Delta at SXSW
Delta embarked on a first-ever journey as the official airline of SXSW 2024. The annual festival provided a unique opportunity for Delta to deliver exclusive experiences, premium rewards, and much more as it continues to reimagine and elevate the meaning of SkyMiles membership – introducing benefits with relevance surrounding and beyond the customer’s travel journey.
Activations
SXSW Welcome
Delta customers who arrived at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport were met with a SXSW installation outside of gate 10, complete with Delta brand ambassadors greeting customers and Delta’s curated guide to the festival.
Once at the Austin Convention Center, Delta SkyMiles members could take advantage of exclusive badge pick-up access just for them – making the journey into Austin as swift and seamless as possible.
The Delta Lounge
Open for the first half of the festival, Delta’s lounge at SXSW was a two-story respite for SkyMiles members to enjoy libations and a locally-inspired and curated menu, along with additional unique experiences:
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Delta Sync space: Designed to evoke Delta’s seatback in-flight entertainment screens, this space provided quieter moments for members to focus and immerse themselves in locally curated content.
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Starbucks magic hours: For three days, Starbucks offered members within the lounge fan-favorite beverages exclusively available at Starbucks stores around the world, including drinks from Latin America, the United Kingdom and the Asia Pacific.
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Gifting salon: Lounge goers were given a ticket to redeem custom limited-edition Delta x SXSW merchandise such as hats, tote bags and sweatshirts.
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Denim embroidery: The first 100 SkyMiles members in Delta’s SXSW lounge received an exclusive denim jacket and were able to have it personalized.
Waterloo Community Market
Delta partnered with Waterloo Greenway and Future Front Texas to host a pop-up market featuring more than 20 local artists and entrepreneurs on Sunday, March 10, at Meredith Heritage Tree Deck in Waterloo Park. A custom mural, co-designed by Delta and East End Eclectic, was also revealed during the market and will live in Waterloo Park through this summer.
by the numbers
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50,000 estimated customers experienced the airport welcome at AUS gate 10
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4,500 visits to The Delta Lounge (100% capacity all 5 days)
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2,500 total audience members at Delta speaking engagements
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1,700 visits to our expedited badge pick-up at the Austin Convention Center
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300 attendees at our community engagement event at Waterloo
EXCLUSIVE EVENTS
Medallion Member Speakeasy
For Medallion members by reservation only, a speakeasy within Delta’s SXSW lounge was open nightly and featured local live music from up-and-coming artists as well as truly exclusive experiences:
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Opening-night party hosted by creator and entrepreneur Issa Rae
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Evening BBQ tasting experience from world-renowned Austin pit master Aaron Franklin of Franklin BBQ
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Wine experience with NBA legend and entrepreneur Carmelo Anthony and co-founder Asani Swann of VII(N)-The Seventh Estate
Executive Panels
Delta leaders joined the SXSW lineup to discuss putting people at the center of your business, redefining customer engagement, elevating what it means to be a SkyMiles member, and much more. Watch full replays of some of our leader panels below.
Ed Bastian, CEO
Alicia Tillman, Chief Marketing Officer
Ranjan Goswami, S.V.P. – Customer Experience Design
Allison Ausband, E.V.P. & Chief Customer Experience Officer
Dwight James, S.V.P. – Customer Engagement & Loyalty, CEO – Delta Vacations
Julietta McCurry, V.P. – In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity Strategy
Related Coverage
Delta in the News
