> For the first time, I won a major raffle at a recent conference. However, I had to give the prize back since it was a beer dispenser and I don’t drink. You d

> For the first time, I won a major raffle at a recent conference. However, I had to give the prize back since it was a beer dispenser and I don’t drink. You didn't have to give it back, you could have gifted /converted it to money by putting it up on a marketplace. > Let’s start with a beer dispenser as a prize. To be fair to the organizers (who hosted an awesome conference), all but this gift were regular ones, Organizers don't always choose what's going to be in raffles, some of the prizes are offered by sponsors. > and by pure coincidence, the only alcohol-related prize was won by the person who doesn’t drink. That's how raffles work bro, if the organizers know who will win what when , there is a major problem (see https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=17638677 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=17638677). However, if coincidence is on your side you'll end up with the car of your dreams when your beater dies. The only way not to be disappointed is to expect nothing out of it or just not participate. Other than looking a gifted horse in the mouth, I wonder if the author enjoyed something at this conference and if he expected more than just the work related side. Personally I like the social side of events such as conferences where you can meet like minded folks who share common interests , yes the beer and drinks and etc as well. I don't judge when a small group goes out for a cigarette / vaping, even during work hours, & I respect people who don't partake. It doesn't mean not hanging around with them and not including them in activities.