Here are a few final observations (some random, some from notes) about SXSW Interactive 2011. No theme, just thoughts.

• TOMS shoes everywhere. Is that because founder Blake Myscoskie was speaking (he was excellent, by the way) or because this is Austin, Texas? I'm leaning more toward because it's Austin.
• The trade show is not dead. At least not in this industry. And there's a block party on the trade show floor where a lot exhibitors offer free food and adult beverages. 
• I'm going to say it again, if you don't like standing in lines, don't attend SXSW. 
• That said, lines are the best networking opportunities available at SXSW.
• I thought all the pedicab operators would have enormous thighs. No, they're just normal thighs. 
• Don't worry about not getting into a session because it has reached capacity. Just go to another one close by. I bet you'll learn something you didn't know you wanted to learn or discover a great speaker.
• Core conversations are more fun and informative than panels. 
• Lanyrd.com, look it up. Use it. 
• Electrical outlets may just be more popular than free beer. Oh, what am I saying? Let the phone die, free beer!
• I really need to buy a portable phone charger.
• Speaking of freebies--it's possible to attend and not pay for any food or drinks while here. Just one more perk to throw on the ROI pile for your boss.
• I feel inadequate, because I don't have a start-up. 
• Content strategy is a hot topic. It's also a life cycle. It's also not a business asset. 
• I met more Australians here than native Texans. 
• Bloggers are the return of the repressed.
• Anthony Jeselnik is a funny comedian. 
• "You should never do a good job at a job you don't want to do." -- Malcolm Gladwell (not here; quoted during a session)
• You should hired based on a mindset and not a skill set.
• How to be a Badass Online was one of the best 15-minute sessions. One attendee said it alone was worth the US$750 registration fee.
• "The role of events is to sometimes bestow status on a person or an idea." -- Tim O'Reilly
• Love will go a long way to ensuring a conference is successful.