Surely we don't need awards - in any economic climate actually. Perhaps some people should concentrate on their day jobs rather than spending time on their award submissions. If it is really necessary, why didn't they just video last year's event, hire a cinema this year, and play it back to the attendees on the big screen at 9.50 per head? It isn't any different year on year. Perhaps a vendor could sponsor the popcorn or 3D glasses. It is usually the same old same olds who waddle up to pick up the "independently judged" bits of cheap glass anyway, with the same old jokes being told by the same old tubbies and let's not forget the same old drunks rolling around chasing the same old bits of mutton. Give it a rest for a while. But if you're a CIO (stop it - you're an IT Manager - get over it) and you need the ego lift because there are no awards handy or you're already over published in whatever Ark Group rag that begs for content or vendor case study, you could always run and pay someone for your name to get on a List to show that you Know something. That would impress so many people (in your family only).