You definitely don't need a badge. I've found that you don't get any real value from attending panels. To your point, you can get some value if you are on a panel. SXSW is still great for meeting people serendipitously…
What about bike parts? Bike seats, wheels, etc get stolen all the time. Are they just scrapping these parts out for 5 to 10 cents on the dollar as well?
You definitely don't need a badge. I've found that you don't get any real value from attending panels. To your point, you can get some value if you are on a panel. SXSW is still great for meeting people serendipitously…
What about bike parts? Bike seats, wheels, etc get stolen all the time. Are they just scrapping these parts out for 5 to 10 cents on the dollar as well?