Hi All,
Since this is my first show and I am trying to set my calendar around it- We can only go the 9th and 10th? The first two days are for folks in the business or something special, is that correct? i keep thinking i'm going Friday! Thanks Caz

Hi Caz:
Saturday and Sunday (the 9th and 10th), are both open to the public days. Many shows are moving towards Friday also being a public day.

Joe Nemecek

aw joe,
you dont want to let the secret out....
come on thursday when the pen folks open their secret stashes and shmoozing goes on big time.
friday we can all come down and trade--great deals abound.
saturday and sunday are crowded--i relax helping some dealers--giving them a break.
i leave early sunday.

joe we've had lunch together--are you coming on thursday?

All you have to do to attend Thursday through Sunday is buy the weekend trader pass. Anyone can purchase this. It entitles you to Thursday, Friday and early admission Saturday & Sunday. It costs $45.

Thursday & Friday are very different than the other two days. Most of the big companies/stores/vendors do not set up until Sat/Sun. I don't believe Richard & Ron set up on Thursday (correct me if I'm wrong!). There are more individual collectors selling and therefore more vintage. If you're looking for paper, ink, and modern pens you probably don't want to spend the extra for the pre-show. If you like vintage - then it's well worth it.

hey it's worth 45 bucks to meet us and schmooooze with everyone!!
for the 45 bucks you can get a table on friday only and sell some pens--if you are so inclined.
trading goes on furiously. it is all fun!!!

I want to make sure I have this straight. Can I go on Friday if I want even if I'm not a vendor?

I've heard some vendors won't be set up. Will there still be opportunity to buy anything? The vintage stuff is what I'd be coming for anyway. Actually, I'm mostly looking forward to meeting some folks from the FPN community. If Friday would be a better day for that (less busy), that's what I'd like. I live in the area so I won't need hotel accommodations.

Thanks all,

Dave

Yes, you can come on Friday even if you're not a vendor. You just have to pay the weekend trader rate of $45. Many vendors (especially the big guys like Pendmonium and Fountain Pen Hospital) do not set up on Thursday or Friday. On the other hand there are many small traders (generally vintage) that ONLY set up on Thursday and Friday. The wonder of the DC show is how different each day is.

Thanks Elaine for clarifying that.