On Thursday, March 27, I headed over to Sangfroid! in near the UT Austin Campus for Ad 2 Austin and Austin Ad Fed’s “Pitch Your Agency” night—a fast-paced, high-energy showcase where local agencies had around three minutes with a short slide deck to present themselves and their service offerings. I wasn’t there to pitch anything myself, but as someone exploring career paths and considering a return to the agency world, it was the perfect way to get a feel for what Austin’s creative community is up to.
The setup was simple: each agency had a tight window to explain who they are, what they offer, and what makes them different. It was kind of like speed dating, but for marketing shops. The variety was impressive—not just in terms of services, but in personality, purpose, and approach.
I really enjoyed hearing from all the presenters: ATD Partners, Sangfroid!, 3rd + Lamar, Digital Remedy, Causal, Minero, Gut Feeling, Blockboard, Rank Assist, Seedtag, and Hooked Media Strategy. Each agency brought something unique to the table, whether it was performance marketing, brand strategy, media buying, or creative storytelling. Some were hyper-local and niche, while others had a broader, national reach. It was encouraging to see such a wide range of agency models thriving right here in Austin.
What struck me most was the energy. Even in such short time slots, each presenter managed to convey passion—for their work, their clients, and their teams. Some focused on bold creative, others on technical expertise or data-driven results, but all of them made clear why they do what they do. That kind of clarity and confidence is something I admire—and somewhat miss from my agency days.
Early in my career, I worked at several marketing and communications agencies, and I’ve been considering stepping back into that world. Events like this help remind me what drew me to agency life in the first place: the creative pace, the collaboration, and the sense that no two days (or clients) are ever quite the same.
Big thanks to Ad 2 Austin and Austin Ad Fed for putting this event together. If you’re looking to connect with local agencies, curious about what’s out there, or just craving some inspiration from fellow creatives, this was a great reminder that Austin’s marketing scene is alive and kicking.
