Call for Entries

Updated: 4-12-2026

Submission Period Opens 
October 15, 2026

Submissions for the 2027 Pacific Bonsai Expo will be accepted October 15 - November 15, 2026, via the online submission system. Complete submissions will include the following information:

  • Submission photos (requirements below)
  • The tree’s common name and botanical name
  • The name of the pot maker and stand maker, if known
  • The tree’s height
    • Tree height is measured from the rim of the pot to the apex for upright trees and from the apex to the lowest branch for cascade bonsai.
    • For trees taller than 18”, measure the tree’s width. Trees with a combined height and width greater than 64” may be placed in an XL category. 

Photo Requirements

Please prepare the following photos for each submission.

  • One photo showing the front of the tree
    • For deciduous species: one photo from the front without leaves
  • One photo showing the branch structure as seen from the front looking upward into the canopy
  • For non-traditional displays: provide a design concept and/or complete visual of the display
  • Include additional photos and angles as needed so the jury can understand the quality of the tree

Accepted submissions all have one thing in common: good photos. The following tips will help you create accurate images of your submissions. 

  • Hold the camera at a height about 1/3 of the way up from the lip of the pot to the top of the tree
  • Use a plain backdrop so the jurors can see the tree clearly  
  • Use diffused light where possible (avoid direct sun)

Additional Links

A photo of the complete display, including stands and accent plants, along with an artist's statement, may be required for accepted entries one month prior to the show. 

Display Space

Trees will be displayed in 6’ spaces or 8’ spaces. In general, trees with a combined height and width over 64” will be displayed in 8’ spaces. All other bonsai will be displayed in 6’ spaces. 

Standard display space (shohin, medium, and large displays) 

  • 72" L x 29.5" W x 29" H

XL display space (XL trees)

  • 96" L x 48" W x 24" H

NOTE: The organizers reserve the right to place trees in a given category based on: the size and feeling of the tree at exhibit setup, the size and number of trees in a given category, and room or display space restrictions.

Judging Categories

Expo Awards will be given to the top scoring tree in a given category. The Best in Show award will go to the top scoring tree in the exhibit. A People’s Choice Award will be given to the top scoring tree or trees as determined by attendees. Additional awards may be given as determined by the organizers.

  • Best in Show
  • Shohin (all trees in the display are under 8”). 
    • Shohin displays typically include 2-6 shohin bonsai (or up to 12 mame) with one accent. 
  • Medium (all trees in the display are under 18”)
    • Medium displays typically feature one larger tree, one smaller tree, and one accent.
  • Large Conifer (bonsai larger than 18”)
    • Large Conifer displays typically feature one bonsai and one accent. 
  • XL Conifer
    • If there are more than 10 accepted submissions in the Large Conifer category and at least 3 of them have a combined height and width over 64”, an additional award will be given for XL Conifer
  • Large Broadleaf Evergreen (bonsai larger than 18”)
    • Large Broadleaf Evergreen displays typically feature one bonsai and one accent. 
  • XL Broadleaf Evergreen
    • If there are more than 10 accepted submissions in the Large Broadleaf Evergreen category, and at least 3 of them have a combined height and width over 64”, an additional award will be given for XL Broadleaf Evergreen. 
  • Large Deciduous (bonsai larger than 18”)
    • Large Deciduous displays typically feature one bonsai and one accent. 
  • XL Deciduous
    • If there are more than 10 accepted submissions in the Large Deciduous category, and at least 3 of them have a combined height and width over 64”, an additional award will be given for XL Deciduous.

Exhibitor's FAQ

Is it free to submit a tree to the jury?

  • Yes, it is free to submit a tree for consideration. 

Can I submit more than one tree for consideration?

  • Yes, there is no limit on the number of submissions an individual can submit. Each individual exhibitor is limited to 3 accepted submissions. Should the jury choose more than three of your submissions we will contact you about which ones you prefer to show. 

Is there a fee to display my tree at the exhibit?

  • Yes, exhibitors will pay a fee for each display. Fees are approximately $175 for displays on 6' tables and $275 for displays on 8’ tables (2024 rates). Fees will be detailed in the exhibitor contract. 

Can I get a waiver for the exhibitor's fee?

  • Exhibitor's fees are required for all accepted entries. If you are affiliated with a bonsai club, your club may sponsor an entry on your behalf. Any fee waivers will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Contact the organizers for additional information.

Can my 10" tree be judged in the shohin category?

  • No. Judging categories will be made at the discretion of the organizers only and are final. Entries that are mis-categorized will be corrected. The organizers may change the submission category to accommodate unusual submissions. 

Who are the exhibition jurors?

  • There are 5 jurors this year representing a diversity of backgrounds in the American bonsai scene.  The jurors are: Bjorn Bjorholm, Ryan Neil, Andrew Robson, Suthin Sukosolvisit, and Peter Tea.  Each juror will be independently presented with an anonymized slate of photos representing the submitted trees. The jurors rank the trees based on the selection criteria that the organizers provide, with the aim of creating a diverse and interesting bonsai exhibit.

Who Determines the Award Winners?

  • Exhibitors will be the sole members of the judging panel. To learn more about the judging process, see the Exhibitors section of the FAQ.

When will I find out if my tree was accepted? 

  • We anticipate the jury results will be available by December 5th, 2026. If you submitted a tree you will receive an email confirming if your tree was accepted, an alternate or not selected. 

What do Award Winning displays receive?

  • Each category winner and the Best in Show winner will receive a bespoke trophy and copious bragging rights. 

I have a tree for the exhibit, but I need a pot/stand/accent/etc.  Can I rent or borrow one for the exhibit?

Do I get free passes if my tree or trees are accepted for the exhibit?

  • Yes. Exhibitors will receive one exhibitor pass and one weekend pass for a spouse or friend. 

Will I have help setting up my display at the event?

  • Exhibitors are responsible for setting up their own displays. If you need a cart to move your tree, we suggest you bring one. Although volunteers will be onsite to help with setup, we cannot guarantee they will be available to help with specific displays. 

What is my role as a judge for the exhibit?

  • All exhibitors are eligible to participate as judges for the exhibition. Judging will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, February 5th, 2027, after setup is complete (the day before the Expo opens). Participating exhibitors will receive instructions on the mechanism for scoring the trees. Exhibitors will adjudicate the exhibition by entering a score for every tree in the exhibition. Incomplete scorecards will not be accepted. Scores will be collected and tallied by the organizers. 

When do I need to bring my tree?

  • Exhibitors are required to bring all items for their display to the venue between 9:00 a.m. Thursday, February 4, 2027, and 12:00 p.m. on Friday, February 5th. Trees arriving late may not be included in the show catalog.

When can I take down my display?

  • Exhibitors can pack up their displays after 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 7th. All exhibitor materials shall be removed from the building before 8pm February 7th.

Are there size limits for the trees I can submit?

  • If your tree is unusually large (over ~48" in any one dimension) please contact the organizers for additional information.

Are bonsai professionals eligible to submit trees for the exhibition?

  • Yes. We strongly encourage all bonsai practitioners, professional or otherwise, to submit trees for consideration. The exhibit is meant to highlight the best trees in the United States!

Can a single tree win more than one prize?

  • Yes. Although no tree can win more than one category award, category winners are eligible to receive the Best in Show Award.

Will my tree be photographed?

  • Yes. Photography will be allowed during the exhibit, and the organizers will photograph exhibited trees for the event website, in a commemorative album, or for promotional purposes. 

Will there be security at the event?

  • Yes. The event will have professional security guards onsite continuously  Thursday morning through Sunday evening. Volunteer security staff will be on duty when the event is open to visitors.

Are there special requirements for trees coming from outside of California?

Phytosanitary certificates stating that trees are free from pests or diseases are required for all trees entering California. Contact your local agricultural department to schedule an appointment for obtaining phytosanitary certificates.

Additional state or species specific requirements:

  • All persimmon (Dyospyros): entry prohibited.
  • All citrus including fortunella, murraya, poncirus, aeglopsis and afraegle: no entry.
  • All plums from CT, DE, IL, IN, KY, MD, MA, MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, WV, DC: entry prohibited. 
  • All walnut, butternut, hickory, or pecan from OR, WA, ID, UT, AZ, NV: entry prohibited.
  • Any plant with fruit or berries from all states east of and including ND, SD, NE, KS, OK, TX, and parts of UT must have certification of treatment for plum curculio and blueberry maggot.
  • Any plant with fruit or berries from FL or PR must have certification of treatment for Caribbean fruit fly.
  • Any Chestnut, Chinquapin, Oak, and Tanbark Oak require inspection or certification of treatment for Chestnut Bark and Oak Wilt Disease.
  • Any wild or domesticated cherry tree with fruit from ID, MT, NM, OR, UT, WA, CO require certification of treatment for cherry fruit fly.

Please review the complete requirements from the State of California for details.