My sister and I recently made the 3.5 hour trip to Vanness Pen and I was overwhelmed with all the stuff. Many of the tips you've given are appropriate to keep in mind when visiting a good sized pen shop. I'm going to save this video and watch it again before I visit another pen store or attend a show.
LOL-ed at "And, don't get too hammered!" As a soon-to-be first-time pen-show attendee, that hadn't even been on my radar of possible things to do. Great video.
Well I did not make it to the Miami pen show. I will be now attending the Orlando pen show in September this year. Already purchased my tickets and booked the hotel.
Hi - thanks for this video! I'm planning to attend the DC Supershow next month when I'm visiting the US from New Zealand. It'll be my first pen show ever, so it's great to get a sense of what to expect and some practical tips to prepare.
Awesome! That should be quite the experience. DC is big show, and if you'd like to get an idea what it's like check out the walk-through videos from that show on my channel.
Since I could drive to the SF show, every now and then I would take stuff I had bought out to my car (leaving them not visible in the car), so I didn't need such a big bag. As for getting to know people, I'm really not good at that sadly. Thanks for this guide, I've only been to one show but it was a lesson. I think my best lesson was for those expensive new pens that you want to try out, don't buy them at the show if they are also available online because you'll generally pay a premium. Also, get there early on the first day if you want to get an appointment for a nibmeister, or if you want to score some of the show exclusive goodies which often sell out. Hope to see you at SF.
I agree with you about meeting other people attending the show. I have gone to events before to attend a talk or conference and come away have learned more from just interaction with others. Do find out ahead of time if food or drink are allowed in the building where the pen show is being held at. I know here in Augusta Maine at the Augusta Civic Center you are not allowed to bring food or drink in as the facility has its own concession stands.
Yeah, convention centers can be real sticklers. Pen shows in the USA are almost all held in hotel ballrooms. Usually the hotel has some sort of restaurant, but I’ve never been to one that doesn’t allow food or beverage to be brought in.
Thank you for this very informative video! I will be attending the DC Pen show in a few days. This is only my second pen show and I found your channel by seeing that you will be at the show. I hope I can meet you.
Really great tips! As I’m still a newbie, I only made it to one show a few years ago. ( pre COVID). It was the Scriptus show in Toronto. It was very busy, and I found it overwhelming. I wasn’t prepared and didn’t purchase anything. Hopefully when things get back to normal next year, I can check out a few American shows.
I’ve never gotten to go to Scriptus, but any of the larger pen shows can be overwhelming the first time. Once you hit a few it stops being overwhelming and becomes a fun weekend with friends.
@@inkdependence yes! the pens were nice but the people were nicer! i learned this rule: “do like how it looks, do you like how it writes, and can you afford it?” - sam highsmith got michael r. sull’s latest book: “sull’s manual of advanced penmanship”! would definitely visit another pen show in the future!
Going to DC aug 7! First show. I don't have much knowledge still with pens, but just looking to meet new people and hopefully come away with some cool finds!
Thanks @Mike for great tips!! @Emily, I’ll be in DC also. Restored my hobby in 2020, but haven’t been to the DC show ever. Hope to meet ya in the crowd!
This is an awesome pen show guide! I think this is great advice for everyone in the community and will hopefully get more pen people out to shows. Thanks Mike!
I am thinking about going to my first pen show this year, this was a great intro video, thank you! Just a question, I have a very fixed budget and definitely wont be able to buy any high ticket pens, do you know if it is ok to interact with the pens out of my budget and ask questions of the vendors so I can just learn more? I would love to just get to know some pens that may be posible to purchase in the future, or even just to settle my heart that I dont want them after all, but is that disrespectful and wasting the vendors time? Does it feel like a hard-sell kind of environment, I kinda get shoppers anxiety and hate to offend people or lead them on as though I am going to purchase something. Thank you :)
Hi Jannah, It's absolutely allowed and encouraged to talk to vendors and makers about pens that are out of your budget. I don't know any vendors who would be offended at all. I don't think I've gotten any sort of sales pitch more than a couple of times. The Hard Sell isn't really a thing at a pen show. If you can make it to the after-hours hangouts with show-goers in the bar and lounge areas you can probably make some pen friends and get to try out all sorts of things.
@@inkdependence Thanks for the reply! From what I have seen from this community so far it seems very welcoming and I am looking forward to keep falling on down the rabbit hole and trying out stuff along the way :)
Thanks for asking this question and articulating it so well!! (By "it," I mean my own similar thoughts and feelings.) I think the reply is helpful to us both. 🙂
These were some good tips! Will use them in San Fran pen show in August. Thanks ❤. Is the pen show a good place to buy pens in terms of pricing? Is there a markup or is there a discount in buying in pen show vs buying online?
It’s a great place to buy pens! There isn’t a markup, but most modern pens from authorized dealers will be at the same price as online due to agreements with brands. Second hand, small maker, and other such things can have great prices. Enjoy the show! SF is a really good one.
What are you seeing in terms of crowds at pen shows this year, compared to pre-pandemic turnouts? I go to the San Francisco show every year--of course not last year. I'm fully vaccinated, but still nervous about jumping into a large room full of strangers. What are anybody's thoughts?
Personally I am waiting until next year, but having shows in hotels helps this year because they likely have had Covid policies and safety plans in use for the last year and will help attendees keep up on it.
I’m on the fence about SF and I go every year. The current Bay Area Covid rates are bad and I’d prefer to avoid crowds. On the other hand, there may not be as big a crowd, which would be a plus. It’s usually so packed it’s hard to move. I’ll decide when it gets closer.
Hi! I’m a newbie to fountain pens. I’m a planner girl and got sucked in, lol. Have you ever been to the Detroit show? It’s end of October and the very first show I’ll be going to.
Welcome! The Detroit show is one that I haven't been to yet. It has recently gotten new management, though, and I'm sure Dale is doing good things with that show. Just remember that pen shows are about the people, and have a good time meeting your fellow pen and planner nuts. :-D
I am thinking of going to the Orlando show in September. Having never been to a show before, I really don’t know what to expect. Are pens, inks, and paper cheaper at shows - or is it only the “so much in one place” that is the draw? When you consider that everything you could ever want is on Amazon, are things going to be cheaper - or perhaps even more expensive? Any advice from anyone who knows more than me would be very appreciated!
The draw is being able to hold all of the things in your hands and being with a whole bunch of other pen people who share our obsession with all things stationery. Some things will be cheaper, some will be more expensive, and lots will be things that just aren't available on big box sites. There will be small makers who don't sell there, inks you won't have known about, pens you can put your physical hands on, and more! Pen shows are a blast. Modern pens from authorized retailers will be sold for about what they are sold for online because the prices are set by the brands and not the shops. Vintage pens and "experienced pens" will have prices that vary across sellers.
My sister and I recently made the 3.5 hour trip to Vanness Pen and I was overwhelmed with all the stuff. Many of the tips you've given are appropriate to keep in mind when visiting a good sized pen shop. I'm going to save this video and watch it again before I visit another pen store or attend a show.
My first pen show in august. Hope to catch you at the workshop on Sat
LOL-ed at "And, don't get too hammered!" As a soon-to-be first-time pen-show attendee, that hadn't even been on my radar of possible things to do. Great video.
Well I did not make it to the Miami pen show. I will be now attending the Orlando pen show in September this year. Already purchased my tickets and booked the hotel.
Hi - thanks for this video! I'm planning to attend the DC Supershow next month when I'm visiting the US from New Zealand. It'll be my first pen show ever, so it's great to get a sense of what to expect and some practical tips to prepare.
Awesome! That should be quite the experience. DC is big show, and if you'd like to get an idea what it's like check out the walk-through videos from that show on my channel.
Since I could drive to the SF show, every now and then I would take stuff I had bought out to my car (leaving them not visible in the car), so I didn't need such a big bag. As for getting to know people, I'm really not good at that sadly. Thanks for this guide, I've only been to one show but it was a lesson. I think my best lesson was for those expensive new pens that you want to try out, don't buy them at the show if they are also available online because you'll generally pay a premium. Also, get there early on the first day if you want to get an appointment for a nibmeister, or if you want to score some of the show exclusive goodies which often sell out. Hope to see you at SF.
Good advice! Thanks!
I hope it helps!
I agree with you about meeting other people attending the show. I have gone to events before to attend a talk or conference and come away have learned more from just interaction with others. Do find out ahead of time if food or drink are allowed in the building where the pen show is being held at. I know here in Augusta Maine at the Augusta Civic Center you are not allowed to bring food or drink in as the facility has its own concession stands.
Yeah, convention centers can be real sticklers. Pen shows in the USA are almost all held in hotel ballrooms. Usually the hotel has some sort of restaurant, but I’ve never been to one that doesn’t allow food or beverage to be brought in.
Thank you for this very informative video! I will be attending the DC Pen show in a few days. This is only my second pen show and I found your channel by seeing that you will be at the show. I hope I can meet you.
Great! I'll be around all weekend, so say Hi if you see me. Enjoy the show!
Great advice! For several years, I traveled the country vending at Reptile Expos. All of this advice works for ANY and ALL trade shows!
Good to hear! I mostly go to pen shows these days, but I'm glad to hear that it works for other cons and shows.
Really great tips! As I’m still a newbie, I only made it to one show a few years ago. ( pre COVID). It was the Scriptus show in Toronto. It was very busy, and I found it overwhelming. I wasn’t prepared and didn’t purchase anything. Hopefully when things get back to normal next year, I can check out a few American shows.
I’ve never gotten to go to Scriptus, but any of the larger pen shows can be overwhelming the first time. Once you hit a few it stops being overwhelming and becomes a fun weekend with friends.
thank you for this. Im going to my first pen show in Aug (SF Pen Show) and Im alil nervous about going by myself
You're welcome! Check out the live walk-through from SF this last fall. You won't be alone: You'll be with a whole bunch of other pen nerds!
Headed to my first pen show and am super excited. Thanks for these tips!
Can't believe I've never been to a pen show. I have to try and go to the show in August. It's either going to be alone or with someone. lol.
headed to our first pen show right now!
great tips.
Hope you enjoy it!
@@inkdependence yes! the pens were nice but the people were nicer!
i learned this rule: “do like how it looks, do you like how it writes, and can you afford it?” - sam highsmith
got michael r. sull’s latest book: “sull’s manual of advanced penmanship”!
would definitely visit another pen show in the future!
Going to DC aug 7! First show. I don't have much knowledge still with pens, but just looking to meet new people and hopefully come away with some cool finds!
Thanks @Mike for great tips!!
@Emily, I’ll be in DC also. Restored my hobby in 2020, but haven’t been to the DC show ever. Hope to meet ya in the crowd!
@@stacipaley1001 Awesome, hope to cross paths!
This is an awesome pen show guide! I think this is great advice for everyone in the community and will hopefully get more pen people out to shows. Thanks Mike!
Thanks!
Excellent video ... thank you.
You are welcome!
perfect timing for this guide. thank you!!!
This is a great guide. I'm sad that I'm not doing the DC Show this weekend and I'm really looking forward to the Baltimore show.
I am thinking about going to my first pen show this year, this was a great intro video, thank you! Just a question, I have a very fixed budget and definitely wont be able to buy any high ticket pens, do you know if it is ok to interact with the pens out of my budget and ask questions of the vendors so I can just learn more? I would love to just get to know some pens that may be posible to purchase in the future, or even just to settle my heart that I dont want them after all, but is that disrespectful and wasting the vendors time? Does it feel like a hard-sell kind of environment, I kinda get shoppers anxiety and hate to offend people or lead them on as though I am going to purchase something. Thank you :)
Hi Jannah,
It's absolutely allowed and encouraged to talk to vendors and makers about pens that are out of your budget. I don't know any vendors who would be offended at all. I don't think I've gotten any sort of sales pitch more than a couple of times. The Hard Sell isn't really a thing at a pen show. If you can make it to the after-hours hangouts with show-goers in the bar and lounge areas you can probably make some pen friends and get to try out all sorts of things.
@@inkdependence Thanks for the reply! From what I have seen from this community so far it seems very welcoming and I am looking forward to keep falling on down the rabbit hole and trying out stuff along the way :)
Thanks for asking this question and articulating it so well!! (By "it," I mean my own similar thoughts and feelings.) I think the reply is helpful to us both. 🙂
Very well done thank you….too bad the Toronto Show has been canceled
New here. Appreciate the tips. Where can I find a list of pens shows in the US?
Check here: www.wellappointeddesk.com/pen-show-schedule/
These were some good tips! Will use them in San Fran pen show in August. Thanks ❤. Is the pen show a good place to buy pens in terms of pricing? Is there a markup or is there a discount in buying in pen show vs buying online?
It’s a great place to buy pens! There isn’t a markup, but most modern pens from authorized dealers will be at the same price as online due to agreements with brands. Second hand, small maker, and other such things can have great prices. Enjoy the show! SF is a really good one.
@@inkdependence Thanks!
What are you seeing in terms of crowds at pen shows this year, compared to pre-pandemic turnouts? I go to the San Francisco show every year--of course not last year. I'm fully vaccinated, but still nervous about jumping into a large room full of strangers. What are anybody's thoughts?
Personally I am waiting until next year, but having shows in hotels helps this year because they likely have had Covid policies and safety plans in use for the last year and will help attendees keep up on it.
I’m on the fence about SF and I go every year. The current Bay Area Covid rates are bad and I’d prefer to avoid crowds. On the other hand, there may not be as big a crowd, which would be a plus. It’s usually so packed it’s hard to move. I’ll decide when it gets closer.
Hi! I’m a newbie to fountain pens. I’m a planner girl and got sucked in, lol. Have you ever been to the Detroit show? It’s end of October and the very first show I’ll be going to.
Welcome! The Detroit show is one that I haven't been to yet. It has recently gotten new management, though, and I'm sure Dale is doing good things with that show. Just remember that pen shows are about the people, and have a good time meeting your fellow pen and planner nuts. :-D
Did the D.C. show have any new or proprietary inks?
There were a few. Anderillium Potomac and Papier Plume Rebirth were introduced in 2023, and I think Monteverde Viva Magenta was done for that show.
May go to the Miami pen show 2022
Go for it!
@@inkdependence this will be my first pen show
@@SunshineFL I'm going too! It's my first show as well! I'm watching and taking notes to prepare!
I am thinking of going to the Orlando show in September. Having never been to a show before, I really don’t know what to expect. Are pens, inks, and paper cheaper at shows - or is it only the “so much in one place” that is the draw? When you consider that everything you could ever want is on Amazon, are things going to be cheaper - or perhaps even more expensive?
Any advice from anyone who knows more than me would be very appreciated!
The draw is being able to hold all of the things in your hands and being with a whole bunch of other pen people who share our obsession with all things stationery. Some things will be cheaper, some will be more expensive, and lots will be things that just aren't available on big box sites. There will be small makers who don't sell there, inks you won't have known about, pens you can put your physical hands on, and more! Pen shows are a blast.
Modern pens from authorized retailers will be sold for about what they are sold for online because the prices are set by the brands and not the shops. Vintage pens and "experienced pens" will have prices that vary across sellers.
Hello ! Thanks for putting this together 😊 Just want to ask if I need a ticket to enter the show ? Or is walk-in ok ?
I think all of the shows have some sort of entry fee. Usually they're quite low, though Fridays can be more expensive.
@@inkdependence thank you! I found a link for the DC pen show 😊
this good to share pen show #smokeytasha
Is it safe to assume all vendors at show are selling legitimate pens and not fakes?