GSL coordinating delegation of over 45 St. Louisans to participate in more than a dozen presentations and events at one of the world’s leading global innovation events

ST. LOUIS, February 28, 2024 – For the second year in a row, Greater St. Louis, Inc. will spearhead the effort to bring a delegation of STLMade leaders together at South by Southwest (SXSW), one of the world’s leading innovation conferences. The delegation will organize under the STLMade banner and speak with a unified voice about the resurgence taking place in St. Louis.

“Last year was about introducing St. Louis to the global innovation community. This year, we are taking down a bigger delegation that will show why St. Louis is the place where anyone can start up, stand out, and stay,” said Maggie Kost, Greater St. Louis, Inc. Chief Business Attraction Officer.

St. Louis has placed two panels on the Main Stage at SXSW 2024. Those will feature some of the innovators behind St. Louis’ thriving startup community and our unique food scene. The panels were selected out of more than 4,500 submissions from across the globe.

Another dozen STLMade innovators will appear on panel discussions and other stages over the course of the conference. As it did last year, GSL is coordinating the St. Louis delegation’s activities at the Midwest House as part of its regional business and talent attraction efforts.

“Geospatial technology, agtech, startup culture, arts, food, and more will showcase the innovation renaissance taking place in St. Louis,” added Kost. “We will show everyone at South by Southwest why they need to come be a part of what we are building in St. Louis.”

STL @ SXSW 2024 – STLMade Panels and Events

MAIN STAGE

Saturday, March 9
Startup Hacks: Unleashing Innovation on a Shoestring Budget
St. Louis panelists include: Emily Lohse-Busch, 39 North; Keisha Mabry, HeyDays; Akeem Shannon, FlipStick; and Mary Fernandes, Solis AgroSciences.

Monday, March 11
Organoleptic Retailing: Using the Senses to Engage Customers
St. Louis panelists include: Tamara Keefe and Frank Uible, Clementine’s Naughty & Nice Creamery

OTHER SXSW VENUES

Midwest Rendezvous: Bridging Art, Tech & Connections — Presented by Greater St. Louis, Inc.
St. Louis panelists: Keisha Mabry, HeyDays, and Javyn Solomon, Loutopia

Let’s Talk People: Strategies for Population Growth & Talent Attraction When You’re Not on the Coasts
St. Louis panelist: Karlos Ramirez, International Institute St. Louis

AI Gateway: How One Midwestern City is Using AI to Solve Pressing Global Challenges
St. Louis panelists: Nadine Alameh, Executive Director Taylor Geospatial Institute; Jason Bull, Chief Technology Officer, Benson-Hill; Chenyang Lu, Director, AI for Health Institute, Washington University in St. Louis; Mark Munsell, Director of National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Data & Digital Innovation Directorate

Additional St. Louis Voices Participating at SXSW 2024

  • Mayor Tishaura O. Jones, City of St. Louis
  • Luz Maria Henriquez, ACLU of Missouri
  • Matt Gardner, National Hockey League St. Louis Blues VP of Innovation
  • Yinka Faletti, Veterans for All Voters
  • Tim Hayden, Stadia Ventures
  • Scott Dieckhaus, AWS Aerospace Solutions
  • World Premiere of “Dead Mail,” A Film by St. Louis Writer & Director Joe DeBoer

Midwest House
In addition to these new panels, STLMade, an initiative of Greater St. Louis, Inc., will take over the Midwest House Sunday, March 10, and will run an immersive showcase of the city’s creativity and innovation that includes STLMade startups, food, beer, and music from DJ Nico Marie. The Midwest House will also serve as a meeting place for business attraction and networking meetings and as home away from home for St. Louis alumni to gather.

About SXSW
South by Southwest is an essential destination for global professionals, the annual March event features sessions, music and comedy showcases, film screenings, exhibitions, professional development, and a variety of networking opportunities. SXSW proves that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and people come together.

NOTE: For news and updates on the St. Louis team at SXSW 2024, visit GreaterSTLinc.com/SXSW. And to follow the St. Louis team at SXSW 2024 on social media, use the hashtags #STLMade #SXSW (used together).

Media Contact
Tony Wyche
314-398-9991
tony@greaterstlinc.com