One day after the news that the 2014 South by Southwest Music, Film and Interactive Festival generated $315 million for the city, Public Safety Commissioners heard about the financial and staffing impacts that special events place on City of Austin departments. Specifically, a report presented to commissioners stated that city departments spent $4.265 million in […]
SXSW 2014
The 2014 South by Southwest was a bit of a tipping point, after four people were killed by a car that crashed into a line of attendees. Since then the city has applied stricter controls to the festival, particularly the “unofficial” events that take place during the spring festival.
Posted inPublic Safety
SXSW after-action report promises changes
Big changes could be coming to the city’s South by Southwest Music, Film and Interactive Festival, according to a report released by the city Thursday. The report, compiled at the behest of City Council members in the wake of the March 2014 fatal traffic accident, offers more than 30 specific changes centered around the way in […]
Posted inPublic Safety
SXSW reps, CoA staff working with consultant
Representatives from the South by Southwest festival and the City of Austin participated in a two-day workshop this week with a major architectural design and event firm brought in to discuss the SXSW event. Officials from both organizations confirmed they had met with Populous, an international consultancy with a project list that includes Super Bowls and […]
Posted inPublic Safety
Despite tragedy, the beat goes on at SXSW
After an early morning tragedy that left two people dead and sent 23 others to local hospitals, stunned city officials spent most of Thursday working through the grief and trying to keep the South by Southwest Music festival on track. Officials said they will open an Emotional Support Center downtown Friday to help festival […]