Is The Washington Dc 2019 Pen Show Happening?

[Gutbucketeer]

While I've had fountain pens for years, I am just starting my deep dive into the world of pens, nibs, and inks. So I've never been to a pen show (I found out about the Baltimore Show after the fact) and am really looking forward to the 2019 Washington DC Pen show from August 1 - 4. But I can't seem to find out if it has been cancelled or is really taking place and what the cost will be to the general public.

 

Can someone provide an update?

 

Thanks

 

Jim Bunch

[MightyEighth]

It's not much to go on, but after many months my registration check was finally cashed. Either the show is happening or I've been robbed

[Gutbucketeer]

Good to know. Are you a vendor? If not, what did they charge you per day, and for a weekend pass?

[MightyEighth]

Good to know. Are you a vendor? If not, what did they charge you per day, and for a weekend pass?

 

I'm just a weekend passer. The price went up for the three day pass, to something like $60.

[CraigN]

Jim,

 

While the show is large and well-attended, you won't find much information at the web page, http://www.pencentral.com/home . The show isn't known for good communications and updates to the web page sometimes happen only days before the start of the show. MightyEighth mentioned that the weekend trader pass costs $60, but the web page still shows $45. I think that the web page contains old information. My wife & I recall paying around $10 per person per day to attend the show last year.

 

It's sad to hear that your weren't aware of the Baltimore pen show. Keep an eye out here and at the show's web page http://baltimorepenshow.com/ for future dates. The show appears to be well-organized and we enjoy it.

 

I hope you can attend.

 

Regards,

Craig

[Gutbucketeer]

Look forward to seeing folks there. I retrieved a pen from my Dad's desk before he died. Turns out it was a promotional pen that a Japanese shipyard gave out. Getting it working was the catalyst for my recent interest. Now I'm trying to get all of the pens in my pen drawer working again. Surprised that I still enjoy my old Sheaffer School pens and the Cross Solos that I had. Next stop is getting a good flex nib pen. Really looking forward to the show.

 

[hedge]

I would love to go to the DC pen show, but the website leaves something to be desired. How does one even register?

[MightyEighth]

I would love to go to the DC pen show, but the website leaves something to be desired. How does one even register?

 

If you want a table or weekend pass there is a form page on the site to fill out basic info and send a check. If you just want to go for a day or two then you just show up and pay the day rate, whatever that will be.

[Ana_]

Are the pen DC pen show dates of 8/1-4 correct and is the location right?? For the first time I will actually be in DC when the pen show hits and I really want to go. The last 3 years I’ve missed it by weeks. Also if I want to attend Thursday, pre-show attendance is that possible?

[langere]

Yes, you can attend the Thursday session, but you have to pay the $45 or $60 - whatever it is nowadays.

 

Erick

[pararis]

FYI

 

Anderson Pens will not be there this year.

[Ron Z]

FYI

 

Anderson Pens will not be there this year.

 

Their website still has it listed. 7/19/19 11:15 EDT

[pararis]

Yesterday's videocast says no...

 

https://youtu.be/ug30ahQvVP8

[Ron Z]

Yesterday's videocast says no...

 

https://youtu.be/ug30ahQvV

 

For those of us who don't have time to watch the whole thing, where? I caught a reference to no AUCTION at DC, so the next one would be Ohio, but not a reference to not going to DC. Bob still has them listed on the website (recognizing that it isn't always the most up to date...)

[Ray-Vigo]

Sounds like at about 28:30 in the video.

[Ron Z]

Sounds like at about 28:30 in the video.

 

Thanks. That's helpful.

[Ana_]

Thank you Erick, the $45-$60, do I pay at the door Thursday? It likely wasn’t directed at me, but me personally I’m fine if Anderson is or isn’t there. I go in search of my grail pen that they’ll not have, my Soennecken 111 (extra preferred, but I’ll take any size...) in green/ blugreenish herringbone.

[langere]

Yes, you pay at the door. If you come on Saturday or Sunday, you have the option of just paying the daily rate, which is less. I assume that is the way it is handled, if the past is a guide.

 

I've done both - it's usually worth it to pay the higher rate if you come for more than a day.

 

I hope to be back, with my niece, who now has a number of nice fountain pens too!

 

Erick

[inkstainedruth]

The years I've gone I mostly did the day rate. Which turned out to be a PITA because I had to go stand in line again on Sunday.

The advantage of paying day rates at pen shows is that it's cheaper (especially if your time is limited). The advantage of weekend rates is that you have access to stuff that the day-pass purchasers don't -- the parties and auctions. Plus, you can be there for the entire time and get in earlier in the day. The first year I went to the Ohio Pen Show, I could only go for Friday. I got up early in the morning and drove out to Columbus from Pittsburgh (which is about a 3-1/2 hour trip depending on how fast you drive, how often you have to take breaks, and general traffic). I got to the site around 12:30, went to the hotel bar to get myself some lunch, and then found that even though I was only getting a day pass for Friday, I could get in a little earlier than listed for day pass people, because I was able to give exact change. But I ended up stumbling into my house at 12:30 AM when I got home. After that first year, I try to go out for longer, and find a cheap place to stay that's a reasonable drive to the site.

The times I went to DCSS I did stay at the site hotel, because EVERYTHING in DC is going to be expensive, and the traffic in DC is horrendous, even on the weekends (the last year it was at the old site in Tyson's Corners, my husband went with me, and we drove down Friday evening and took some weird convoluted route on small roads which took us way west of Tyson's Corners -- because he absolutely refused to be on the Beltway...).

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

[Ana_]

Erick, it’s great that you’re niece is taking up the fountain pen! I will be paying at the door Thursday for all 4 days. Gotta turn over all stones for my pen!