The 5 Coolest Things Spotted at SXSW So Far

Attending #SXSW is definitely one of the best parts of being in media and tech. And for the actors, musicians and other artists that have their work on display at the conference, it’s a pretty big deal too. The activations, innovations, and parties don’t ever disappoint, but this year’s may be the most interactive (and adorable) yet. Here are a few of our favorite things that have happened at SXSW 2018—so far.

1. #SXSWestworld Activation

Tony Perna @tonyperna_

Hands down the best thing I’ve ever experienced at #SXSW. It’s unwaveringly authentic and just plain incredible. Props @WestworldHBO. #SXSWestworld https://t.co/NIePFe2M5r

12:32 AM - 10 Mar 2018

Westworld is one of the most trippy, talked about shows on TV, so it only makes sense that the science fiction western would have some kind of installation at SXSW. And it didn’t disappoint.

Guests arrived at a recreation of Sweetwater, the show’s fictional town, where they got to participate in immersive storylines and become a part of the Westworld narrative themselves. Actors dressed in period costumes and taverns serving real alcohol added to the overall experience. No wonder tickets sold out so quick.

2. Viceland’s Baby Goats Galore

Stephanie Keller @SKellerAtDell

Baby goats...so hot right now #sold #sxsw #viceland

06:33 PM - 13 Mar 2018

The Vice TV channel skipped a techy, interactive exhibit in favor of free swag, music and, you guessed it, baby goats.

Attendees and onlookers were quick to notice the adorableness present and tweeted their excitement.

3. Agora’s Live Trivia Game

Agora.io @AgoraIO

Agora Trivia Game starts at our booth #616 at 3 PM daily. Come join us and win $250 in cash as prize 😍😍😍 #HQTrivia @hqtrivia https://t.co/s0HfkuBNcM

08:48 PM - 11 Mar 2018

Anyone else have trivia fever? Unfortunately HQ Trivia was nowhere to be found but a real-time communications startup called Agora.io ran their own daily live trivia demo giving away hundreds of dollars in cash prizes. Attendees got a chance to test their knowledge while learning all about the live broadcasting tech that powers the highly addictive experience.

4. The EPIC cryptocurrency party

Elizabeth Wiewall @Liz_Wiewall

Great #SXSW2018 #crypto and #blockchain party and panel - thank you @BYOBitcoin @decredproject @BudboApp @phunware @wanchain_org @hartej_ @hoshogroup https://t.co/8OzGKGXSP8

04:11 PM - 13 Mar 2018

Despite Bitcoin’s recent drop in price, it was all smiles as the biggest crypto advocates came together to celebrate anyway. Guests mingled and enjoyed free drinks, courtesy of bitcoin mining startup BYOBitcoin. Austin’s Rio Nightclub even let attendees pay for bottle service with Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Litecoin. Shots, anybody?

5. Ready Player One World Premiere and VR Experience

Elizabeth Wharton @LawyerLiz

Entering the #Oasis .... #ReadyPlayerOne #SXSW

10:35 PM - 11 Mar 2018

Like Westworld, Ready Player One is a tale of a not-so-distant future. The movie had its world premiere at SXSW, and while guests came away oohing and ahhing, the experience wasn’t over yet. Inspired by the movie’s virtual world OASIS, 8 different VR experiences let attendees embrace their inner gamer by building their own avatars and playing reimagined VR versions of 80s arcade games.