{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Ep. 71: SXSW Unplugged with Chief Commercial Officer Peter Lewis","description":" In this episode of Trade Show Talk, host Danica Tormohlen speaks with Peter Lewis, Chief Commercial Officer of South by Southwest (SXSW). They discuss Peter's journey from an administrative assistant to a key leader in one of the world's most influential cultural gatherings. The conversation covers the challenges and opportunities SXSW faces as it prepares for its 40th anniversary, including venue changes, economic impact, brand partnerships, and international expansion. Peter shares insights on building a strong team, creating unique experiences, and the importance of community engagement in the event industry.   In our monthly advocacy update, we talk with Tommy Goodwin, Executive VP for the Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance. We discuss the reauthorization of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act, which is crucial for event organizers. The conversation also touches on international travel challenges, including the visa bond program and proposed social media requirements for visa waiver countries. U.S. Customs and Border Protection is taking comments about the social media requirements proposal through February 9. Email CBP here. Registration for ECA\u2019s Legislative Action Day is now open, and trade show professionals can register here.    Peter Lewis bio  Peter Lewis serves as Chief Commercial Officer at SXSW, where he leads the commercial strategy and execution across partnerships, customer success, content, communications, sales, marketing, and growth markets. He oversees teams that design and deliver festival experiences, partner programming, brand activations, global sponsorships, and go-to-market operations, ensuring the forward-thinking community that comes to SXSW is deeply engaged and connected. Peter joined SXSW in 2009 and has played a key role in expanding its commercial and creative reach, both in Austin and around the world.  Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Trade Show Talk  02:07 Meet Peter Lewis: The Visionary Behind South by Southwest  05:04 Peter's Journey: From Admin to Chief Commercial Officer  07:08 Building a Strong Team for Success  08:18 Exciting Plans for South by Southwest 2026  11:11 Navigating Venue Challenges: A New Era for South by Southwest  14:20 Creating Unique Experiences in Austin  18:12 Economic Impact of South by Southwest  19:21 Brand Partnerships and Activations  22:22 The Evolution of Brand Engagement  24:25 Celebrating 40 Years of Innovation  25:51 International Expansion: South by Southwest Goes Global  28:56 The Secret Sauce of South by Southwest  30:25 The Importance of Community and Connection  32:13 Panel Picker: A Platform for New Voices  34:23 Innovative Sessions and Programming  36:03 The Role of Penske Media Corporation  38:12 Surreal Moments in South by Southwest History  40:13 Unexpected Discoveries and Breakout Bands  43:50 Staying Creative and Avoiding Burnout  45:29 Conclusion and Future Insights  Bio: Tommy Goodwin, Executive Vice President for the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance Tommy Goodwin is Executive Vice President for the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA), the advocacy association for the business events industry. In this role, he leads ECA\u2019s work on behalf of the interconnected ecosystem of exhibitors, event and meeting organizers, suppliers, venues, and destinations that comprise the global business events landscape. Prior to joining ECA, Tommy spent more than 20 years working for several globally recognized associations and corporations, including Oracle, AARP, and the Project Management Institute. Recognized by The Hill in its list of association "Top Lobbyists" every year since 2020, Tommy has also received several industry awards including: CEO Update\/Association Trends: Leading Association Lobbyist (2023) American Society of Association Executives (ASAE): ASAE Fellow (2022) DCA Live: Association Innovation Leader (2022) Trade Show news Network: Industry Support Award (2022) MeetingsNet: Changemaker (2022) Podcast Host: Danica Tormohlen An award-winning journalist who has covered the trade show industry since 1994, Danica Tormohlen is VP of Group Content, Meetings, Sports, Travel for Informa Connect. In her role, she oversees content for Trade Show News Network, Corporate Event News, BizBash and Connect's portfolio of in-person events. These leading media brands publish websites, newsletters, social media channels, video, podcasts and online and in-person programming for the trade show, corporate event, association meeting, experiential marketing and exhibition industries.  Tormohlen currently serves as immediate past president of the Women in Exhibitions Network North America chapter. She has been a speaker and moderator at major industry events, including the TSNN Awards, IMEX, IAEE, SISO, UFI, ESCA, DI and Large Show Roundtable \u2014 to name a few. Sponsor This episode is brought to you by The Citywide Track powered by TSNN at Connect Spring Marketplace.   Planning citywide events that span multiple venues and thousands of attendees? Connect Spring Marketplace has the solution you've been looking for.  April 14th through 16th at the Kentucky International Convention Center, Connect Spring Marketplace features the exclusive Citywide Track powered by TSNN\u2014where buyers planning true citywide programs meet the suppliers equipped to handle that scale.  This isn't your typical sourcing event. The Citywide Track brings together qualified decision-makers who generate over 1,000 room nights, utilize 100,000+ square feet of space, and have the authority to negotiate partnerships on the spot.  Whether you're planning association conferences, corporate events, or entertainment programs that take over entire destinations, this is where those complex conversations happen face-to-face with the right partners.  Trade Show Talk listeners who qualify for the citywide buyer track get exclusive access with discount code DT1 for 50% off your refundable registration.  Connect Spring Marketplace: Where citywide events find their perfect match.  If you are a supplier interested in learning more about partnering, email:  sales@connectmeetings.com  ","author_name":"Trade Show Talk Podcast","author_url":"https:\/\/www.tsnn.com\/tsnn-podcast-trade-show-talk","html":"