Is it wrong to not attend an employee dinner/event ?

Of course you have a right not to attend.

However, keep in mind, this is not a "social" event, it is a "business" event. Therefore, your presence or lack of same will be noted as not attending a voluntary business occasion.

I hate these events, but being there can make a difference in your progress with with company.

It's not wrong to not attend. I wouldn't have given him a particular reason, I would have just said I had other plans. Sometimes, bosses/companies think that a company dinner or outing is something all employees appreciate, not the case with many people. A couple of years ago I didn't attend a company function, I just didn't feel like socializing with those people I spend too much of my time with during the work week!

Auntie P is right, you don't have to go to every company function, but if you ever want to get anywhere, you'd better attend at least some of them. I wouldn't have told the boss that it was because I don't like to socialize with other employees outside of work, as that makes you appear to be a non-team player. It might be true, but come up with a better excuse.

Obama tried to drum up some crowd for Al. I would be willing to bet, a memo was sent from the Out House, to all agencys requiring at least 2 people from that agency attend. More Obama game playing.

It's not wrong but it will affect your promotions in the company. People who are social are seen more as management material and having long term potential. By basically saying you don't like to spend time with people outside of work you look like you aren't a team player at work also.

of course it's you right not to attend since you don't socialize with anyone else then it shouldn't matter what anyone has to say besides they're not paying you to come and i quite sure "attend employee dinner" was not written in your job description

If there's a consent/permission slip/ RSVP then:

If you want to go, then sign it and hand it back to your company. If you don't want to go, then either send it back or call your company to tell them directly that you don't want to go or make plans and tell them that you have plans. They just notice at the event that you got a reward but not in presence.

What? it's not like your boss hosts this event! he should know better. Tell him that there are more important things to do than being at the appreciation dinner. Some people like to base life on little stuff and your boss is one of them, sorry to say. i wouldn't go if I didn't feel like it. I believe co-workers are toxic too in my opinion.

Sure you have a right not to attend, your not getting payed or anything. (But its going to look bad if you don't. You might get passed up for promotion,)