All registered entries in the show are judged and ribbons (1st, 2nd, 3rd) are awarded in each class as appropriate. About 600 orchids are registered for every show.
Judges are accredited by the American Orchid Society (AOS) and work in teams with lay judges and clerks. Plant displays are judged overall as well as individual plants, educational exhibits, and photographs.
Rosettes and trophies are awarded for:
- Best of Class
- Best of Alliance
- COC Trophy – Best Member Display
- AOS Trophy – Best Overall Display
- Hans Bode Trophy – Best Member Orchid
- Dave Cooper Trophy – Best Educational Display
- Michael MacConaill Trophy – 1st in Class 9 Photography
Outstanding plants may be considered for an AOS Award which judges the quality against all previous awards given by the AOS throughout all AOS-sanctioned meetings and shows throughout the world.