Local start-ups making a splash at SXSWi in Austin, Texas
AUSTIN, March 10, 2013 /CNW/ - The biggest names in digital, online, and new media are converging right now at the South by Southwest Interactive (SXSWi) conference in Austin, Texas, and Victoria's tech industry is taking centre-stage.
"SXSWi is the place to be for cutting-edge and creative digital companies," said Dan Gunn, Executive Director of VIATeC (Victoria Advanced Technology Council). "Our job here is to help the Victoria-region's tech companies make connections that will grow their business. We're here promoting our 'imagination economy', and so far, it's been wildly successful."
Interest-based social network TicTalking.com has been a hit at SXSWi, culminating with their co-sponsorship of one of the biggest events of the week: the '#NakedSocial', presented by Naked Wines and The Social Media Monthly.
"The #NakedSocial had more than 4,000 RSVPs for a 300-person venue, and we had to add a second night to handle the crowds," said TicTalking CEO Peter Nieforth. "It's hard to overstate the impact that an event like this can have for a company like TicTalking.com."
Victoria-based social media promotions tool yupiq.com is also taking advantage of the industry excitement around South by Southwest Interactive. MediaCore, a Victoria tech company providing video-based learning solutions is also building their business connections thanks to VIATeC's coordination of SXSWi events and opportunities.
"Technology is a $2-billion industry in Victoria, with 800 companies and 20,000 tech employees in the region," explained Gunn. "We call it 'Tectoria', and the innovation thrives thanks to our schools, research labs, and most importantly, the city's creativity and imagination.
"Craft beer, live music, a strong arts community: Victoria is a great place to live, and that's why so many cutting-edge technology companies are based here.
"TicTalking.com is about connecting people from around the world based on their common interests: their 'Things In Common'," Nieforth explained. "At South by Southwest, we're seeing that interest-based social networking is the next wave in the industry, and it is amazing to be here amongst so many innovative companies and crazy-smart people."
SOURCE: TicTalking.com
Peter Nieforth,
CEO, TicTalking.com
[email protected]
778-688-8111
Dan Gunn,
Executive Director, VIATeC
[email protected]
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