SXSW Day 4: Sparrow with TikTok in Austin, missing Deepak Chopra again

by Greg Graham

Posted on 14 March 2023

Plus a visit to the Slack Studio Live stage and their taco trucks and merch

US daylight saving started at 3am local time this week during SXSW and we lost an hour … which I really needed.

After the incredible TikTok #ForYou party, I feel I lost more than that and it was so worth it! The Inn Cahoots space on now trendy East 6th Street was transformed into a TikTok joyful wonderland. Super cool TikTok experiences bringing the brand to life with exclusive looks into new entertainment marketing.

Live at TikTok at SXSW

Did I mention the excellent live music from breaking young bands, the food trucks, and the fun factor was off the charts? The queue to get in stretched around the corner and this SXSW TikTok party was the place to be!

This morning I attended another Paramount+ event a special preview screening of a new show to look out for – Rabbit Hole.

I stood in line with many others at Inc Founders House to see Deepak Chopra after I missed the official session in the Convention Centre: Living in the Light – a conversation on longevity, psychedelics, and global well-being. Unfortunately for my well-being it was a packed house and I missed out again … double whammy for my light and I felt better for venting. In fact, straight afterward I ran across a person on 2nd street setting up their Vent Tent and I thought how timely and fitting. SXSW really does cater to all states of mind and has something for everybody.

Mediaweek’s SXSW tour group including Seven’s Kurt Burnette and Mediaweek’s Sparrow and Trent Thomas

A far more enlightening experience where I felt I belonged was Slack HQ taking over a car park for the whole block on 3rd and Congress. A totally immersive experience centred around the future of work and making it simpler. What I really liked about this activation was the communication of product benefits and uses without it seeming like a hard sell. Got to check out the Slack Studio Live stage and other places to kick back, learn, or chill. Plus, the taco trucks and merch were a bonus.

I was also excited about another annual SXSW tradition – the opening night party for Australia House presented by Tourism Australia. There was awesome Aussie food, drinks, and a special live performance by King Stingray – “Yolŋu surf rock” from Northeast Arnhem Land.