AUSTIN (KMOX) - This week marks the continuation of Austin, Texas, annual South by Southwest Conference, which celebrates the convergence of tech, film, music, education, and culture.
Many celebrities have attended the conference over the years, including this year with Jake Gyllenhaal, Nicolas Cage, Selena Gomez, Stephen A. Smith and Conan O'Brien among those who attended it so far.
St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones is among those who attended this year's conference in Austin. Jones was part of a panel discussion about being a blue mayor in a red state.
"The vibe here is so welcoming and open," said Mayor Jones. "Everybody is just middling around and learning new things, there are products and samples everywhere."
Jones say there is a lot of benefits for the public officials like her to come to an event like this, including trying to recruit many businesses who are attending to try and come to St. Louis.
"A lot of innovations, technology, and a lot of great companies are here and we are talking to them so consider expanding to St. Louis," said Mayor Jones.
One of the things that Jones has been showcasing during it has been the growth of Geospatial Technology sector in the St. Louis-area.
"I spoke to people about our Geospatial industry and how it's expanding and how St. Louis is going to be the hub of geospatial technology and advanced manufacturing in the next several years in my opinion," said Jones.
