Wow, you're much more upbeat than I was.

I did a wrap-up podcast which felt like I was doing a eulogy rather than a conference summary. There was (virtually) nothing that drew my attention and was "new and exciting". It felt like marketing had realized people were making fun of the hype machine so everyone had the adverse reaction at once, and we had boring messaging (almost) everywhere.

I disagree with you on the consolidation. I think it's not only coming, but I think it'll be a wave that is here faster than we think. I believe the economy has left several companies as zombies (dead, but they don't know it yet) and they will all eventually "die" or be consumed quickly into some platform.

The platform companies are clearly winning - you know them, I know them - and startups want to be in them.

Anyway, good summary as always. I think we successfully missed each other however...bummer.

My DtSR Podcast on RSAC '23 (shameless self-promotion): https://dtsr.buzzsprout.com/2153215/12772485