#2840 - TBT: Austin Event Planner Goes Hard for SXSW
Oct 10, 2024
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Discover the story of an Austin event planner thriving during SXSW. He shares how he turned a side hustle into a booming business through clever marketing. Learn about the untapped potential of smaller tech conferences and product launches. His journey emphasizes the importance of finding a profitable niche in a competitive market, showcasing creative strategies for success in the lively tech scene.
Reeves capitalized on a market gap in tech event planning during SXSW, earning $112,000 within a year from his side hustle.
Effective time management and strategic vendor partnerships enabled Reeves to balance his full-time job with his growing event planning business.
Deep dives
Leveraging Event Planning in Austin's Tech Scene
Reeves, an Austin-based software developer, successfully transitioned from his day job to a lucrative side hustle in event planning, specifically targeting the tech industry during prominent festivals like South by Southwest. He recognized a gap in the market where tech companies struggled to stand out during high-profile events and seized the opportunity to fill this niche. Initially charging a flat fee for his services, he adapted his pricing model to a tiered system, allowing for flexibility and scalability based on event complexity. In just one year, he grossed $112,000 from 28 events, showcasing not only the viability of the business model but also the potential for significant financial success in this industry.
Managing Time and Building Networks
Balancing his full-time job with the demands of planning events has posed a challenge for Reeves, requiring exceptional time management skills to navigate the high-pressure periods during festivals. He strategically partners with local vendors for catering and equipment, allowing him to delegate responsibilities and maintain quality in his events. Through this venture, Reeves has cultivated a vast network of tech leaders and innovators, enhancing his business through valuable connections that also benefit his software development career. As he looks to the future, he considers expanding his services and even hiring a part-time assistant to manage the growing workload, reflecting both ambition and foresight in his entrepreneurial journey.
In this week’s “Throwback Thursday” segment, we hear from an event planner in Austin who books many of the city’s tech parties and events, especially during the popular SXSW festival.
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