Brews & Bots @ SXSW '25 (unofficial)
Join us for Brews & Bots @ SXSW '25 (Unofficial) on March 9, 2025, at The Next Practices Group in Austin, TX, hosted by Sightbox. This casual mixer-style event brings together innovators, AI and agent startups, and tech enthusiasts for an afternoon of networking, live demos, and insightful discussions with notable speakers.
From craft beers to coffee “brews” provided by Luna Espresso (generously sponsored by Veracode), enjoy drinks and snacks while exploring the cutting edge of AI technology.
The gathering kicks off at 11:00 AM, with demos and panel discussions beginning at 12:00 PM. Don’t miss this opportunity to dive into the future of AI in a fun, approachable setting—and raise a cup (or glass) to innovation!
Panel Discussion Overview: AI Revolution Unveiled – Trends, Commerce, and Silicon Valley’s Vision
Join us for a deep dive into the AI revolution with three pioneering voices.
Bob Pearson, author and advisor from The Next Practices Group, will unpack "Ten AI-Driven Global Trends," spotlighting how artificial intelligence is reshaping industries worldwide.
Carlisha Robinson, former Chief Product and Customer Officer at Beyond Inc., will explore "The Future of Ecommerce," revealing how AI is redefining digital commerce strategies and customer experiences.
Nathan Thompson, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer at Sightbox, will dissect "The Priorities of Silicon Valley," offering an insider’s take on how AI is driving innovation and investment in the tech epicenter. This focused conversation will deliver cutting-edge AI insights for leaders and innovators ready to harness its potential.
Featured Demo Startups
Motogo Systems
POD Health AI
Scalafai
Lambda Curry
StorySense AI
SubSeq
About Sightbox, your Host
Sightbox is a California-based agency at the forefront of bringing the spirit of Silicon Valley to Austin. With deep roots in the startup ecosystem, we specialize in helping innovative companies build powerful brands and create impactful digital experiences. Our team has extensive experience working with early-stage startups and established tech leaders, with a particular focus on the rapidly evolving AI landscape. At Sightbox, we combine world-class design, strategy, and development to empower visionary founders and their groundbreaking ideas. We’re thrilled to host Brews & Bots @ SXSW '25 and foster meaningful connections in the thriving Austin tech community.
About The Next Practices Group, your Co-Host
The Next Practices Group is a dynamic ecosystem of creative problem solvers and emerging technologies, working together to unlock growth opportunities for organizations. Their innovative approach blends strategy, creativity, and cutting-edge solutions to drive impactful results.
We’re excited to host Brews & Bots @ SXSW '25 at their brand-new, state-of-the-art creative collaborative facility in Austin, TX. This inspiring space is designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and creativity—making it the perfect venue for connecting visionaries and showcasing the future of AI.
About Veracode, your Sponsor
Veracode is a global leader in Application Risk Management for the AI era. Powered by trillions of lines of code scans and a proprietary AI-assisted remediation engine, the Veracode platform offers adaptive software security and is trusted by organizations worldwide to build and maintain secure software from code creation to cloud deployment.
About the Panelists
Bob Pearson is an author, advisor, and investor focused on C-suite challenges in healthcare and technology. With five books drawn from his public and private sector experience, he lectures at The University of Texas McCombs School and for the U.S. Government on media and tech. A former Defense Science Board member and contributor to the CHIPS Act semiconductor study, Bob consults with leaders to build scalable analytics, AI solutions, and long-term visions. He advises software firms and has served on healthcare non-profit boards.
Carlisha Robinson is a C-suite executive with 30 years of experience across IT, intellectual property, and retail tech. As former Chief Product and Customer Officer at Beyond Inc. (Bed Bath & Beyond, Overstock, Zulily), she led product roadmaps, UX, and CX for its digital commerce platforms. Previously, she held leadership roles at IBM, BMC Software, Volusion, Clarivate, and Innography in Austin, blending her technologist roots with a passion for people and problem-solving.
Nathan Thompson is the Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer at Sightbox, a fast-growing brand marketing agency in Southern California. Leading a global team of creatives, developers, and managers, he builds innovative brand strategies and identities. As part of Sightbox Venture Studio, Nathan serves as CMO for Stacado and Tapp That App, driving user growth and VC investment. Previously, he was a Creative Director at agencies like POSSIBLE and GSD&M, earning awards for work with Porsche, BMW, and AT&T, and has lectured at The University of Texas at Austin and Chicago Portfolio School.