In March as I read the line-up for this year’s SXSW (South by Southwest) music event in Austin, Texas it made me think of the Powertrain Expo. No, they aren’t both “Live Music” events, nor are they “Industry” bedfellows on any level. But both are gatherings of the shakers and movers in their respective fields, and both started as small events.
Just like “Comicon” (comics convention) in San Diego and CES, (consumer electronics show) in Las Vegas, Powertrain Expo and SXSW began as small gatherings of colleagues and soon attracted the worldwide vendors who served them.
Of course, since you’re reading this in GEARS Magazine, you already know what the Powertrain Expo is, but SXSW is a film, interactive media and music festival. It draws thousands of people to Austin each March and fills venues all over the city with meetings, performances, music, and collaborations. If you want to meet the real “players” in that space, then SXSW is the place to be.
Think of all these events as a State Fair for career professionals. When you go to a State Fair (Texas has the largest one, but who’s counting?), what’s on your “to do” list? The rodeo, the food vendors, the midway, the rides, the games, the animal pavilions, the smells, the sounds, the thrills? How about ALL of them? Nobody comes to the fair just to see one thing, nor should they. The value is in the experience.
Now let’s look at Expo. What was once a simple get-together among transmission rebuilders is now “The Place to Be” for anyone who has a connection to Powertrains. The entire experience of Expo needs to be considered when thinking about its value to you. There are workshops, hands-on demonstrations, vendor booths where you can see the latest technology, earn more credentials and get your specific questions answered. The keynotes and main stage presentations, the chance to meet with industry leaders, the celebrations and awards! The food, fun and friendship of hanging with others in the transmission business and swapping ideas. Expo has another value that is not often noticed…it stretches your mind.
“A mind, once stretched by a new idea, will never return to its original dimensions.” Oliver Wendell Holmes
When folks return home from Expo, they have a new perspective on their business and on themselves. Many among us have been inspired to think bigger, operate better and learn more simply by attending their first Expo. If you’re serious about this career, you need to be at Expo! As Louis Armstrong once said about jazz, “Man, if you can’t feel it, I can’t hardly explain it to you.” Truly, it must be experienced to be understood.
Some say, “I got the most value from the discussions with my colleagues between sessions and over dinners.” That’s often true, but don’t forget, this dialogue happens because of the setting not just the mix of people. Expo is a happy optimistic, forward-looking place to be! It lifts everyone to a higher level of thinking. That leads to some truly rich conversations and solution-sharing. Come for the programs but stay for the hallway discussions.
As an Austin resident I look forward to SXSW each year. Only a small percentage of its programming is relevant to me, but the experience is amazing! Eager young professionals, seasoned veterans and weird-looking geeks are everywhere, and they communicate like business partners learning new methods.
Likewise, I look forward to the Texas State Fair and Rodeo Austin for the great feelings and memories I take with me at the end of each.
This year I’ll be in San Antonio for Expo 2025. My friends, colleagues, mentors and soon-to-be-friends will be there. As will the state-of-theart new technology I’m eager to see. I plan to roam the hallways in addition to speaking on the stage. Join me. Let’s compare what we’ve discovered among the shakers and movers and thought leaders of this industry.
Jim Cathcart, CSP, CPAE Jim Cathcart, CSP, CPAE is a longtime friend of ATRA and contributor to GEARS magazine. He is a Mentor to Expert Based Businesses, a Business Advisor who helps people become a Certified Professional Expert, CPE™. Contact Jim at info@cathcart.com or www.jimcathcart.com.
