Totem, a rapidly rising event tech startup, has announced a partnership with the Same Same But Different (SSBD) festival at SXSW 2025. The collaboration aims to introduce a new level of immersion for festival-goers at SSBD 2025, scheduled for September. Central to this initiative is the Totem Compass, a screen-free navigation device designed to help users stay connected without relying on inconsistent cell service.
Equipped with GNSS technology and Unity Mesh Network, the Totem Compass allows attendees to find their friends and navigate crowds seamlessly. Beyond navigation, the device is set to power immersive light shows across the festival grounds, synchronizing dynamic animations through thousands of devices. This move aligns with SSBD’s reowned reputation for blending music, art, and wellness into a cohesive festival experience.
“We’re not just making the festival safer—we want to transform it into a fully immersive, interactive experience where every attendee plays a role in the show,” said Carter Fowler, CEO of Totem. The company’s goal is to enhance both safety and engagement through its technology.
SSBD founder Brad Sweet expressed similar enthusiasm. “Totem gives attendees a way to stay connected, without being glued to their phones. The interactive crowd light show capabilities of Totem are next-level—we can’t wait to bring this to life at SSBD ‘25,” he said.
The partnership is currently seeking a sponsor to fund the initiative, with plans to provide every attendee with a Totem Compass. If successful, this collaboration could set a new standard for festival experiences, merging safety and spectacle in a way that has not been seen before. You can visit totemlabs.com to learn more.