Buzz
The initial days of SXSW are packed with thought-provoking panels and films that evoke laughter, tears, and even fear. However, another major highlight of the festival includes standing in lines, exploring exhibition spaces, and attending parties where attendees receive promotional items. These swag pieces range from practical to peculiar, all crafted to grab your attention. Here are the standout items that made their way back to NYC in my luggage.
1. Most Common: SXSW Festival Totes
Every year, SXSW collaborates with artists to create unique bags for badgeholders. Separate designs are made for Interactive, Film, and Music attendees. With a gold badge, I secured the Film bag (pictured above) by Jay Ryan and the Interactive bag (below) by Jessica Hagy. Did you know? In 1998, the Interactive bags were designed by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone!
2. Most Unusual: Vampire Diaries 3D Ian Somerhalder T-Shirt
During a CW network party, my friends and I dressed up as supervillains—Admiral Joe, Naughty Frostbite, and Horrible Q-7000 (that’s me!).
We also received custom Vampire Diaries t-shirts. The strangest item I snagged was a large tee featuring Ian Somerhalder’s face in anaglyph 3D. These shirts were displayed in front of a massive 3D painting of the actor, who was also present, standing beside the artwork. The entire experience felt surreal.
3. Most Controversial: This Record Cover
I’m fairly certain Johnny Cash never looked like this. I grabbed this at the CW party; it’s an actual vinyl record promoting 99 Tigers, with the tagline: "Rock Your Brand."
4. Most Throwback: National Geographic Channel Slap Bracelet
While waiting in line for Much Ado About Nothing, women dressed in iconic ‘80s attire—leg warmers, sweatbands, and loads of neon—handed these out. I immediately put it on because, let’s face it, slap bracelets will always be cool.
5. Most Bizarre: Underwear
Check out the underwear I grabbed in the press room, courtesy of GoToMeeting. One size fits all. (Other giveaways included anaglyph 3D glasses, pens, and giant dog treats.) Thanks, I guess?
6. Coolest Photobooth: The Iron Throne
Almost every party features a photobooth, but my favorite photo op was at the convention center near the Vimeo theater. Beware, Lannisters—I may not be a Targaryen, but I’m eyeing the Iron Throne!
7. Most Unique Investment: Lunar Real Estate
Following my interview with the creators of Lunarcy!, they generously gifted me a deed to my first piece of property: one acre on the Moon. Now, all I need is a way to get there, and I’ll have the ultimate getaway spot.
After taking a photo with TOPPS, a person dressed as a giant inflatable astronaut, I grabbed one of these sleek coozies, which I intend to use on anything it can wrap around.
Which of these swag items would you want, and what makes it stand out to you?
