AI Your Way to SXSW

Paul O'Brien
7 min readNov 16, 2023

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hmmm…

I’ve been exploring creative ways to put ChatGPT-4 to work; with SXSW around the corner, companies making plans and seeking where to allocate budgets, speakers preparing and looking for opportunities, and everyone exploring the schedule best suited to their goals, I was curious how AI would guide us through the conference.

Of course, there isn’t much fun in asking for direct help from a platform that can morph in different voices, so with my Renaissance Faire garb on, I want to start with this, “huzzah!”

Write me an explanation of SXSW and why people should attend, as though written by Shakespeare

Oh, attend thee to the tale of South by Southwest, fair patron,
A modern market fest where art and tech their hands do fasten.
In Austin’s bounds, where March doth claim the Spring’s first breath,
This gathering doth bloom, a merry feast of wit and depth.

Hark! For musicians strum with sounds that beat the heart’s own drum,
And films unspooled to show the breadth of human passions come.
Interactive minds, with gadgets and with code, do play,
To push yon boundaries of what tomorrow brings today.

Why venture forth to these Elysian fields of modern lore?
To mingle with the muses and the sages to explore.
For knowledge like a river flows, and thou must be its reed,
To drink in the libations of the intellect and deed.

In panels, talks, and workshops, wisdom’s seeds are sown and spread,
And in the nights, with revelry, are festive spirits fed.
A networking of souls, alike in curiosity,
In Austin’s warm embrace, find kinship and prosperity.

So come, ye thinkers, dreamers, doers, all who yearn to learn,
Whose hearts with fervent desire for progression do burn.
For not in idleness do we our greatest selves achieve,
But in the congress of the great, in what we can conceive.

Thus, South by Southwest stands, a beacon to the inspired mind,
An annual pilgrimage for those to innovation’s call inclined.
Attend, partake, imbibe the spirit of the age’s edge,
And join the ranks of those who do the future’s path allege.

This festival, a tapestry of culture rich and grand,
Awaits thee with an open gate and outstretched welcoming hand.
So venture forth, and let not this grand chance slip thee by,
For in its bounds, great wonders and delights do surely lie.

Who better to make a suggestion of where to stay than Chip and Joanna Gaines?? Where would you recommend staying for SXSW? Please write your answer like Chip and Joanna Gaines

Hey y’all! So you’re headed to SXSW in Austin? That’s fantastic! Austin is such a vibrant city with so much to offer, especially during South by Southwest. Now, when it comes to finding a cozy spot to stay, you’ll want to be right where the action is but still have a peaceful place to lay your head after a long day of fun and festivities.

First up, if you’re looking for that authentic Austin vibe, we’d suggest looking into some of the quaint bed and breakfasts in the South Congress area. You’ll get that charming, personalized experience with all the Southern hospitality you can handle. And the best part? You’re just a stone’s throw away from some of the best live music and local eats!

If you’re in the mood for a bit more of a rustic retreat, the Hill Country isn’t too far out. You could find a sweet little rental with views of the rolling hills. It’s the perfect place to unwind, and you’ll still be close enough to jump back into the SXSW excitement whenever you’re ready.

Now, for those who want to mix a little luxury with the local scene, downtown hotels like the Driskill are steeped in history and offer top-notch amenities. You’ll be right in the heart of downtown, close to all the SXSW events, and when you’re done for the day, you can kick back in a space that feels just a touch more indulgent.

And don’t forget, Austin’s got a ton of cool, eclectic neighborhoods, so renting a home through a service like Airbnb could give you a real taste of local living. Places like Travis Heights or Hyde Park have such character, and you might just find a spot with a porch perfect for sippin’ sweet tea and reminiscing about the day’s adventures.

No matter where you stay, Austin’s charm is sure to make your SXSW experience one for the books. Just remember to book early, ’cause spots fill up faster than a flea market on a Saturday morning! Enjoy SXSW, and soak in all that Austin has to offer!

What are the hottest topics and innovations to get to know during SXSW? Please explain as Lex Friedman would

Absolutely. SXSW, or South by Southwest, is a convergence of diverse fields including music, film, and interactive media, but the technological and intellectual advancements are particularly of deep interest. It’s a gathering that showcases not just what is current, but what will shape our future.

At the forefront, artificial intelligence continues to be a hot topic. From advances in machine learning algorithms to practical applications that touch on every aspect of our lives-be it through smarter cities, more intuitive software, or breakthroughs in natural language processing, like what enables us to have this conversation.

Another exciting area is biotechnology. Innovations in CRISPR, gene editing, and personalized medicine are rapidly changing the landscape of healthcare. The ethical considerations and potential of these technologies are immense, and SXSW is the kind of place where these discussions take a center stage.

Blockchain and cryptocurrency often generate buzz as well, as they challenge the traditional notions of currency and online transactions, with a focus on decentralized finance and potential applications that go far beyond just digital money.

Sustainability is also key, with clean tech and renewable energy technologies taking the spotlight. Discussions around how technology can combat climate change, and the role of policy in shaping a sustainable future, are deeply important.

And let’s not overlook space exploration. With the commercial space industry booming, topics might include the logistics of space travel, colonization, and even the implications of space law.

What’s wonderful about SXSW is the intersectionality of these topics. It’s not just about the advancements in isolation, but how they interplay with culture, society, and other industries. It’s about the synergy of ideas that can happen when a musician talks to a roboticist, or when a filmmaker collaborates with a VR developer. That’s the magic of SXSW. It’s a melting pot of ideas, sparking conversations that have the power to initiate change and propel us into the future. It’s an intellectual feast for the curious mind.

What can you tell me about Funded House at SXSW? Explain it like Barbara Corcoran

Funded House at SXSW is like the ultimate hot spot for entrepreneurs, the place where the rubber meets the road for startups looking for their big break. It’s a pop-up event during the hustle and bustle of SXSW where founders, funders, and industry influencers come together.

Think of it as the boardroom where the deals are done, except it’s in the middle of the most exciting cultural and technological gathering of the year. It’s where you want to be if you’re looking to get your startup off the ground or take it to the next level. You’ve got access to investors who are on the hunt for the next big thing, and they’re ready to write checks for ideas that catch their eye.

This isn’t just some meet-and-greet-it’s speed dating for business growth. You’ll have the chance to pitch, network, and learn from workshops that are all about getting your business funded. It’s the kind of place where a quick elevator pitch could lead to a partnership that skyrockets your company.

And let’s not forget the learning aspect. Funded House offers masterclasses, roundtables, and fireside chats with people who’ve been in the trenches and come out with their companies not just surviving, but thriving. They’ve been through the wringer, they know what works and what doesn’t, and they’re there to spill all their secrets.

But here’s the kicker-you’ve got to stand out. SXSW is a sea of innovation and creativity, so your pitch at Funded House has to be sharp as a tack. You need to show not just why your idea is good, but why it’s great, why it’ll knock people’s socks off. Because remember, it’s not just about the idea, it’s about the entrepreneur behind it. You’ve got to show you have the guts, the grit, and the gumption to take your business all the way.

So, doll yourself up, get your numbers straight, polish that pitch, and dive into Funded House with all the confidence of a shark in the tank. It’s your time to shine, make it count!

TO BE CLEAR: This is ChatGPT’s version of them, and so out of curiosity, I asked DALL-E to make me an image of our authors here

Not… quite… right…
Which just goes to remind us, that even their recommendations are, I’m sure, a bit off.

Still, South by Southwest stands, a beacon to the inspired mind,
An annual pilgrimage for those to innovation’s call inclined.
Attend, partake, imbibe the spirit of the age’s edge,
And join the ranks of those who do the future’s path allege.

As you’re making plans, be sure to touch base, here, we have venues, Funded House, and the bead on dozens of incredible events where you should be involved. Let us know in the comments if you have plans or something to promote. Fire away with a question about how or where best to get involved in what’s coming to Austin in the spring!

Originally published at https://mediatech.ventures.

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Paul O'Brien
Paul O'Brien

Written by Paul O'Brien

CEO of MediaTech Ventures, CMO to #VC, #Startup Advisor. I get you funded. Father, marketer, author, #Austin. @seobrien & @AccelerateTexas. https://seobrien.com

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