SxSe 2011 Wrap-Up

Just like in 2008, we left our mark at Rum Runners in Holiday Isle. But this year, we forgot to sign the giant panties! Photo by @vicequeenmaria.

SxSe took place in Key West this year and was as good as an unconference as an unconference can get!

Some folks went down to the southernmost island in their own wheels but the majority cruised to Key West in three Chevy cars provided by GM Southeast, making the 180 mile trip a breeze. (Read more about the carpool here.)

As with SxSe in previous years, new friendships were forged and old ones strengthened -- all originating through Twitter. Unfortunately, many from the original SxSe crew were unable to attend, but they were there in spirit.  New this year was the loosely organized but very active "Miami Rat Pack" social group.

Some really good shop talk about social media was served up, but in the most casual and informal way -- at the bar, by the pool or over dinner. James from @soulofmiami called it a "social media retreat" and that's really what it felt like.

Some of the gang during a performance break at The Green Parrot. Left to right: @alexdc, @szeliu, @gopalo, @janiec, @johnnybond86 and @vicequeenmaria.

Miami's Afro-Cuban Funk band PALO! played for us once again -- we enjoyed them in 2008.  This year, they had a gig at the Green Parrot Bar, which was packed with revelers both nights. Key West locals know good music when they hear it -- to paraphrase owner John Vagnoni -- and the proof was in all the booty shaking going on at this legendary watering hole!

Our main tweetup took place at the pirate-y Rum Barrel where we enjoyed happy hour on the rooftop terrace.

But folks did whatever they wanted together or apart, before and after. Key West is perfect for that kind of laid-back, no obligation, no bullshit kind of fun, which for some of us included drinks at the Rum Bar served up by local rum legend Bahama Bob, sunsets at Mallory Square, a visit to the clothing-optional Garden of Eden bar, a drag show at Aqua, chocolate orgasms at Better than Sex and a gourmet meal at Café Solé.

SxSe headquarters at the beautiful Eden House was perfectly located, not too close or too far from Duval Street.

Serious social media discussion, SxSe style.  Photo by @vicequeenmaria.

We even had some hashtag squatters talking about #sxse but not actually showing up to meet anyone who was "officially" attending. You know an event is good when complete strangers decide to have a satellite party of their own!

But enough of the boring summary! Let the pictures do the talking.



More great photos over at Soul of Miami.

To keep up with SxSe, follow us on Twitter or on our Facebook page for announcements.

A BIG THANK YOU

SxSe is a non-commercial effort. We do, however, accept discounts and donations of goods and services.  Hospitality is always welcome, too!

Thanks to the following folks for their support in the planning stages and during the event.

Eden House
GM Southeast
The Green Parrot
Island Dogs Bar
PALO!
Porky's Bayside BBQ
The Rum Barrel
Rum Runners at Holiday Isle
Soul of Miami