In response to COVID-19 safety measures, the 2021 South by Southwest event went virtual – one more unwelcome change to a city whose culture relies on being the live music capital of the world. However, almost a year into the pandemic, McCallum students and SXSW employees who I reached out to took a more creative outlook, adding innovation to how the event would unfold. From VR viewing opportunities to the ability to showcase more work, SXSW was able to expand the experiences of conference-goers. At a time when people were growing tired of pandemic life, this was a story that reminded me of the ability journalism has to bring light to difficult situations.
Recognitions: Part of my Superior online story portfolio, TAJE (2022)
