The title nearly says it all .... I am thinking of a visit to the USA next year...not the easiest destination from Spain.... and would like to make it coincide with a pen show, probably on or near the East Coast, as I have friends in Maryland to visit.

So which is a nice friendly show (I know...all of them!) which is likely to be quite well-attended by 'the usual suspects'?

I'd prefer to come at a time and to a place when/where I can expect 'temperate' weather!

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

The Los Angeles show in February!

Well, if you're planning to come in the summer, definitely make your way to the DC Pen Supershow held in August. It's the biggest US show and probably the best overall. It's held in Vienna Virginia, not far from Maryland.

One more vote for the DC Show, if only for the size of it.

That said, I was at the NY/NJ Show this past Saturday and it was really nice to be in a smaller show. Not as many exhibitors, but I actually got to talk to Richard Binder, Ron Zorn, and John Mottishaw and see their work up close and personal whereas at the DC Show they were really swamped (note that Mr. Mottishaw was not at the DC show in August, however). I really apprecicated that opportunity.

Whichever one you make it to, you will have a blast!

The DC Show. Friendly, and well attended by pen enthusiasts, vendors and manufacturers.

Is the Philly pen show worth going to?

K

Kurt,

*Any* show is worth going to. Philly is nice. Not one of the bigger ones to be certain, but not tiny either. It has been on the upswing the past several years with each year better than the last too.

If you have friends in Maryland, why not come to the D.C. show? It's the biggest and certainly has many of the usual "suspects" who really do come from all across the globe to attend this most marvelous event!

Los Angeles.

Dear god I wish that were true but my visit to the Boston pen show was a severe disappointment to me. If I had it to do over again I would have spent the afternoon at Bromfields and saved the admission fee.

Maybe I can hope that Philly is different than that one.


Kurt

I am quite surprised at the number of votes for DC...I thought it might be a bit hot & sticky in August, and a bit 'large and impersonal' in DC....but I am interested in your input, thanks.

I think the extra $$ and flying hours rules out the West Coast...this time, anyway.