Hugh Forrest on SXSW, Creativity and Connection

Few people have shaped Austin’s rise quite like Hugh Forrest. As the first paid employee of South by Southwest, Forrest joined in 1989 when Austin was still a college town and SXSW was a scrappy music festival fueled by creativity, risk-taking and a handful of local venues. Over the next three decades, he helped transform SXSW into a global powerhouse spanning music, film, technology and culture, helping put Austin on the world stage. In this episode of the Changing Austin podcast, powered by Amplify Credit Union, Chief Experience Officer Stacy Armijo sits down with Forrest to unpack SXSW’s evolution, Austin’s creative identity and what’s next for one of America’s fastest-growing cities. From the city’s signature approachability to the urgent need to preserve space for artists, entrepreneurs and innovators, Forrest shares a clear perspective on what made Austin special and what must be protected as it continues to grow. Follow Hugh Forrest on Instagram and LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/hughwforrest https://www.linkedin.com/in/hughforrest Follow Stacy Armijo on Instagram and LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/stacy.armijo https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacyarmijo About Changing Austin: Changing Austin examines the people shaping one of America's fastest-growing regions. From reimagining business models to doubling down on nonprofit missions, Changing Austin shares real stories about Austin's unique past and promising future. VISIT Changing Austin at www.changingaustin.com Subscribe on Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1a5623a8-9852-4a9b-948c-0f686aa14e4c/changing-austin Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/changing-austin/id1820951608 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1gOBx6yCBEovj4IEb8LEhj?si=89088bb99af24177 Changing Austin is powered by Amplify Credit Union, Austin's home for fee-free commercial banking. #austin #austintexas