George,
Well, I am a bit cynical and combative today, aren't I?
Seriously, I recall of of the GD prize versions being a trip to an ASGCA meeting. While the field was narrowed to the final two in total legit fashion, I did hear rumors that the lowest air fare was the factor that broke the tie. Hence, my comments, but I hope I am way off base. On the other hand, journalists are famous for being cheap, so I may not be too far off base!
I may be wrong, but I don't think Tom is putting up a dime of this.......I suspect GM would foot the bill, and they called Tom because of his past relationship with them, and Tom agreed to do it, not knowing exactly when and where he might have projects going on at the time the winner is announced.
I can, however, picture Tom, while making a best effort to incorporate the winning design, he might use a phrase my old boss used in several greens committee meetings - "This is really Mr. Mucci's idea..... and we are going to implement it just the way he wants, only a little different.......