Amount of effort in designing posters for conferences

Hai there again,

Twice in a day, which rarely happens. Guest I have a lot to say and a lot of time in ny hands before 5pm today. So, thought all out there would like to know what is bugging me right now..

How to design a good poster? (Good here refers to an award winning poster -of course) I have been studying quite a number of posters, especially those which had won awards (to compare and learnt)..but I can't see much difference in it.

I noticed from the past two conferences that I have attended that the is a trend to award those posters that are more of economic or medicinal value (more to cancer research or anti allergen compounds etc) which should not be the way..

So, I was thinking why should I put any effort if the award is based on the type of project? Then, again what is the fun of prticipating if you don't have anything to fight for? I mean a purpose to put up the poster..Well, supervisors will most probably say that it is important to publish and that is a purpose enough..(I hear you-not a good reason for us right!)

But, I thought I would just put in all the effort that I can give, then, leave it to god (okay, so unscientific but is there any other option?)

Competitions are supposed to bring out the best in us- by really working hard for the aim or award but when from the very start you know that the system in giving out the awards are basically flawed, you just don't want to do it..

Got this thinking until my brain was totally heated up-I just walked over to my co-supervisor and asked her about it. She told me that efforts should be minimal given the situation of the conference. That was really honest of her but really it is so unlike me to give up and do a 'half baked job'..

like I said -I am a perfectionist and minimal efforts just don't get along with me..

Well, I will put my best effort and hopefully will win the award.

It will be nice to win and parade at those whom had not won at all throughout the years they have put up posters at different conferences!