The question of information dissemination among architects on subjects such as energy conservation and bioclimatic design has been dealt with by different professional and governmental groups, but with limited success. One of the tools for the promotion of new ideas and technologies is that of design competitions. Numerous such competitions are held regularly both on international and national levels. This paper attempts to assess the limitations and drawbacks of such competitions vis-a-vis the real impact these have on participants, organizers and the wider professional and student communities, as reflected in the International Design Ideas Competition for a resort hotel by the Dead Sea, Israel, held in conjunction with the 11th PLEA International Conference.