# How NextMe’s Virtual Queuing Software Helped Inc. Media Keep Crowds Flowing, Compliant, and Engaged at SXSW > NextMe helped Inc. Media retain 38% more walk-in guests at their SXSW activation and greatly improved the attendee waiting experience. Source: https://nextmeapp.com/case-studies/inc-media/ ![The Austin Convention Center during SXSW, with an SXSW banner and bubbles in the air](https://nextmeapp.com/_astro/sxsw-austin-convention-center.D-OmBLRF_Z1RRnk8.webp) [Case studies](https://nextmeapp.com/case-studies/) · [Events](https://nextmeapp.com/case-studies/?industry=events) At SXSW in Austin, TX, Inc. Media hosted a high-profile Founders House activation designed to attract thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, and attendees. With such high foot traffic, organizers needed help handling unpredictable walk-in demand without overwhelming staff or creating long lines that frustrated attendees. They also needed to stay compliant with Austin’s city regulations that prohibit queues from blocking sidewalks and public areas, a violation that can lead to liability risks or even shutdown of the activation. ![Inc. Media](https://nextmeapp.com/_astro/inc-media.DnpeXamu_Z136Ozm.webp) - **Inc. Media** Client - **Events** Industry - **October 7, 2025** Updated Key outcomes - **38%** increase in retention - **Zero** compliance issues ## The challenge SXSW draws massive crowds, and physical queues outside venues can quickly create issues. For Inc. Media, keeping crowds engaged while preventing a shutdown was mission critical. - **Prevent overcrowding.** Organizers were worried about attendees obstructing public sidewalks, creating compliance and liability risks. - **Reduce staff workload.** Long lines and crowds can quickly overwhelm event staff who are trying to manually control guest flow. - **Reduce walkouts and frustration.** Event goers don’t want to waste time standing in line. Shortening these physical lines can help retain more attendees while still creating buzz. ![A crowded happy hour at Inc. Founders House during SXSW](https://nextmeapp.com/_astro/founders-house-happy-hour.DuprWOPE_ZxKslI.webp) Photo courtesy of SXSW. ## The solution With these challenges in mind, Inc. Media partnered with NextMe, the leading queue management and virtual waiting room solution, to eliminate these risks, keep lines short, and deliver a seamless experience for guests. NextMe worked with Inc. Media to implement a digital check-in flow to prevent bottlenecks and ensure that their activation was a hit at SXSW: - **Virtual queuing & SMS waitlist.** Guests arriving onsite were invited to join a digital waitlist via QR code or staff sign-up. Instead of waiting in a long physical line, they received SMS updates with their place in queue and estimated wait time, ensuring they could explore SXSW while staying informed. - **Branded virtual waiting room.** While waiting, attendees entered a branded [virtual waiting room](https://nextmeapp.com/virtual-waiting-room/). This gave them live updates on their status in line, event information and sponsor messaging, and a positive brand experience while reducing perceived wait times. - **Real-time staff dashboard.** Inc. Media’s staff monitored the queue through NextMe’s dashboard, which allowed them to view real-time guest counts and wait times, cap the queue when it approached capacity, and ensure physical lines never spilled into public areas, keeping the activation compliant with Austin city regulations. ![A fireside chat on stage at Inc. Founders House](https://nextmeapp.com/_astro/founders-house-fireside-chat.Ble6srW0_Z281xiM.webp) Photo courtesy of SXSW. ## The results NextMe transformed line management from a liability into an engagement opportunity. By combining SMS waitlists, virtual waiting rooms, and compliance safeguards, Inc. Media satisfied city requirements and delivered a better overall attendee experience: - **38% increase in retention.** Guests who might have otherwise walked away from a long line stayed engaged thanks to SMS updates and the virtual waiting room. - **Zero compliance issues.** Physical lines remained minimal, sidewalks stayed clear, and the activation avoided the risk of being shut down by the city of Austin. - **Improved attendee experience.** Guests maximized their limited time at SXSW instead of wasting it in line, creating a positive brand impression. - **Increase in staff efficiency.** The NextMe waitlist gave staff real-time control and visibility into their guest flow, making line management proactive instead of reactive. ![A panel discussion on the Founders House stage at SXSW](https://nextmeapp.com/_astro/founders-house-panel.CHnRVrc0_qsCfo.webp) Photo courtesy of SXSW. ## More event case studies - [NextMe Powers the Visit Anaheim Gifting Suite at Connect Marketplace with Cultivate](https://nextmeapp.com/case-studies/visit-anaheim/) — Events · NextMe ran the Visit Anaheim gifting suite at Connect Marketplace, serving over 900 hosted buyers with 84% retention and turning the wait into brand time. - [NextMe Powers the Virtual Queue for The Shop at Fanatics Fest NYC 2026](https://nextmeapp.com/case-studies/the-shop-at-fanatics-fest/) — Events · See how NextMe ran the virtual queue for The Shop at Fanatics Fest NYC 2026, giving nearly 800 fans their festival time back while staying engaged. - [How Hello Kitty Cafe Chicago Managed 4,600+ Guests at the World’s Largest Grand Opening](https://nextmeapp.com/case-studies/hello-kitty-cafe-chicago/) — Events · When Chicago police threatened to shut down the world’s largest Hello Kitty Cafe grand opening, NextMe’s hybrid queue moved 4,600+ guests off the sidewalk.