Instructions for Judges

Draft V1
Last updated 8/21/26

The Judging Panel 

The Pacific Bonsai Expo invites all exhibitors to participate as judges. Judging takes place in the exhibit hall from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday afternoon after show setup is complete. 

Although we don't require exhibitors to join the jury panel, we encourage exhibitors to participate if they are comfortable and capable of scoring bonsai displays. The organizers will normalize and average these scores to determine which entries receive awards. 

    If you are an exhibitor and wish to serve on the judging panel, come to the exhibit area at 3:00 p.m. to get started.

    Judging the Exhibit

    The judging panel for the 2027 Expo will enter scores online using their phones. Each display includes a QR code you can scan to bring up a web page on which you will enter a score of 1-5 for each display in the exhibit. You can view or edit your scores at any time during the judging process. 

    Judging is a solitary process. Out of respect for other judges, please refrain from having extended conversations during the judging window. Do not share or discuss your scores with others until the judging window closes. 

    After providing scores for every display in the exhibit, you will be prompted to submit your scores. Incomplete judging forms will not be accepted.

    The organizers will publish all scores anonymously after the event. If the organizers discover any evidence of excessive bias or a lack of goodwill in the judging process, the organizers will prohibit these judges from participating in future judging panels.

    Basic Expectations

    1. Your opinion of whether or not you like a tree will not be reflected in your scores. Scores are a reflection of your understanding of how well a display reflects the evaluation criteria for the exhibit.
    2. The core of your score is determined by the quality of the bonsai in the display. Great container selection, stand selection, accent selection and display concept alone do not make a given display a strong candidate for an award if the bonsai is not great.
    3. The presence of a given characteristic such as great age, branch density, or thoughtful display is not a guarantee that a given entry will score well. The sum of all aspects of bonsai and bonsai display contribute to the score as outlined in the evaluation criteria.
    4. Old trees and antique display elements aren't inherently better than younger alternatives. In some cases, the appearance of age may be as important as the actual age of a bonsai. As above, new pots and stands may be competitive with older alternatives if they enhance the overall display. 
    5. Expensive display elements aren't inherently better than modest display elements. Hand-made or antique containers can only help a display's score when they are well-suited to the material or the display concept.
    6. Novel or non-traditional displays are not inherently better than traditional displays. Both contemporary and traditional approaches to display can score well when well-executed.

    Evaluation Criteria

    The following criteria are provided as a guide for evaluating the exhibit. It is not meant to be a complete list, but rather a starting point for considering how to apply scores as a member of the judging panel.

      1. Material Selection and Orientation

      • Has the artist selected or created interesting material to work with?
      • Has the artist oriented the material in a way that tells a compelling story or provides an intriguing view of the trunk, branches, or deadwood features?

      2. Trunk Characteristics

      • Does the trunk convey great age, character or beauty?
      • Are there unsightly scars, unattractive bark characteristics, or awkward transitions of taper?
      • Is the movement extraordinary for the species or style?
      • Does deadwood, when present, look natural and aged?

      3. Material Care and Development

      • Does the material look mature as bonsai?
      • Do the leaves, or buds for deciduous species, appear healthy?
      • Does the arrangement of branches demonstrate skill and complement the character of the trunk?
      • Is the arrangement of branches sophisticated or elegant?

      4. Containers and Stands

      • Does the size, color, and design of the stand and container complement the planted material?
      • Are the containers and stands compelling additions to the display? 
      • Do containers and stands enhance the story of the display?

      5. Display Concept

      • Do accent pieces support the story of the display?
      • Are accent plantings healthy, full, or seasonal?
      • Are accent pieces such as tenpai (small ornamental objects or figures), okimono (an accompanying object or figure), or stones compelling additions to the display?  

      Send questions, comments, or suggestions for improving the draft to info@pacificbonsaiexpo.org by September 15, 2026.