Emilie Beckmann [Bpifrance]: "Participating in SXSW is an exceptional opportunity to discover the trends that will shape the world of tomorrow"

This year, Bpifrance, La French Touch and their partners are putting French cultural and creative industries (ICC) in the spotlight at the South by Southwest festival. Emilie Beckmann, co-pilot of Bpifrance's Touch plan, talks about the initiatives put in place to promote French know-how.

For more than thirty years, South by Southwest (SXSW) has established itself as the gathering place for creative industries, tech and influence on a global scale. In order to reveal to the 280 expected participants all the palettes of French creativity, Bpifrance and Business France are accompanying a delegation of 000 companies to Austin, Texas from March 60 to 10. On this occasion, La French Touch and Bpifrance, in partnership with Deezer, La Sacem and Orange – with the support of Villa Albertine and the Austin Chamber of Commerce – are organizing a unique event: “ The French Touch Rendez-vous ". Organized on March 13, this day aims to promote the French ICCs during the 2023 edition of the South by Southwest festival. Emilie Beckmann, co-pilot of Bpifrance's Touch plan, tells us more about these initiatives.

: In 2023, France's presence at South by Southwest will be massive. How to explain the growing enthusiasm of French ICCs for this festival?
: SXSW has become a staple in the fields of creative industries and technology, attracting thousands of professionals from around the world every year. France has a thriving ecosystem of startups and innovative companies looking to expand internationally. This event offers them a unique opportunity to network, present their products and services to a global audience and attract the attention of potential investors and partners. And with no less than 4 speakers ready to share their experience and expertise, participating in SXSW is a rather exceptional opportunity to open up to all the major transformation topics. This festival allows you to discover the trends that will shape the world of tomorrow, so French Touch companies go there to take a large dose of inspiration, energy and discovery.

“ The organizers of SXSW have strongly welcomed our presence this year! ”

Why is it important for Bpifrance and La French Touch to be present at SXSW?

The organizers of the SXSW strongly acclaimed our presence this year! This is why we are organizing two major initiatives there, starting with the March 13 event “La French Touch Rendez-vous”. Its objective is to inspire and connect French entrepreneurs to those around the world, by showing the extent of their know-how.
Then, Learn & Pick SXSW mission, organized by our international and Business France teams, will allow around sixty companies to participate in the festival in optimal conditions, with personalized support to facilitate their access to the events and guide them.

All this is part of the raison d'être of Bpifrance and of the French Touch in particular: to support companies at each stage of their development, to promote French creation but also to encourage encounters between the different sectors of the creative industries, to create bridges or even push the strength of the collective.

This increased French presence at the SXSW festival also testifies to the desire of the French Touch to be part of this unmissable event and to actively participate in the international influence of France in this area. The collective dynamic is unprecedented, the entire French creative team is mobilized!

This year, a delegation of more than 60 companies is flying to Austin with the Learn & Pick SXSW mission. How were they selected and what do they have in common?

The participating French companies cover a wide range of industries, ranging from music, cinema, gaming and design. Their common point is certainly their desire to open their chakras and see what is being done elsewhere, gain height and a great bowl of inspiration to come back with lots of new ideas! They will have the opportunity to discover the latest trends in their sectors, while highlighting French creativity.

The delegation will immerse themselves in an environment conducive to innovation, meet key players in their sectors of activity, develop their professional network and obtain a better understanding of the ecosystems of the cultural and creative industries in the United States and around the world.

“A pioneering initiative for France at SXSW”

La French Touch is co-organizing its first official event at SXSW. What is its purpose ?

Indeed, we organize the event "La French Touch Rendez-vous" in collaboration with Deezer, Orange and La Sacem, with the support of the Consulate General of France in Houston as well as the Chamber of Commerce of Austin. This is a pioneering initiative for France at SXSW.

The idea is to carry the voice of French creativity and highlight the quality and diversity of our creative industries. We want to give our entrepreneurs and players in the sector the means to meet, to connect with creative minds from all over the world, to be inspired and to share their ideas and experiences. They will also have the opportunity to present their know-how, their innovations and their projects.

Can you tell us about the program for this event?

This event is a real showcase for French creativity and innovation!

Throughout the day there will be demonstrations of startups such as Mira, Capsum, Orius, Ircam Amplify, RLTY as well as those of La Sacem and Orange.

At the same time, participants will be able to attend round tables presenting high-level speakers on various topics: the rise of the French Touch Movement, the construction of the immersive "Notre-Dame" de Paris experience, the opportunities for Web3 for music, until the discovery of French pioneers in the cosmetics, biotechnology and metaverse sectors. A round table will also be moderated by Deezer, where speakers will share their vision of the importance of musical and technological innovation for building partnerships.