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.
Selfie in the agency lobbyAgency lobby and officesNetworking ahead of the eventFlyers and information for upcoming events
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.
Panel of speakers on young farmersFireside chat with Mama KPanel of speakersSlide line up of speakers
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.
This year’s Food Tank conference at SXSW took place on March 13-14 at the beautiful Barr Mansion in Austin, TX. As a returning attendee from 2024, I was eager to dive into the discussions shaping the future of food, sustainability, and nutrition. Food Tank consistently brings together thought leaders, industry experts, and changemakers to explore how food impacts our health, communities, and environment. The event fosters critical conversations about how we produce, distribute, and consume food in a way that supports both people and the planet. Below is my recap of Day 1, which was filled with insightful panels, inspiring speakers, and thought-provoking conversations that left me feeling energized for the future of sustainable food systems.
Milking SimulationSelfie in front of backgroundBrochure in front of stageThe moderator, Dani, making announcements
Welcome Remarks
The event opened with a powerful address from Dr. Melva K. Wallace, President of Huston-Tillotson University. She set the stage with some punny jokes and by emphasizing the importance of equitable access to nutritious food and the role of community-driven solutions in tackling food insecurity. Dr. Wallace highlighted the interconnectedness of food, health, and socioeconomic status, reminding attendees that systemic change requires both grassroots efforts and policy-driven initiatives. Her remarks underscored the significance of partnerships between educational institutions, nonprofits, and policymakers in advancing food justice. It was an inspiring start to the conference, reinforcing why discussions like these are crucial in addressing the disparities in our food systems. Watch her remarks here.
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 SXSWSelfie near SXSW Expo signInterior view of the Convention Center Industry Expo hall
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? PanelCan Immersive Art Save Planet Earth? PanelPanel discussion at one of the stages
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!).
Selfie at the I-LINCP eventSelfie by the AYP signCandid photo at vendor eventThe Austin Young Professionals event I hosted at Oskar Blues in partnership with Austin Social Scene.
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.
Remote Workers Group PhotoRemote Workers Event Photo
Introducing Taylor-Made Socials: Bringing People Together in Austin
Creating opportunities for people to connect in person has always been a passion of mine. Back in 2022-2023, I started hosting social mixer events for the Austin Social Scene Facebook Group. These monthly gatherings quickly gained traction, with anywhere from 40 to 120+ attendees, depending on the event. I organized these mixers at some of Austin’s most popular restaurants, bars, and breweries, including ABGB, Pinthouse Brewery, Still Austin Whiskey, Little Woodrow’s, Oskar Blues, and many more. These events were a great way to build friendships, make acquaintances, and foster a sense of community. (See more here: ASS & AYP Networking Event)
Austin Social Scene Event at Still Austin WhiskeyAustin Social Scene Event at Little Woodrow’s Southpark MeadowsAustin Social Scene Event at Still Austin WhiskeyAustin Social Scene and Austin Young Professionals Networking Partnership Event at Oskar Blues Brewery
After a couple of years of consistent event hosting monthly, I eventually experienced burnout and decided to take a break from organizing socials. However, as 2025 rolled in, I felt a renewed desire to bring people together. Instead of limiting myself to a singular Facebook group, I wanted to create a brand that could expand across multiple communities. Thus, Taylor-Made Socialswas born—a monthly social mixer designed to help adults in Austin meet new people in a relaxed, fun, and welcoming environment.
