All trees in a show are displayed on a stand. It may surprise you to realize that you do not display the tree in a show, but present a composition, and the stand is an essential part of the composition which consists of the tree, the pot and the stand. Think of the stand as a picture frame. It completes the presentation of the picture, should complement the picture and yet does not compete with the picture for your attention.
Stands come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes and the stand selected for your tree should reflect the features of your tree. A stand with square legs will show a formal tree such as a pine tree to best advantage. A stand with curved legs is a good choice for a maple with a gently curved trunk. A very low stand is needed for a tall tree and a very tall stand might be used to elevate a short twiggy yamadori juniper so the fine details of the tree can be seen and enjoyed. When choosing a stand for your tree, take a moment and observe whether the stand reflects the features of your tree.

From time to time stands are available at sales and bonsai auctions, or from bonsai stand makers. The criterion for a good stand is a clean and simple design that does not compete with your tree, and should be purchased when available at a reasonable price.

There are several options for displaying your tree which do not involve the purchase of an expensive stand. The first is to borrow a stand from another member of the club. Many members are willing to loan stands. At the actual set up of the show, there are occasionally stands available for trees without stands, but those that are available may not be adequate for your tree either in size or style.
The various oriental furniture stores in the area have stands that are meant to display ceramics and can also serve as a stand for bonsai. Many of these stands are to the Chinese taste and the designs of these stands are frequently too heavy for bonsai.
Bamboo mats are frequently used as an informal summer display in Japan and serve as inexpensive alternatives for display of your tree. They are available in import stores.
Slabs of wood cut from the trunk of a tree are frequently seen as stands. If you purchase a slab for your tree, select one that is as thin as one half of an inch or less. Thicker slabs tend to dominate the tree.
Three boards can be arranged in a staggered formation and this presentation is particularly useful for a very large pot. Each board should be about one third the width of the pot.Finally, very simple stands can be made from short sections of hardwood. A bit of sanding and finish is all you need. Be sure to measure your pot to ensure that the new stand and the pot are a good match.
Before the show, spend a moment to prepare your stands. A bit of Old English Scratch Remover, available from Safeway, will remove the dust, hide minor blemishes, and will leave your stand at its shiny best. Felt dots, available from your local hardware store, placed on the bottom of the legs of your pot will go a long ways in preventing scratches on your stand.