I'm putting my MINI in a show this summer. Peer presure. My car looks good and it's always been maintained well. I'm just starting this thread to get some ideas on the specifics they look for.

 

I'm driving to Nebraska today to be in a car show in Mitchell over the weekend. This will be my second show, the other being in Riverton, Wyoming last year. I placed second in "Sport Compact" in that show.
Of course the obvious: clean, swirl-free paint, nice black trim, clean wheels and tires (including the tread), clean engine and under bonnet heat shield, interior spotless as well as all the glass. I drive my MINI to the shows so I do a show quality cleaning before I leave, then a wash and quick detail when I arrive. I also now have a Colgan bra which helps me avoid issues with bugs and chips.
You will also want to work on your presentation. A theme is nice, I have a Union Jack motif going with a 3'x5' UJ flag on a pole, several smaller UJ flags, many various UJ items on the MINI (mirror caps, valve stems, plates, badges and floor mats). Also you will want to build a sign that details the specifics of your car (manufacture, model, engine, transmission and OEM features) in addition to your custom features. I also made another sign with some MINI Cooper history and trivia. I've added a small table as well that I use to display my Prima detailing products and to hold business cards from our car club (MINI5280) and from Detailers Paradise. You should tailor your display to the show - indoor v. outdoor.
I'm interested in hearing what others do as well.
Car shows are fun to participate in even if you don't bring home an award. Hope you have fun and good luck.