Totem, an emerging event technology startup, has announced a partnership with the Same Same But Different (SSBD) Festival to introduce a new level of connectivity and immersion at SSBD 2025. The collaboration, revealed at SXSW 2025, aims to enhance the festival experience through advanced wearable technology and synchronized light shows.
Central to this initiative is the Totem Compass, a screen-free wearable device that uses GNSS technology and the Unity Mesh Network to help attendees navigate crowds and stay connected without relying on cell service. The device will also enable synchronized crowd animations and lighting effects, offering a stadium-like experience at an outdoor festival setting.
Brad Sweet, founder of SSBD, emphasized the significance of this innovation for festival-goers. “Totem gives attendees a way to stay connected without being glued to their phones,” Sweet stated. “The interactive crowd light show capabilities of Totem are next-level—we can’t wait to bring this to life at SSBD ‘25.”
Carter Fowler, CEO of Totem, highlighted the broader implications of the partnership. “We’re not just making the festival safer—we want to transform it into a fully immersive, interactive experience,” Fowler said. Totem and SSBD are currently seeking a sponsor to support the distribution of the Totem Compass to all festival attendees.
SSBD 2025 is set to take place at Moreno Beach, Lake Perris, from September 26-28, 2025. Festival passes are available at ssbdfest.com, and the Totem Compass can be pre-ordered at totemlabs.com.
Connect with SSBD
https://www.instagram.com/ssbdfest
http://www.ssbdfest.com
Connect with Totem
http://www.totemlabs.com
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