Austin Twestival is back after a brief hiatus. Austin was part of the first cities that launched with Twestival in 2009 and we are honored to be part of the re-launch. I still remember that first twestival. Twitter was so new that I could read every tweet in my stream. The most followed user had only 5,000 followers. Back then there seminars every other week teaching people what Twitter was and how to use it. Wow how things have changed. My vision for Austin Twestival 2013 is to bring back that sense of togetherness I felt when the community was small. Everyone will be included to help make this year’s Twestival the best ever. More information will be available in the coming weeks as we look to you and all the leaders in Austin to join the cause. I almost can’t wait.

Wesley Faulkner @wesley83
Co-Organizer

Katrina Tolentino @RealAustin
Co-Organizer

Austin Twestival has now come and gone, and we have a lot of people to thank for making it the great event that it was.

We’ve got to start by saying thanks to Molotov Lounge for being accommodating hosts and giving us such a fantastic place to party. From offering exclusive drink specials for Austin Twestival attendees to helping us display event signage generously provided by Barringer Document Services, Molotov was amazing.

And it wouldn’t have been a party without food, entertainment and sweet give-aways.  Courtesy of Cannoli Joe’s, Austin Twestival attendees enjoyed polenta stuffed with pesto, sundried tomatoes and cheese, as well as other delicious appetizers, while enjoying the sweet beats of DJ Andrei Matei. Also, while all attendees were treated to coupon cards to Berry Austin, two lucky ladies came away with family four-packs to the Austin Toros game on April 2, which we raffled off at 8:30 p.m.

With two photographers and one videographer at the event, it’s quite likely that you were caught on camera at some point (and, yes, this is a good thing). Chris Brock of Brock Design Studios was our roving photographer, while Lori Luza of As You Wish Photography ran the photo booth and Ruben Cantu of Core Media Enterprises captured event footage and interviews for video production. Look for photos and video to be shared online soon!

Last but not least, thanks to GoToMeeting and ALL of you who provided financial support to Meals on Wheels and More (MOWAM) through ticket purchases and donations. With your help we raised $1,075, which equates to more than 400 meals for MOWAM clients! Best of all, we had fun doing it.

For those who would still like to make a donation to MOWAM, please know that our donation site should remain open till March 31st.

Thanks again for supporting Austin Twestival. Every contribution you made, every dollar you gave and every message you sent out on Facebook and Twitter helped MOWAM in a special way. Hats off to you.
 

While there certainly is no good reason you shouldn’t buy a ticket to Austin Twestival, we’ve listed the top five reasons you should:

1.    All proceeds go to Meals on Wheels and More (MOWAM).  
Did you know one $10-ticket buys four meals for MOWAM clients? In addition to funding their food delivery program, the money raised by Austin Twestival 2011 will help fund 12 other programs that MOWAM offers, such as home repair, veterinary services and transportation to medical appointments for the elderly, disabled and homebound in the Austin area.  

2.    By attending Austin Twestival, you could win a sweet prize yourself.
Austin Twestival attendees are invited to share their pictures and experiences of the event for a chance to win one of our two contests.  If you don’t show up, how can you play?

3.    Avoid the post-SXSW blues.
Now that SXSW has come to a close, you might already be missing the great people and fun events held in Downtown Austin. Well, problem solved. We’ve got your party (and for a good cause, too!) right here.

4.    It will be fun.
Speaking of party… it could go without saying that it will be fun.  We’ll have two photographers, a DJ, and, of course, lots of Austinites you know and love. Need we say more?

5.    One word: KARMA
When you help us help MOWAM help the elderly, disabled and homebound, you get nothing but good karma in return. We rest our case.