**✨** New Mexico is invading Austin for SXSW 2025 with its own “House” activation. Because apparently one state house wasn’t enough.
🗓️ Schedule:
➥ 11:00 am – 12 pm
New Mexico House Opens
Land of Enchantment invades Austin. Come early to grab lunch before the state tries to sell you quantum tech and clean energy dreams.
➥ 12:00 pm – 12:15 pm
Opening Remarks
State officials welcome you to their temporary Texas takeover. Because what’s SXSW without government bureaucrats?
Speakers:
- Dr. Shanna Sasser, Tourism Deputy
- Rob Black, Economic Development Boss
➥ 12:15 pm – 1:00 pm
Quantum Tech Panel
New Mexico wants to be the quantum capital. Because Austin’s tech scene needed more competition.
Speakers:
- Moderator: Nora Sackett, Tech Director
- Noel Goddard, Qunnect CEO
- Maggie Newman, Roadrunner Ventures
➥ 1:15 pm – 1:45 pm
Energy Transition Chat
State and Pattern Energy discuss clean energy plans. Spoiler: It involves a lot of infrastructure and your tax dollars.
Speakers:
- Allison Holly, Pattern Energy
- Anna Aguilera, EMNRD Policy
➥ 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
Film Industry Panel
New Mexico pitches itself as Hollywood’s cheaper cousin. They’ve got light, landscapes, and tax incentives!
Speakers:
- Moderator: Steve Graham, Film Office Director
- Drew Kirsch, Film Director
- Nate Bolotin, XYZ Films
- Lucan Toh, Two & Two Pictures
➥ 3:00 pm – 3:45 pm
Indigenous Innovation
Native entrepreneurs discuss building the next economy. Because diversity in tech matters, even in New Mexico.
Speakers:
- Moderator: Nicole Johnny, VC Founder
- Cecilia Meadows, Prados Beauty CEO
- Norma Baker-Flying Horse, Red Berry Woman
- Goldie Tom, Goldie Luxe Studio
- Cameron Ward, Art Off the Rails
➥ 4:00 pm – 4:45 pm
Innovation Policy Panel
Government and investors explain why New Mexico matters. Spoiler: It involves money and policy.
Speakers:
- Moderator: Nora Sackett, Tech Director
- Rob Black, Economic Development
- Chris Cassidy, State Investment Council
- Carrie von Muench, Pacific Fusion
- David Ellmann, UP.Abundance
➥ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Startup Showcase
Evening networking with New Mexico startups. Come meet the companies your tax dollars support!
Opening:
- Tony Aldaz, New Mexico Partnership
- Chris Cassidy, State Investment
Featuring:
- UbiQD | Phoenix Venture Partners
- Atolla Tech | NM LEEP
- Mantis Space | City of Albuquerque
- Qunnect | Airbus Ventures
- Ashbrook Technologies | Builders VC
➥ 9:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Indigenous Fashion Show
Runway show featuring Native designers. Because tech panels need cultural balance.
➥ 10:00 pm – 12:00 am
Musical Showcase
- Max Gomez @ 11:15 PM – Taos folk singer with 4M Spotify streams
- Def-i @ 10:30 PM – Diné hip-hop artist
- Camilo Quiñones (CQ) @ 10:00 PM – Grammy-winning percussionist
➥ 12:00 am
House Closes
That’s a wrap on New Mexico’s Austin invasion!
Chuck B. Ballsy, affectionately known in the satirical world as “The Sultan of Snark,” is a self-proclaimed sports expert who peaked athletically in middle school dodgeball.
Born in Halfcourt, Indiana, Chuck spent his formative years shouting unsolicited advice at professional athletes on TV, firmly believing that his couchside coaching was the key to their success.
Chuck B. Ballsy: because in the game of sports and sarcasm, he’s always the MVP. 🏀🎤