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Ohio Pen Show- My First Convention


Miskatonic

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I'm planning on attending the Ohio Pen Show since I have good friends in Columbus and I hardly need an excuse to come out to see them anyway.

 

Aside from wearing comfortable sneakers I had a few questions as to best practices and what to expect since will be my first ever fountain pen convention. Do I need to bring a wad of cash for purchases or will most / all the vendors have credit card readers on site? I wasn't planning on any of the lectures or training sessions, just wandering the vendor floor- I figured one day would be adequate to make the rounds- does that sound reasonable for the size of this show?

 

Thanks.

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Some vendors will take plastic now, but be prepared to pay cash. You might even get a better deal as the Square card reader charges commission on every transaction. Come with a shopping list or at least an idea of what you're looking for. For a really comprehensive idea of what to expect, check out Richard Binder's site (richardspens.com), he has several detailed articles. Search for ''pen show etiquette'' . Oh and one other thing, it's a pen show not a convention. While there will be a number of commercial vendors there, many dealers are like me, just people who's hobbies got out of hand! Have fun.

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Miskatonic, The Ohio Pen Show is one of the best run shows in the nation. I have been going since 2005 and will be attending this year. The large selection of modern pens and vintage pens will appeal to all fountain pen users and collectors. One day should be sufficient to see everything.

 

Remember there will be several excellent repair people and nibmiesters, so if you have some pens that need to be repaired bring them with you.

I hope you enjoy the show.

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Yes, you can do the show in one day. I would plan on going Saturday, as some vendors will leave early on Sunday. Set yourself a budget before you go; that is one reason to only carry cash, since you give yourself a self-imposed limit.

 

Take a close look at your current collection before going, esp. if you have a fair number of vintage pens, so you can avoid inadvertently buying duplicate pens (don't ask how I know). Or, better yet, take photos of your current collection for reference (I happened upon a pencil that matched one of my Watermans; the photo helped me verify the match). if you have a wide variety of inks, you might either write down their names or, better yet, do a swatch book. That will help you avoid buying an ink that is a dead ringer to something you already own (again, don't ask how I know).

 

Ask questions, chat people up, and pace yourself. it is easy to get overwhelmed and buy the first thing you see; for the most part I like to walk through and see everything, then go back and buy what sticks in my head.

 

Enjoy! I wish I was going this year, but duty calls. I will miss it for the first time in years.

 

Sharon in Indiana

"There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self." Earnest Hemingway

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Well, it depends on what your goal is.

If you want to visit with people with few distractions due to it being before the General Admission crowd gets in it is nice. This is especially helpful If you are an advanced collector with the money to buy some of the more expensive pens. A significant number of very expensive and rare pens change hands early on. Some people do not set up Thursday however while almost all set up Friday.

I have been a weekend participant and spent Thursday through Sunday at the show. That did give me an oppertunity to have a nice conversation with Susan Wirth a few years ago, something no longer possible. So, if meeting people and talking to them is important to you, consider going all four days. I will be this year.

But if maximizing access to inventory and efficiency of purchase and you have limited time, then attend Friday and or Saturday.

Edited by Parker51
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I'm planning on attending the Ohio Pen Show since I have good friends in Columbus and I hardly need an excuse to come out to see them anyway.

 

Aside from wearing comfortable sneakers I had a few questions as to best practices and what to expect since will be my first ever fountain pen convention. Do I need to bring a wad of cash for purchases or will most / all the vendors have credit card readers on site? I wasn't planning on any of the lectures or training sessions, just wandering the vendor floor- I figured one day would be adequate to make the rounds- does that sound reasonable for the size of this show?

 

Thanks.

If depends on what you want to accomplish, and what your personal needs are.

One day would be adequate if you are planning on making few purchases, talking to few people, have little or no work done on your pens, start the day when the show opens, don't take may restroom breaks and don't need to eat for the entire length of the day at the show.

I always go at least three days and I get there at opening, stay to close, and skip meals, but I talk a lot, trade pens, have work done on multiple pens and shop very carefully for a variety of pens. I have a friend who talks much less, shops much less, though typical spends more than I do, who doesn't get there early or stay late, unless we meet for lunch.

Until recently the Ohio Pen Show was the third largest Pen Show in North America. Recently it became the Fourth Largest after The Chicago Pen Show changed management and moved to a larger venue. Chicago is a well run show and a great one to go to in the Spring. The largest Pen Show traditionally has been the Northern Virginia DC area show in August, but it has had problems, some related to an inadequate venue which has resulted in the past with some noted past participants being unable or unwilling to participate. No one wants to be in a place in a building where many of the attendees couldn't find or get to you easily. The Los Angeles show is an odd one, more like two shows than one, with most of the show being a private affair all but one day, with only Sunday being open to the general public and the result being an overcrowded Sunday, slow to get into and hard to get around experiance for the masses.

As said by others, the Ohio Pen show is a well run show. It is generally not overcrowded and the venue is supported to most. Good food is available at reasonable prices close by. It is in a suburban area, an affluent suburban area with all the benefits that brings,such as ge at places,to,eat, plenty of parking, very good roads, little crime, a pleasant physical environment and plenty of places to spend your money if so inclined. And it is adjacent to Columbus, with even more distractions,,especially entertain,met and shopping opertunities. This year, as usual, it falls over the first,Saturday of the month, so th Arts district n Columbus will be up,and running full tilt Saturday night. If you want to,see,that show, head down to High Street in the Short

North. Be prepare to use a parking garage for it however as parking is limited, restricted and rules are enforced in Columbus' high density areas.

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We with the Central Ohio Pen Club will be attending and set up this year. I will be there some of the time as will many of the other members. We are a rather informal club based on our shared interests, mutual respect and trust. The membership is fluid in numbers, requires no dues and is open to all. So, no President, no Officers, no Board of directors, some respected informal leaders, us.

Edited by Parker51
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The Ohio show is the "close" show for me (roughly 3 to 3-1/2 hours from Pittsburgh. It's a large enough show to have a good variety of pens (particularly vintage) -- but it's not so large as to be overwhelming (my first pen show was DCSS, back when it was in Tyson's Corners and that show is GINORMOUS). Yes, you can do Ohio in a single day (my first year I had a commitment the same weekend, so I day tripped it on Friday -- it was doable, but I got home at 12:30 AM and was completely wiped; I had gotten on the road around 8 AM, ate lunch at the hotel before going into the show (which technically opened to the general public at 1 or 2 PM, but they let me in a bit early because I paid cash and had exact change). After that first year, though, I would go out and get a hotel room for the weekend (generally cheapie places in the area -- if you stay somewhere with close proximity to the I-270 ring road, it's actually very easy to get to the site hotel in a reasonable amount of time). Going for the weekend means you get to go to the pizza party (good way to meet people and talk one on one) and the dessert party (ditto, but with with lots more sugar B)). I generally go out Thursday and hit antiques places en route (one year I went on out to the Heart of Ohio antiques mall in Springfield, thinking "Oh, spend a couple of hours there, then go on to the two building one at the next exit west on I-70" -- not realizing just how big HoO is (I got there about 1:30; I stumbled out the door at a quarter after 5, and then of course had to deal with Friday night rush hour traffic on both I-70 and I-270 -- and that year I was staying at a place in Westerville, which was about as far from Springfield as possible and still be right off the beltway... :blush:

I always have a really good time at that show in particular. I do recommend that if you are bringing pens to be worked on, sign up at the various repair peoples' tables as early as possible, because there *will* be a waiting list.

Parking by the site is decent. There's a separate entrance for the "convention center" part of the complex, and check in is right where you walk in, you don't have to go through the main hotel entrance. The show is in a big ballroom, a small ballroom, the hallway that angles around the side of the big ballroom, and then there will be some rooms the other direction for classes and stuff like the pizza party and the auctions (there's one Thursday night, I think, and one Saturday night; the website might have the info up about what will be in the auctions by now, but I haven't had a chance to check (OMG -- the show is less than 2 weeks away at this point :o).

I recommend that when you first check in, take a spin around just to get your bearings and see who is set up where, and bring a pen and a small notebook to keep track of any "must haves" and their prices and which table you saw them. If you have something particular on your shopping list, that's especially useful for comparison shopping (one year I trailed around looking for an Emerald Pearl Vacumatic and then lucked out on a good deal for one with striped jewels). And while it is true that some vendors pack up early on Sunday, I've also gotten some deals on Sunday morning, where the vendor has dropped the price a bit just to move the merchandise -- one less thing for them to pack up. The year I did HoO before backtracking to Columbus? I saw a red Laidtone Duofold set at a booth, and said "Well, I can always swing back this way on Sunday morning...." Then, at the show, I found a BLUE Laidtone (which was a bit prettier, and in working condition) and saved a little money and a whole lot of time and gasoline by not having to drive back to Springfield and then all the way home.... I also picked up a black Esterbrook LJ with a 9284 nib. And both sellers had come down a little on the prices because it was Sunday.

Some vendors are willing to haggle. Some others? The price is firm. You won't know until you ask.

If you see something you DO want, be sure to ask about condition (if the pen is being sold as is, you will have to factor in repair costs).

Oh, and I always put my screen name on the name tag because people are more likely to recognize that. It's fun to connect names and faces.

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

"It's very nice, but frankly, when I signed that list for a P-51, what I had in mind was a fountain pen."

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Here's my list - in no particular order

 

1) Always ask before picking up a pen - some vendors may have rare pens out and would prefer they not be manhandled by mistake! Most vendors want you to check out their pens and will appreciate you being careful.

2) A Pen Show is very different than a traditional convention or trade show - there will be limited/no marketing. For the most part it's a bunch of tables with pens. Some larger vendors/retailers may be branded but not many.

3) Always assume a pen is a twist cap - don't pick up a strange pen and start tugging on the cap. Alternatively you can ask the vendor if it's a twist or pull cap.

4) If you plan on purchasing more than a few pens bring some baggies to put your pens in. As I said above - this isn't a retail experience - for the most part this is a bunch of blokes who like to buy and sell pens. You won't get a nice bag or carrying case with your purchase. You get a pen and a handshake.

5) It's okay to ask a vendor if you can dip test a pen - but don't do so unless you're sure you want the pen and the way it writes is the last thing on your checklist. The vendors have to clean up all pens that get inked so keep that in mind.

6) I like to bring a little bottle of ink (or buy one first thing) and a pad of paper for testing pens. Not every vendor will have ink for you you use or good paper. Bring a couple paper towels too.

7) Most vendors are regular pen people - so feel free to strike up a conversation with them. If you're looking for something specific just ask - most will be able to point you in the right direction.

8) Most prices are negotiable - it's perfectly fine to ask. Do note that most of the people at the show are friends so if you want to haggle a pen down to the half the asking price the word will get out not to do business with "the moron in the silver jacket" so be respectful. Keep in mind you may have seen the same pen go for $40 less on Ebay - but the show vendors have an overhead cost to cover and there's also substantial value in being able to see/test a pen at a show prior to purchase. Don't expect a great bargain - that's not the purpose of a pen show.

9) It's best not to wear a large backpack. The Ohio show is pretty laid back but it does get busy and you'll be constantly running into people if you have a big bag on your back.

10) Most vendors take credit cards or paypal - but cash is the best way to go if you can. Ask for a cash discount!

11) The Ohio Show is super friendly and low stress - but it can still be overwhelming the first time you wander into the large hall! Take your time and get the lay of the land before making a major purchase. Take pictures of pens you're interested in with your phone so you know where to go if you want to go back and make a purchase.

12) While being patient is recommended anymore when I see a pen I want I buy it - I've lost pens that got sold while I walked around and thought about it!

13) Have fun! It's really a blast - even my wife loves the Ohio Show and she's not really a pen nut.

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Good advice one and all. Several tips i had not thought about; I'm glad I asked. I know I'll be there Saturday and maybe Friday too. The friends I'm staying with are not fountain pen fanciers but one especially has expressed a desire to come and have a look-see. I'm looking forward to it.

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Another thought...don't be afraid to tell a vendor you're a first time pen show attendee. At my table in Denver and Dallas this past month, I met many first time attendees who seemed reticent to say so. I enjoy helping people learn about pens and about the show experience. Drop by my table and say hello! (Grifos Pens of Italy)

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I will have my first sales table for the whole show this year. I take Square (and no mark-up whether you pay cash or use a card). Look for me at the Midnight Pens sign...sandwiched between some bigger and more well-known sellers.

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I will have to put the Ohio Pen Show on my list for 2020 just to see inkstainruth.

 

Good luck at the show Gary.

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I had a great time at the show (as usual). Can't wait for next year. Although it will remain to be seen what will happen -- apparently the hotel got sold and I've heard various reports about it being torn down. :( This was apparently the last event scheduled for the convention center side, and I do know that Terry, the show organizer, is now scrambling for a new venue (I gather the hotel's demise was info given out on very short notice...).

Fingers crossed, because it's a great show, and I always have a good time. Sadly some of the regular vendors were not there this year (someone told me that Anderson Pens was having some issues with their Chicago store... :o, but I didn't hear what the deal with with some of the others.

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

"It's very nice, but frankly, when I signed that list for a P-51, what I had in mind was a fountain pen."

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Life happens. There was quite a waiting list, so no open tables this year.

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Visit Main Street Pens
A full service pen shop providing professional, thoughtful vintage pen repair...

Please use email, not a PM for repair and pen purchase inquiries.

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Here's what I got from a hotel employee: The hotel was bought by Doubletree. They're going to tear down the ballroom/restaurant area and remodel the rest. They're closing on the 15th of this month and plan on re-opening again in 18 months. As such the Show will need to find a new home for next year.

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Ah shoot, Ruth (“the Road Warrior of Pens”) was there and I missed her! To a noob it seemed a pretty active and busy show. First impressions- what I liked about it was the super-knowledgeable vendors who would offer a mini history lesson on any pen you were looking at.

What I found more personally challenging was the crush and crowded nature of the event. Jockeying for position at a vendors table to examine the pens wasn’t my favorite part of the experience. Some vendors had somewhat organized displays but others were a bit of a jumble and labeling was for the most part non existent. Taken in total, it was somewhat overwhelming.

Not surprisingly, as the vendors were expert and the buyers much the same, pricing was accurate and high. I didn’t see any bargains on things I was interested in.

It was fun to see some things in the wild I’d only viewed in books and longed to add to my collection. A blue Wahl-Eversharp Decco Band in mint, if not un-used condition, was knee buckling gorgeous; but sadly for me it was offered at 4 figures. No doubt worth it. Just too rich for my blood.

My digested take on pen shows are they are a great place to learn and interact with other fanatics, and a likely opportunity to fill in the last holes of a mature collection needing that last trophy find you’ve been saving for. It’s perhaps not the best place for building a collection on a budget. I’d definitely go to another pen show if in my immediate vicinity, but I’m not sure I’d travel far for another. Glad I had the opportunity to see what they’re all about.

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