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The problem is, the OP isn't talking about hackathons. He's talking about... Startup Weekend or other business oriented events.

Hackathons aren't about slides or business plans. They are about building something.

Part of the reason for this is sponsorships of the hackathons by third-parties, as they are the ones who frequently award prizes because of the increased publicity behind the tech used for successful hacks.

Unfortunately, I don't think that will be changing soon.

That was my immediate reaction. It's human nature to want a prize. If you think people should stop focusing on the prize, stop making it a competition.

Is anything signed before they start at these events?