Austin Archives - Page 4 of 13 - Taylor Scott Nelson

Stories That Flow — A Night at the Water, Texas Film Festival

April 1, 2025 No Comments

On April 1st, I attended the 10th Annual Water, Texas Film Festival, hosted by the Texas Water Foundation at AFS Cinema here in Austin. It was an evening filled with stunning visuals, personal stories, and powerful reminders of just how deeply water is woven into the fabric of Texas life. From the Hill Country springs to the Gulf Coast bays, water isn’t just a resource here—it’s a part of who we are.

The festival showcased a lineup of short films, each capturing water’s role in Texas through a different lens. Some focused on environmental issues, others celebrated the cultural or recreational connections we have with water. But all of them shared a common thread: water matters, and the way we talk about it matters just as much. It was a compelling showcase of the way storytelling can elevate conservation—and bring people together.

General, Professional, Texas

Ad 2 Austin’s “Pitch Your Agency” Night: Exploring the Agency Scene in Austin

March 27, 2025 No Comments

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.

General, Professional, Texas

Marketing Jam MegaMixer: A Night of Good Vibes and Even Better Connections

March 20, 2025 No Comments

On March 20th, I had the chance to attend the Marketing Jam MegaMixer at Haute Spot’s private recording studio, and let me tell you—it was a great time! Hosted by some of Austin’s top marketing and communications organizations, the event was the perfect mix of networking, music, and just all-around good vibes. Whether you’re into marketing, PR, UX, or just connecting with creative people, this event had something for everyone.

From the get-go, it was clear this wasn’t going to be your typical stiff, awkward networking event. The whole vibe was relaxed and welcoming, making it easy to dive into conversations with people from all kinds of professional backgrounds. The venue, Spectra Studios in Cedar Park, had a laid-back atmosphere that set the tone for the night. No suits and ties here—just people enjoying great food, drinks, and a fun environment while they mingled.

One of the best parts was getting to connect with folks from AMA Austin, Club Ichi, PRSA Austin, AAF Austin, Austin Content, Austin UXPA, Women Communicators of Austin, and Ad 2 Austin. It was amazing to meet so many talented people across different sectors of marketing and communications, all in one place. Whether we were chatting about the latest marketing trends or how industry technology is evolving, the conversations were super engaging and insightful. It really reminded me of how interconnected all of these fields are and how valuable it is to learn from each other.

General, Texas

“All Things Food” – Food Tank at SXSW 2025: Day 2 Recap

March 14, 2025 No Comments

The second day of the Food Tank conference at SXSW 2025 continued the momentum from Day 1, bringing together thought leaders, industry experts, and advocates to discuss the future of food sustainability, agriculture, and nutrition. Held once again at the scenic Barr Mansion in Austin, TX, the event provided a deep dive into critical topics, from organic farming to food justice. Below is a recap of the most insightful discussions and key takeaways from Day 2.

Welcome Remarks

Danielle Nierenberg, President of Food Tank, opened the second day of the conference by emphasizing the importance of sustainable food systems and the role of collaboration in addressing global food challenges. She highlighted the growing consumer interest in organic and regenerative agriculture, setting the stage for the day’s discussions. Watch her remarks here.

General, Texas

Exploring the Future: My Experience at SXSW Industry Day 2025

March 12, 2025 No Comments

Attending SXSW Industry Day on March 12, 2025, was an inspiring journey into the future of art, technology, and innovation. This free event, designed to connect professionals across industries, provided a deep dive into groundbreaking ideas shaping our world. While it didn’t quite match the scale and excitement of previous SXSW experiences, it was still a valuable opportunity to explore emerging trends, network, and get a taste of cutting-edge innovations.

Exterior of the Convention Center for SXSW

Can Immersive Art Save Planet Earth?

My day kicked off with the panel discussion, Can Immersive Art Save Planet Earth? This session explored how various forms of expression—physical art installations, documentaries, and interactive experiences—are being leveraged to inspire environmental action. A major highlight of the discussion was the Black Hole activation, an immersive exhibit designed to provoke thought about sustainability and climate change.

While I didn’t experience the Black Hole activation firsthand due to the long wait time, I heard plenty of positive feedback from others who went through it. Attendees described it as a visually stunning, interactive journey that blended art, sound, and storytelling to create an emotional connection to environmental issues. The panelists emphasized how experiences like these can make climate concerns feel more personal and urgent, proving that art isn’t just for aesthetics—it’s a catalyst for activism.

Can Immersive Art Save Planet Earth? Panel

General, Professional, Texas

Networking in Austin: My Experience & Insights

February 15, 2025 No Comments

Navigating the Networking Scene in Austin, Texas

Networking has been a cornerstone of my professional and social life in Austin. The city is buzzing with opportunities to meet people from various industries, and over the past several months, I’ve had the chance to attend a wide range of networking events. Each one provided a unique experience, valuable connections, and insights into making a networking event successful (or not!).

Diverse Events, Unique Experiences

One of the networking events I attended was the Austin Remote Workers Meetup on July 25 at The Brewtorium. This event brought together professionals working in remote and hybrid settings, offering a great space to discuss productivity hacks, work-life balance, and career growth in a digital-first world.