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You must log in to see this page. Why? Is this not a public event?

It is a public event that anyone can view or RSVP for -- given that you have a Facebook account :P

Its an event page on Facebook. For a public event description go here - http://lanyrd.com/2011/sxsw/scqxk/

I have seen the event description, my question still stands.

Why not just remove the RSVP panel and still display the information?

Because Facebook would not profit from that.