Building an iconic festival experience with SXSW's Hugh Forrest

In this episode, host Rachel Moore sits down with Hugh Forrest, the Co-president and Chief Programming Officer of SXSW. With roughly 35 years of experience with SXSW, Forrest explores the evolution of this monumental event and its impact on — and takeover of — Austin, Texas.  He delves into the complexities of managing a city-wide festival, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and adapting to the changing events landscape. Forrest's insights into fostering community, embracing creativity, and ensuring attendee satisfaction offer a compelling look into the world of large-scale event management. Here's what you'll hear about in this conversation: The importance of building and maintaining a strong community and how community feedback and engagement have been crucial to the evolution and success of SXSW The challenges and opportunities in adapting SXSW to a changing world, including navigating the pandemic and embracing technological advancements like AI Why SXSW's commitment to fostering a diverse range of creative industries and encouraging interdisciplinary interactions is a key aspect of its enduring appeal and success Mentioned in This Episode Pivot podcast by Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway The Daily podcast from The New York Times All In podcast International Women's Day The Cluetrain Manifesto: The End of Business as Usual by Rick Levine, Christopher Locke, Doc Searls, and David Weinberger Hugh Forrest on LinkedIn