Cast Your Vote for SXSW 2025
SXSW panel picking is in progress and voting closes this Sunday, August 18th – and we need your help in supporting the below sessions featuring our employees and clients.
As Pride 2025 approaches, it's time to discuss the disbanding of this month as the (controversial) pinnacle of LGBTQ+ marketing and turn the focus toward regular brand allyship and authentic community engagement, where queer integration is always proudly on trend and other key moments (like International Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31 or LGBTQ+ History Month in October) are given equal weight. Join social impact expert John Daniel McCourt , along with a prominent trans activist, an LGBTQ+ ad expert and a queer media pro for a discussion that turns the tide on Pride and offers an innovative branding future.
John McCourt is Vice President, Social Impact at Weber Shandwick.
Triggering Change: Online Media, Masculinity and Violence – from client Sandy Hook Promise
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Our children face two major threats: gun violence, the #1 killer of youth, and social media. Meanwhile, questions abound about whether video game platforms foster violence among young men, or even train shooters. These are all related. As research from Sandy Hook Promise and others will share, firearm manufacturers target young adults, especially men, in online communities, using dangerous tactics to prey on them and define what it means to be a “man.” Join Sandy Hook Promise and leading voices in digital media and public health to discuss solutions what we can all do to “un-target” kids.
The Responsibility of Storytellers To Prevent Gun Violence – from client Sandy Hook Promise
Amidst a never-ending barrage of gun violence, America’s entertainment industry plays a key role in how we perceive and interact with firearms. This panel will explore how film, TV, music and the news media can change the narrative and promote responsible ownership and use of firearms; in turn, curbing the number one killer of youth in our country. Drawing from personal experiences and professional expertise, speakers from media and entertainment will explore strategies for promoting safe gun ownership, secure storage and mental health support, among other topics within this issue.
Appreciate your help in getting these important discussions onto the stage in Austin!