Things do "disappear" at large conventions like MLA. A few years
ago in DC they had a spoof election for the "Infocrat of the
Year". The prize, a computer repair kit, was displayed next to
the well-stuffed  ("vote early! vote often!") ballot box.  When
it came time to award the prize ... it had diappeared! (Ah, the
mysteries of politics!)

Michelynn McKnight