

I spy … Holograms

Finally, I was captivated by the realistic and interactive experience that holograms can provide. The technology allows for life-size images that appear in 3D, creating a surreal experience for users. Brands can use this technology to create engaging, educational, or entertaining interactive experiences that leave a lasting impression on consumers.

Overall, the expo was a fun, immersive and engaging experience, highlighting the possibilities available for brands willing to adapt, embrace new technology and remain open to new strategies.

Did you attend SXSW Interactive or the Creative Industries Expo? What trends did you spot that could enhance your content marketing mix?