For the last number of years, my company has entered a b2b publishing awards competion (not the Tabbies)

Having not picked up a prize after five years we have informed the organisers we won't attend this year's dinner unless we know in advance that at the very least we will be on stage for a commendation.

We don't want to know whether we have won or not but our feeling is that attending ceremonies where you are always the bridesmaid but never the bride is

1) A waste of money
2) A waste of time
3) Demoralising

I know awards organisers will always talk about a great night out, networking opportunities etc, but my personal feeling is that they should be transparent when trying to sell you a table about your prospects of picking up some sort of trophy.

Would be interested to hear the views of other members.

The American Society of Business Publication Editors always informs submitters who the finalists are prior to the awards banquet. All finalists win an award, whether gold, silver, or bronze.