At this year’s ORAPEX exhibition in Ottawa, exhibitors weren’t just showcasing their material – they were gaining invaluable feedback from some of the most experienced judges in philately. Leading the session was Chief Judge Ed Kroft, who offered candid, practical advice on how collectors can improve everything from title pages to treatment and presentation.
The jury offered open, expert and practical insight into what makes an exhibit stand out, encouraging exhibitors to focus on what they can control. They emphasized structure, clarity and storytelling, highlighting common pitfalls in exhibit construction – from vague titles and missing purpose statements to overlooked rarity documentation and inaccessible layouts.
With over 30 medals awarded across multiple classes, this year’s exhibit hall was filled with quality material and passion. But even high-level exhibits weren’t immune to constructive critique. Kroft reminded participants that judging isn’t about quotas or competition – it’s about how well an exhibit tells its story, educates the viewer and presents philatelic knowledge with purpose.
Among the standout lessons: don’t rely on synopses to carry your exhibit, avoid ambiguous claims like “very rare” without evidence, and don’t let a favourite but unrelated piece interrupt your narrative flow. As Kroft put it, “Every item should advance the story.”
To read the full story, including session breakdowns and expert profiles, pick up the latest issue of Canadian Stamp News. Not a subscriber? Visit www.canadiancoinnews.com or go directly to subscribe here for convenient delivery to your door or inbox.