We all know that SXSW is a pretty spectacular event. But this year, Esurance decided to up the ante by giving away the ultimate SX experience complete with #esuranceaccess.
Esurance partnered with Mashable in order to create the SXSW My Way contest. Not only would winners score a paid-in-full trip to SXSW, they’d also enjoy exclusive access to personalized, VIP experiences.
For two weeks, Esurance asked a variety of SX-inspired questions, in hopes of finding the most tech-savvy, social media hungry people on Twitter.
After poring over thousands of entries, a panel of judges selected Yocelin Gallardo, Joey Cirilo, and Marissa Ferraraccio as grand prize winners based on the creativity and overall awesomeness of their Tweets.
All three winners were hooked up with SXSW Platinum Badges, airfare and accommodations for two, and $500 in spending money.
Cowboy boots & a cowboy? Dreams DO come true! Thank you @mashable & @esurance! #esuranceaccess #SXSW pic.twitter.com/vNF35j2bfC— Marissa Ferraraccio (@Muffinmouse) March 16, 2015
To help maximize their experience in Austin, Esurance and Mashable teamed up with the winners to create personalized, daily schedules, helping them find the best SXSW panels and discussions for their interests.
And when they weren’t discovering the latest tech trend or networking with industry bigwigs, the winners were treated to exclusive experiences like a shopping trip at Allen’s Boots to find their perfect pair of cowboy boots and some much-needed relaxation at Milk & Honey Spa where they indulged in their choice of treatments.
#BradPaisley performing on #JimmyKimmel live in #Austin ! #sxsw2015 #esuranceaccess #ATX #KimmelinAustin pic.twitter.com/EdsmyvK95z— Yocelin Gallardo (@YocelinGallardo) March 16, 2015
On top of all that, the winners caught a taping of Jimmy Kimmel Live, enjoyed VIP access at MashBash, and got a private tour of the greatest ‘Break the Internet’ moments at Mashable House -– where they hung out with Sir Mix-A-Lot and showed off the Left Shark costume.
I may or may not have dressed up as left shark and danced in front of Sir Mix A Lot. #esuranceaccess pic.twitter.com/OdLAR8Of1r— Joey (@SoManyWays2Joey) March 14, 2015
At the end of the whirlwind tour, the consensus among the group was that Esurance had given them a personalized, once-in-a-lifetime experience that they’d never forget.
Lucky for us, we can all share the amazing journey -– and relive the best parts of SXSW –- through the video below.