I liked your post, and how you articulated that badges capture the moment of a conference and more. My Macworld badge from '97 says and meant more than other years and all of that is in the badge. I admit in the past I stopped using my real name and have several adolescent "Clark Kent" occupation "Reporter" badges but the conversations and ice breaking (and handing out a business card) made meeting people more fun. And I didn't want or get swag emailed or following me.