South By Southwest Launches SXSW Books Imprint in Partnership with Advantage Media

CHARLESTON, S.C., Feb. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- South by Southwest® (SXSW®), a leading global event for creatives in tech, film, television, and music, is expanding into book publishing with the launch of SXSW Books, a new imprint in partnership with publishing powerhouse Advantage - The Authority Company. This collaboration aims to redefine how ideamakers connect with their audiences and amplify their ideas across diverse fields.

The partnership stems from a shared belief that experts and innovators who share their stories and ideas can make a significant impact in their field as changemakers.

"At SXSW, our purpose is to help creative people achieve their goals," said Hugh Forrest, President of SXSW. "Working with Advantage gives us the opportunity to shine a spotlight on authors who are trailblazers in their fields. A content partnership of this kind is a first for us and it's a significant and exciting way for us to expand our presence throughout the year."

SXSW joins Advantage's prestigious roster of publishing imprints, which includes Forbes Books, Entrepreneur Books, and Advantage Books. Advantage, the leading provider of authority-building publishing services, has supported over 2,500 global business leaders in amplifying their brands and thought leadership.

"We warmly welcome South by Southwest as a valuable partner in our mission to help entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers bring their stories, passion, and knowledge to the world," said Adam Witty, CEO of Advantage. "South by Southwest's strong brand, established in-person event platforms and audiences are huge benefits for authors. Book publishing paired with top-tier platforms enable leaders to bring their story to the forefront of the field – to be sought out and create change. South by Southwest's great track record in creativity and vision expands our collective reach."

The deal was facilitated by Penske Media Corporation (PMC) Brand Group, the in-house team specializing in brokering innovative licensing programs, partnerships, and consumer products for PMC's portfolio of distinguished brands. PMC, a leader in the global media landscape, is the majority shareholder of SXSW.

"We have always envisioned the SXSW and Advantage partnership to be a winning combination for authors and experts to cultivate new status within their fields through the prestigious ecosystem of the SXSW brand and annual events," said Thomas Ferguson, Vice President, Licensing, Partnerships & Consumer Products at Penske Media Corporation (PMC).

With the support of Advantage's experienced team, SXSW Books authors will receive comprehensive assistance in writing, editing, design, distribution, promotion, and media strategy. This collaboration ensures that authors can quickly bring their messages to a wider audience and drive meaningful change.

About Advantage—The Authority Company

Advantage—The Authority Company provides CEOs, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries with an array of services that assist them in building their Authority in their areas of expertise, enabling them to gain exceptional visibility, credibility, and recognition. Those services include book publishing under the Forbes Books and Advantage Books imprints, advertising campaigns, personal brand websites, content creation, public relations, podcasting, and more. Since the company's founding in 2005, Advantage has helped thousands of clients enhance their Authority and their personal brands through its publishing and media services.

About SXSW

SXSW dedicates itself to helping creative people achieve their goals. Founded in 1987 in Austin, Texas, SXSW is best known for its conference and festivals that celebrate the convergence of tech, film and television, music, education, and culture. An essential destination for global professionals, the annual March event features sessions, music, and comedy showcases, film and television screenings, exhibitions, professional development, and a variety of opportunities to meet and connect with people. SXSW proves that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and individuals come together. SXSW 2025 will take place March 7–15 in Austin. Learn more at sxsw.com. To register for the event, please visit sxsw.com/attend.

About Penske Media Brand Group (PMBG) 

Established in 2024, the Penske Media Brand Group is dedicated to building robust and profitable licensing programs, partnerships and consumer products for the PMC portfolio of brands. Spanning entertainment, music, fashion, beauty, art, luxury, sports, women's interests and more, PMBG looks to find brand extensions that amplify the ethos, mission and business of PMC brands. Notable partnerships include Rolling Stone x Olivia Rodrigo Limited Merch Drop, Robb Report's 672 Wine Club with Wine Savage, ARTnews x Pleasures Co-Branded Apparel Collection, Rolling Stone x Ben Sherman Capsule Collection, Billboard Onboard and Rolling Stone Lounge with Holland America.

Media Contact: Miguel Casellas-Gil
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 813.395.9362
Web: www.theauthoritycompany.com

SOURCE Advantage - The Authority Company