Follow Team Detroit SXSW on Epic Road Trip
Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at 12:33PM | Becks Davis The online community in Detroit has been an integral part of the success of Detroit Moxie. Many of the people I’ve met online, mainly through Twitter, have become “real life” friends of mine. These days when I attend tweetups and other events most of the faces are familiar, these aren’t twitter friends they’re just friends.
Yesterday, a few of these friends set out on an epic road trip to Austin, Texas to attend the annual South by Southwest Interactive Festival.
Henry Balanon, David Murray, Audrey Walker, and Brandon Chesnutt make up Team Detroit SXSW. I know the 3 guys pretty well and they are crazy funny and whip smart. I haven't met Audrey yet, although we have attended the same events, but I’m sure she’s just as fabulous as the guys.
Why is this an epic road trip?
This is the 2010 Chevy SXSW Road Trip Challenge. Eight teams from around the country are being sponsored by Chevy to not only make their way to Austin but also to complete challenges along the way and interact with their local communities on Twitter and Facebook.
Team Detroit, Brandon Chesnutt, David Murray, Audrey Walker, & Henry Balanon, completing mission #5.
The digital/tech community in Detroit is strong and growing. These people are the innovators, entrepreneurs, and big thinkers that will lead Detroit into the future. If they win, Detroit wins.
How YOU can help:
If you’re on Twitter:
1. Follow the Team Detroit hashtag, #DETChevySXSW, and check out some of the things they are doing while on the road.
2. Tweet and Retweet using the team hashtag LIKE MAD starting on Monday, March 8th. There are supporting agencies tracking the volume of tweets for each team hashtag. The higher the number, the better. Participation is critical. They cannot win without our support.
If you’re on Facebook:
1. Become a fan of Team Detroit SXSW on Facebook.
2. Comment and “like” their posts.
What do YOU get out of this?
1. They have tons of awesome sponsors that have given them cool stuff to give away on their trip. They have sweet t-shirts from the Ann Arbor T-Shirt Company, Detroit Pistons tickets courtesy of Fist of Detroit, delicious Biggby Coffee, a wine tasting at Vitner’s Cellar and many other prizes. Pay attention to their hashtag and follow their blog and you just might win something!
2. If Team Detroit wins Chevy will throw an epic tweetup in Detroit.
So, put your hands up for Detroit and follow along on their crazy antics!
Reader Comments (9)
Nice post, Becks! And I couldn't agree more. These aren't Twitter friends, they're friends. The Detroit Interactive and Social Media scene has opened up new friendships at a rate not seen since I originally joined the Detroit Advertising community in the 80's. It is this community that is going to lead Detroit into it's next, great era. And this road trip is a damn good time, to boot!
Thanks Mike!
I know that this past year wouldn't have been as fun or interesting for my husband and me if we didn't get involved the interactive and social media scene here in Detroit. It's a great bunch of people and we've made so many new friends.
The Chevy Road trip is awesome to watch virtually but I will admit I'm a tad jealous. Detroit couldn't ask for a better team to represent the D.
Go Team Detroit!
Let's also tip our caps to SM-savvy sponsors who recognize a meaningful way to earn -- not buy -- marketplace image points:
GM, Urbane Apartments, Biggby Coffee, Vintner's Cellar of R.O., Verizon Wireless and 5 others.
Great post Becks, I'm enjoying following the adventures of the #DETChevySXSW team on Twitter. Don't forget the Facebook giveaway tonight!
Totally awesome Becks.
Great post Becks!!! I feel the same way...people from the social media community are my friends, I have met so many great and wonderful people through social media.
My life the past year would not have been wonderful and blessed as it is now without all of you guys!!!
Thanks to all for stopping by and showing your support for Team Detroit SXSW! And a special thanks to Henry for taking the time to say 'hey' amidst all the driving, challenges and good times. Henry, get back to it!
I'm looking forward to see what crazy stuff they come up with tomorrow. FYI: Team Detroit is in the lead by about 1000 points right now. Go Team!
Because there ain't no party like a Detroit party, cause a Detroit party don't stop!
Go D-town! Team Detroit all the way! I adore the city of Detroit with all of my heart even though I no longer live there it never leaves me and Go Detroit Lions always!!!