The vast majority of orchid hobbyists discover their passion through local orchid shows. AOS judges seek to serve the orchid community by providing orchid judging along with education at all judging events.

AOS judging centers serve AOS affiliated societies as judges at local shows and outreach judgings through judging centers

The Judging Center Chair will guide affiliates through the process to request judging at local orchid shows. If a society is not yet an AOS affiliate, they may qualify for an outreach judging. During an outreach judging, a group of judges may travel to attend the society member meeting and conduct an AOS judging while explaining the process. Judging is much more than awards, with a great emphasis on education.

For the judging information required on the Show Application, please refer to Section 5.6.1 of the AOS Handbook on Judging. Contact the local judging center chair for a current list of AOS judges. Once complete, please forward a copy of the application to the judging center chair for their approval. The form should be sent by the affiliate or the AOS Judging Center Chair to the AOS office at theaos@aos.org while including the other on copy. The office will reply to the email when the event has been approved.

Here are a few important reminders to make the process smooth:

• Complete submissions should be sent at least four months in advance of the show date. 
• Please make sure affiliate membership is current for both the society and the AOS rep before submitting.
• The easiest way to pay the show fee and reserve a show trophy (for shows with display judging) is online. 
• Processing could be delayed if the office needs to reach out to follow up.

Once the office processes the request, the submitter will receive a detailed communication from them with status and any next steps. Information about the show from the form will be used to create announcements in the events section of the website and in the classified section of Orchids magazine. Events are published after requirements have been met and fees paid. Affiliates receive a 50% discount on color ads in the magazine if they decide to pursue additional advertising.

Request AOS judging for a show and Pay Show Fees online.