IM WI pasta dinner and awards ceremony

I'm going to say that it's very subjective.  If your family thinks it would be cool to join you, then you need to think if it's worth the extra cost.

Foodwise,  the dinner was alright and the breakfast was fine, too, IMO, but the eggs I thought were needing something and were a little runny.

The awards ceremony was boring for me last year, until the final minute of the winner's speech, when he blurted out in his thick, German accent something about the "f***in' hills" - THAT was worth the cover charge!  They also played the video of the DVD that you receive.  Mike Riley is always worth listening, too. 

You better go or I am doing naughty things to your bike Sunday AM!  Myself and the Mrs are in cuz I thought she might like to see it as she sets her sights on 2011 potentially.  Besides, there will be a big Donkey contingent.

Be prepared to genuflect and bray praise.

As I stated earlier, it's subjective.

Fri. night Dinner - Carbo-load, gathering of friends/family/participants, some info about the race (some do's and don'ts), speech from the director and Mike Riley (usually some statistics stuff included), and, hopefully, Frank Farrar! 

Mon. - shows the highlights of the race and highlights of volunteers, awards, top male and female winner speech, and some other stuff.

Your choice.  I didn't take my wife and kids due to A). COST and B). they don't get into this stuff like I do.

Yes, video shown Monday morning.

If its your first IM go to the pasta dinner because the athlete's meeting is right after that and the asst race directors for swim, bike, run and the medical people go thru some good information.  You can also ask questions afterwards.  Tickets for non-athletes were hard to come by this year so get them while you can.  Plus, seeing this video on a big azz screen at the dinner will get you jazzed.