The online community in Detroit has been an integral part of the success of Detroit Moxie. Many of the people I’ve met online, mainly through Twitter, have become “real life” friends of mine. These days when I attend tweetups and other events most of the faces are familiar, these aren’t twitter friends they’re just friends.
Yesterday, a few of these friends set out on an epic road trip to Austin, Texas to attend the annual South by Southwest Interactive Festival.
Henry Balanon, David Murray, Audrey Walker, and Brandon Chesnutt make up Team Detroit SXSW. I know the 3 guys pretty well and they are crazy funny and whip smart. I haven't met Audrey yet, although we have attended the same events, but I’m sure she’s just as fabulous as the guys.
Why is this an epic road trip?
This is the 2010 Chevy SXSW Road Trip Challenge. Eight teams from around the country are being sponsored by Chevy to not only make their way to Austin but also to complete challenges along the way and interact with their local communities on Twitter and Facebook.
Team Detroit, Brandon Chesnutt, David Murray, Audrey Walker, & Henry Balanon, completing mission #5.
The digital/tech community in Detroit is strong and growing. These people are the innovators, entrepreneurs, and big thinkers that will lead Detroit into the future. If they win, Detroit wins.
How YOU can help:
If you’re on Twitter:
1. Follow the Team Detroit hashtag, #DETChevySXSW, and check out some of the things they are doing while on the road.
2. Tweet and Retweet using the team hashtag LIKE MAD starting on Monday, March 8th. There are supporting agencies tracking the volume of tweets for each team hashtag. The higher the number, the better. Participation is critical. They cannot win without our support.
If you’re on Facebook:
1. Become a fan of Team Detroit SXSW on Facebook.
2. Comment and “like” their posts.
What do YOU get out of this?
1. They have tons of awesome sponsors that have given them cool stuff to give away on their trip. They have sweet t-shirts from the Ann Arbor T-Shirt Company, Detroit Pistons tickets courtesy of Fist of Detroit, delicious Biggby Coffee, a wine tasting at Vitner’s Cellar and many other prizes. Pay attention to their hashtag and follow their blog and you just might win something!
2. If Team Detroit wins Chevy will throw an epic tweetup in Detroit.
So, put your hands up for Detroit and follow along on their crazy antics!