The Ultimate “Anti-Conference” with DCAC at ACL Live

When DCAC approached us to help bring their boldest vision to life, we didn’t just see an event we saw a movement in motion.

DCAC was born out of a vision to become the people’s conference. They recognized that the industry didn’t need just another event. It needed something different. It needed a space built for real connection, real conversation, and include the people who are actually doing the work.

And in 2025, as they celebrate 10 years of doing things differently, what started as a bold experiment in Austin has grown into one of the most unconventional and impactful gatherings in the digital infrastructure world.

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Built for the Builders. Designed for the Doers.

DCAC is for the visionaries, manufacturers, rising leaders, and all those shaping the future of digital infrastructure. It’s a place where status takes a back seat to substance, and community comes first. No rinse-and-repeat agendas. No corporate posturing. Just powerful speakers, honest dialogue, and a space where real business gets done.

So, when they set out to create a true Anti-Conference experience in 2025, they called the Ponies.

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What We Delivered: A Week Unlike Any Other

When DCAC came to us in 2024 with the bold idea to throw the ultimate "anti-conference," we knew it was going to be anything but ordinary…and that’s exactly our kind of party. Hosted at the iconic ACL Live, this week-long activation was a massive, multi-layered experience designed to break every mold of a traditional conference… and we were all in….for the 2nd time!

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Over 68 Sponsors. Endless Experiences. One Incredible Week.

From load-in to last call, the Ponies managed over 45 unique client activations, ensuring every detail and we mean every detail was handled with care, precision, and a little bit of magic. Including countless speakers, comedians, even a real magician!

Each sponsor brought something wild and wonderful to the event, and we helped them shine:

IV Hydration Lounges, Puppy Snuggle Stations, Curated Coffee Bars, Permanent Jewelry, Custom Arcades, BBQ, Live Entertainment, Live Barber Shops, Custom Cowboy Hat Bars, Cigar Rollers, Immersive Photo Booths, Open Bar…and so much more.

We worked hand-in-hoof with DCAC and the ACL Live team to ensure seamless execution across the board. From setup to strike, our Ponies galloped nonstop, problem-solving, coordinating with vendors, managing timelines, trucking schedules for load in and strike. And we ensured that every moment delivered surprise, delight, and a damn good time.

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Beyond the Main Stage

But the experience didn’t stop at the ACL LIVE venue.

This wasn't just an event, it was a full-blown takeover of Austin. Beyond the ACL Live activations, we helped produce: Golf Tournaments with personality, VIP Breakfasts & Dinners with style Post Networking Parties with bands, DJs, ice luges, and custom lounges across 4 additional venues.

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And then, we went even bigger.

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The grand finale? A massive boat party on Lake Travis, featuring 7 party barges strung together to form one floating mega-celebration, complete with bartenders, lifeguards, custom catering, security, and all the good vibes you could pack onto the water.

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Pony Power in Action

We’re endlessly proud of our team, our clients, and our incredible partners for turning this vision into an unforgettable reality. We don’t just manage events, we create worlds, and this was one for the books.

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Big love to DCAC, ACL Live, and every single client and sponsor who trusted us to bring this anti-conference to life.

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Until the next wild ride…

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Plaid Pony was thrilled to collaborate with DCAC and its incredible partners, including Mission Critical Interior Solutions Inc. (MCIS), Nucor Data Systems, PurgeRite, Legrand, INNIO Group, Distributed Power Solutions (DPS), and many others.

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About the Project

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The Pony Story

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Credits

Client Testimonials

Stacey Milhomme
Senior Manager, Product Marketing
SimpliSafe
"Working with Plaid Pony was a pleasure from start to finish. They truly took the time to listen to our vision and were incredibly responsive to our needs. Their team brought fresh, creative ideas and honest feedback to the table that elevated the project beyond what we had imagined. Throughout the entire process, they remained professional, organized, and dedicated to delivering high-quality work on time. I couldn't be more impressed and look forward to collaborating with them again in the future."
Anthony Baxster
Founder at Cult of Sound | Creative Director, Ex-Ogilvy
"Plaid Pony Productions brought everything together. We spent a week in Austin shooting for T-Mobile, and their team made it all feel effortless. They had access to the most authentic local talent, unlocked incredible locations, and handled every detail with care and precision. It felt more like a collaboration than a production. Can’t wait to create with them again."
Katelyn (Connolly) Jaroszewicz
Event Consultant | Harrington Events
"Working with Stacy Scarsella at Plaid Pony was a game-changer for our commercial projects. She has an exceptional eye for translating brand messages into compelling visual stories [...] What truly sets Plaid Pony apart is their ability to stay on budget while delivering premium-quality content that drives results. Their professionalism, clear communication, and ability to meet tight deadlines made the entire production process smooth and stress-free. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to any company looking to create impactful content."
Carrie Hards
Freelance Senior Integrated Creative Producer
"I had the pleasure and privilege to work with Stacy and her team on a huge stills shoot for Amex in Barcelona.  We had a really tight schedule to deliver 32 stills in incredibly challenging circumstances including a flyboarder, children, multiple models and locations - and a horse!  From day 1, Stacy and her team were phenomenal!  The hustles, the efficiency, the dedication and attention to detail were industry gold standard!  I can honestly say Plaid Pony are by far one of the best teams I have ever worked with.  And all with endless positivity and the biggest smile.  I cannot recommend Stacy and Plaid Pony highly enough."
Guy Spangenberg
Spangenberg Photography
“Stacy and the crew from Plaid Pony played a pivotal role in my recent filming production in and around Austin. The team made the production flow seamlessly and I highly recommend their services. You won’t be disappointed!”

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