Dallas Pen Show, 2025

[Bristol24]

I want to thank the Dallas Pen Collectors and all of the exhibitors at the Dallas Pen Show this past September 26-27.  It was my very first time at a pen show and I learned quite a bit.  First, with older eyeballs, I should have brought with me both my reading glasses (which I generally don't need for reading) and a 10x loupe together with a small flashlight.  There were some un-restored vintage pens that grabbed my interest but I found that I was not really in a position to make an offer or otherwise negotiate a deal because, not being able to make a valid inspection, I was totally unprepared.  Also, I should have spent time before the show, making a list of items that I should be looking for and perhaps should have had my pen inventory spreadsheet on my phone as a reference.  In spite of my failings, the show was definitely worth the 3 1/2 hour drive and the venue, the Hilton-Doubletree Dallas Galleria Hotel, is a really nice location.  My wife and I truly enjoyed the show and plan to attend next year...fully prepared.  Oh, and a travel note to anyone driving in from outside Texas and the Southeast.  After 3 1/2 years living in Texas we finally stopped at a Buc-ee's and left there kicking ourselves for having not taken others' advice to visit one sooner.  Wow!  'Great fuel prices and more food options than a weight conscious person ought to have...and then there's the gift shops.

 

Cliff

[Carguy]

I used to live in the Houston area and the Dallas show was always a must for me, as was the Buccee’s near Madisonville.

 

After a 5 year stay in SC, we have moved to FL and there seems to be a Buccee’s on every corner!

[Bristol24]

11 hours ago, Carguy said:

as was the Buccee’s near Madisonville.

That's the one we visited...and to think we just drove past them for 3 years and missed out.

[PAKMAN]

The show was a blast! It's a 6 hour drive for me but definitely worth it!  I always stop at the Melissa Buc-ee's for lunch on the way to the show (sliced brisket sandwich!) and for breakfast on the way home. A Loupe and flashlight or lighted loupe are essential for me at a show. I always keep an extra to lend to people who come to our table to look over pens. We bring restored pens and let folks dip and write with them. I love the interaction with new and experienced pen show attendees.  Dallas is a must go pen show for me every year!

[Bristol24]

30 minutes ago, PAKMAN said:

The show was a blast! It's a 6 hour drive for me but definitely worth it!  I always stop at the Melissa Buc-ee's for lunch on the way to the show (sliced brisket sandwich!) and for breakfast on the way home. A Loupe and flashlight or lighted loupe are essential for me at a show. I always keep an extra to lend to people who come to our table to look over pens. We bring restored pens and let folks dip and write with them. I love the interaction with new and experienced pen show attendees.  Dallas is a must go pen show for me every year!

I look forward to seeing you there next year!

 

Cliff

[PAKMAN]

We are always right by the entrance near the registration desk.

[Bristol24]

1 minute ago, PAKMAN said:

We are always right by the entrance near the registration desk.

Yes, I remember seeing your table.