Atlanta Pen Show

December 2, 2014

Where I live there is a total of zero pen stores in a 150 mile radius. Because of that I am intrigued by the idea of getting to go to a brick-and-mortar store and actually test out some fountain pen products. The only real option I have is to either go to a pen store in Atlanta or go to the Atlanta pen show (or do both ). Of course going to the pen show would be a funner experience and I'll get to see more products, but it will most likely be super expensive. Could anyone give me some insight on what exactly I can expect to do at the Atlanta show, or if it is even worth the money I would have to spend on travel, food, and lodging while there. Thanks for any help you can give!

***EDIT*****

Also! I know the show is not exactly the largest of all of the pen shows. Therefore would going for only one day be an option in an attempt to save money, or is there still to much to do and see for just one day?

Edited December 2, 2014 by Ambrose Bierce

December 2, 2014

I've been to the Atlanta show a few times and, with the exception of last year, when my friend and I returned because she decided to get a certain pen after all, we've always just gone for one day. It's essentially just two not-huge rooms of dealers with a few set up in the hallways, too.

There is not a lot of product testing going on that I saw, however. Some big shows (like DC) have an ink-testing table, but Atlanta does not. Susan Wirth's table will have a nice selection of pens that are inked up and ready for you to give them a whirl, but she is the exception rather than the norm.

December 2, 2014

How far do you have to travel? I've attended the Atlanta show for the past two years, and I very much enjoy it. It's not big, though, so I think if you planned on staying just one night you would probably be able to see everything you want to see and get to try out some pens and interact with many different pen fanatics. There are various gatherings, formal and informal, and you can probably find people to meet up with, just to increase the experience. Maybe you could find someone with whom you could share a hotel room?

Franklin Christoph always has a big table where you can try out their pens and nibs. Last year there were some Akkermann inks to be acquired. Pendleton (and others) are there tuning pens, and they always have a queue. I bought one of Susan Wirth's pens last year (oh how I love it).

I have no business affiliation with any of the above, and there are many others there too. It's a fun time. :-)

December 2, 2014

Every year I drive the 3+ hours over to Atlanta, leaving home quite early and returning after the show closes at 5pm. One day seems sufficient to me, but I always enjoy the show. If you choose to stay overnight the hotel has a show special room rate of $99, which is quite reasonable.

John