Beyond forming new connections with other Conn3ct members (pun intended) and fine tuning my knowledge of using social media,  I had some great experiences learning about the music and film industry. New trends in media are a reflection of what the up and coming generation wants, needs and feels.  This is regarding both content and how these industries have to deal with their consumers. These industries face business challenges that are similar to PepsiCo’s, but are more difficult in many ways.  We should be looking at the entertainment industry both for inspiration about how we do business as well as for information about our consumers and the ways we choose to market to specific generations.

I would like to thank Pepsico Conn3ct for giving me the opportunity to attend this event.  This was an experience that I typically would not have done on my own, but am thrilled that I did.  Before SXSW I despised Twitter and never would have thought to use it.  I now see value in it, specifically for getting exposure on an event or item or getting new valuable information out to the public (not updating the world on your every personal activity or having lame petty arguments between celebrities).

I can now say that I am a fan of independent music and film and plan on continuing to expose myself to these forms of media.  These niche industries are where the most radical form of innovation occurs in the entertainment industry.