I used to show my own stuff, and won my share... but 50 years of involvement has changed my outlook.

I usually tell my customers to go enjoy the show and talking to fellow gearheads. If you get a trophy, then it is just "gravy". I tell them that if they want proof of whether people like their project... listen to what they say... and watch for them to point, or get out their camera! That is the "proof" that you did good!

As far as the trophies themselves... I favor the ones chosen by the public... not by judges who are either counting rock chips, or "helping out their buddies".