I'm going to my first pen show.... by Zoom!

[carlos.q]

If everything goes right tomorrow I will go to my first pen show... by Zoom videoconference. I know that this will not be like "the real thing" but considering the Covid-19 pandemic and the fact that there is no pen show closer than 1,000 miles away I am very exited at this opportunity. Not only that, but this pen show will be transmitted all the way from Rome!

I want to publicly thank David (Empty_of_Clouds) who first brought this show to my attention, to Art who makes the arrangements over at Pentrace and Len Provisor who helped me with the registering process at newpentrace.net

If anyone wants to participate go over and register at newpentrace.net

For all those pen clubs that have had to cancel their meetings, I suggest you consider hosting virtual meetings instead. It may be a long time before things go back the way they were. In the meanwhile we will all have to make adjustments at living with the "new normal".

[azkid]

Cool idea. Not quite the same as the real thing but definitely far better than nothing! Thanks for the heads up to you and EoC.

[penwash]

This is in fact the 2nd time they have done this.

I am looking forward to see it tomorrow (my first).

[carlos.q]

Ok only 12 hours to go (for me).... I never thought my first pen show would be an international event. :wink:

[Chrissy]

I can see the attraction of seeing all of the vendors online, but for me personally, my most important reason for going to a pen show would be to actually handle pens that I might never have had the opportunity to handle. Looking at them in my hand, touching them, holding them and examining them. Sadly Zoom doesn't help with that. However, I'm sure it will be well attended and get some good reviews. :)

I hope that one day I will go to a pen show somewhere. :)

[carlos.q]

I hope that one day I will go to a pen show somewhere. :)

I hear you. I also hope that one day I will be able to go to a face-to-face pen show. I also hope I will be able to go to the movies or a restaurant without fear of getting infected with a deadly virus. These are difficult and trying times for all of us so... always keep safe and smile a lot! :)

[catbert]

Ok only 12 hours to go (for me).... I never thought my first pen show would be an international event. :wink:

Excited for you — and looking forward to hearing all about it later. :)

I'm still clinging to the hope that my first pen show will be live and in person, mainly for the chance (as Chrissy said) to handle pens I might not otherwise encounter. Maybe next year ...

[Empty_of_Clouds]

Quick feedback. The show was good, as was the previous one, and presented with some improvements. The organisers are learning as they go, and hopefully will be able to include more varied content in future shows.

Nice to see Will attending - next time, turn on your camera! I like being able to put a face to a name. :)

There were a number of pens that really interested me. Unfortunately, as is often the case for me (especially in these uncertain economic times) the coordination of money and availability was not favourable. Seriously giving consideration to creating a separate FP Piggybank!

carlos.q, wasn't sure if you made it to the show, not everyone uses (or knows how to put) their names on the Zoom client.


Regarding online vs real life pen shows, at this time there are no RL shows. The online versions may be the only option for quite some time. Yes, one doesn't get to handle pens. On the other hand there is no fee! There is always a positive side.

If any of those who attended have ideas for making the experience better or more immersive, please do so over at newpentrace.net


ps. It finished at 4am for me. I think it was worth pulling an all-nighter for. Just saying. :)

[carlos.q]

Ok... this is a very public ooops! According to my, evidently incorrect calculations, I thought the show was tonight!
This international time zone calculation thing seems to be way above my pay grade!!!! :jester:
Well... better luck next time!

[Empty_of_Clouds]

Part of the discussion at the show was about frequency, with some suggestion that it would be every couple of weeks. Probably best to keep an eye out on Pentrace for details.

Yes, I got the time zone thing wrong for the first show, I was an hour too early as I had forgotten to take into account seasonal clock changes! Now I just use an online time zone map to figure it out. :)

[catbert]

Ok... this is a very public ooops! According to my, evidently incorrect calculations, I thought the show was tonight!
This international time zone calculation thing seems to be way above my pay grade!!!! :jester:
Well... better luck next time!

Oh no! Hope you get things sorted for next time.

I used to be several hours ahead of family but after a move I'm now several hours behind. Throw in seasonal clock changes and it's a recipe for confusion.

[catbert]

There were a number of pens that really interested me. Unfortunately, as is often the case for me (especially in these uncertain economic times) the coordination of money and availability was not favourable. Seriously giving consideration to creating a separate FP Piggybank!

How does the pen sale aspect of the show work?

[penwash]

Nice to see Will attending - next time, turn on your camera! I like being able to put a face to a name. :)




Hi David, it's nice to see you as well. I have video on zoom calls during the weekdays with my client. I'd like to be anonymous for once on the weekend. LOL!

But you're right, it's nice to put face to the name.

I think the show format makes a lot of sense. The dealers are courteous, respectful of each other's time, and very cooperative. And of course, nice pens...

There is of course very limited interaction and I can sense that the dealers are expecting more questions, but the attendees are either shy or feel not as free to talk.

But these are things that can be ironed out. I can see this as a viable way to do pen meets (if not mini pen shows) even when we are back into normal life beyond this pandemic.

[Empty_of_Clouds]

Thanks, Will. What you are saying about attendees being shy or not feeling free to talk is one of the subjects I will be discussing with the organisers. From my side, while I enjoyed listening to others and looking at the fabulous pens on offer, I too feel a bit overawed by the company. In the next show I am hoping that will change - I have something to discuss/present (if allowed) that may stimulate discussion from more knowledgeable attendees.

Zoom does have an option for what are called breakout rooms. They are not hard to set up, and could be used for demonstrations or workshops. However, we also have to be mindful of the length of the show. At a physical venue - based on what I've been told - attendees can spend as much as a whole day rummaging through tables of pens. If the online show goes on too long it would suffer from fatigue. At the moment it is kind of restricted to 1.5 to 2 hours, which may be about right.

Anyway, there are ways to improve and/or expand, so it's good to get feedback and suggestions from attendees.

[Empty_of_Clouds]

There were a number of pens that really interested me. Unfortunately, as is often the case for me (especially in these uncertain economic times) the coordination of money and availability was not favourable. Seriously giving consideration to creating a separate FP Piggybank!

How does the pen sale aspect of the show work?


Sorry for late reply. Pens are displayed and described by each seller - at the moment they have two trays max each. The prices are displayed too. These displays are photographs rather than live stream, and uploaded via Powerpoint (or similar) to the Zoom shared screen. If you are interested in a particular pen then you can either contact the seller directly in real time via Zoom's chat function (like the chatbox here a bit, but with the ability to have private conversations as well as public chats), or contact them via their email/WhatsApp or other contact details the sellers provide.

Bear in mind that like any show (from what I've heard) it's first come first served. If I'd had available funds this time around there is no doubt that I would have jumped all over 3 pens - a Duofold in seafoam green, a Waterman's 94 in moss agate, and another 94 in steel quartz.

Pens shown are usually a mixture of vintage and modern, with a slight lean toward the vintage.

Hope that all makes sense! :)

[Johnny_S]

Does anyone have a list of the pen sellers please, it would be good to see if there is anyone I know.

Perhaps spmeone has also uploaded it to Youtube, I will check.

Thanks.

[Empty_of_Clouds]

You should ask over on newpentrace.net

[Johnny_S]

You should ask over on newpentrace.net

I thought that someone who had seen it might be able to mention who was there, doesn't matter.

[catbert]

There were a number of pens that really interested me. Unfortunately, as is often the case for me (especially in these uncertain economic times) the coordination of money and availability was not favourable. Seriously giving consideration to creating a separate FP Piggybank!

How does the pen sale aspect of the show work?


Sorry for late reply. Pens are displayed and described by each seller - at the moment they have two trays max each. The prices are displayed too. These displays are photographs rather than live stream, and uploaded via Powerpoint (or similar) to the Zoom shared screen. If you are interested in a particular pen then you can either contact the seller directly in real time via Zoom's chat function (like the chatbox here a bit, but with the ability to have private conversations as well as public chats), or contact them via their email/WhatsApp or other contact details the sellers provide.

Bear in mind that like any show (from what I've heard) it's first come first served. If I'd had available funds this time around there is no doubt that I would have jumped all over 3 pens - a Duofold in seafoam green, a Waterman's 94 in moss agate, and another 94 in steel quartz.

Pens shown are usually a mixture of vintage and modern, with a slight lean toward the vintage.

Hope that all makes sense! :)

Yes, it makes the danger to my wallet very clear indeed! :) Thank you for the detailed write-up.

[whichwatch]

I'll be selling for the first time at the next show on Sunday June 7. I'll have almost entirely modern pens - Italian, American, and Japanese including Nakaya and Eboya. I invite my friends and customers to check PenTrace for the way to register and receive the link to view the show.

Rick

[penwash]

I'll be selling for the first time at the next show on Sunday June 7. I'll have almost entirely modern pens - Italian, American, and Japanese including Nakaya and Eboya. I invite my friends and customers to check PenTrace for the way to register and receive the link to view the show.

Rick

That's cool, Rick. I've always admired your collection. And you would fit in with the other dealers.

It does bring out one point. Most if not all the pens being presented in the virtual show are high-end pens. And by high-end I mean the average price is probably above $500.

I was just thinking that not all pen hobbyist are advanced enough to appreciate pens that cost $1000 not to mention $2000. I mean there are literally tens of thousands of students and young professionals who are coming into the hobby, and I feel that there should be part of any pen show that will resonate better with them.

I am discussing this point with the virtual pen show organizers, so hopefully we can come up with something that can be more inclusive to more people in the hobby.

[whichwatch]

I'll be selling for the first time at the next show on Sunday June 7. I'll have almost entirely modern pens - Italian, American, and Japanese including Nakaya and Eboya. I invite my friends and customers to check PenTrace for the way to register and receive the link to view the show.

Rick

That's cool, Rick. I've always admired your collection. And you would fit in with the other dealers.

It does bring out one point. Most if not all the pens being presented in the virtual show are high-end pens. And by high-end I mean the average price is probably above $500.

I was just thinking that not all pen hobbyist are advanced enough to appreciate pens that cost $1000 not to mention $2000. I mean there are literally tens of thousands of students and young professionals who are coming into the hobby, and I feel that there should be part of any pen show that will resonate better with them.

I am discussing this point with the virtual pen show organizers, so hopefully we can come up with something that can be more inclusive to more people in the hobby.


Thanks for the nice comment, Will.

Mix of different prices is something I have been thinking about. We only get to put 20 pens into the show, and in my first attempt at that venue I'm trying to cover a range of prices. At this point, in my 20 I expect to have pens ranging from $150 to $3200 with 8 being priced at or under $500. I hope that will represent an attractive mix, and I will certainly adjust for future shows based on response, same as I have tried to do at real, in-person shows. Hope you will find something you like!

[Empty_of_Clouds]

It does bring out one point. Most if not all the pens being presented in the virtual show are high-end pens. And by high-end I mean the average price is probably above $500.

I was just thinking that not all pen hobbyist are advanced enough to appreciate pens that cost $1000 not to mention $2000. I mean there are literally tens of thousands of students and young professionals who are coming into the hobby, and I feel that there should be part of any pen show that will resonate better with them.

I am discussing this point with the virtual pen show organizers, so hopefully we can come up with something that can be more inclusive to more people in the hobby.



This is a point that I raised with the organisers a few weeks ago. I suppose part of the problem is finding a good fit between interest and length of time. As the show isn't an all day thing (just a couple of hours) it would be difficult to accommodate sellers whose principal sales were of low to mid point prices. However, given the frequency of the shows it may be possible to introduce the idea of themes, such that one show would be for certain brands or price levels. It's unclear though if this kind of approach would be well supported.

In many ways, given the short time of the shows, perhaps it is best to display harder to find (and thus more expensive) pens. I don't really know the answer.

[Empty_of_Clouds]

For those who may be interested, I have permission to share the pen sales pictures with interested parties who didn't get to attend the recent ROME virtual Pen Show.

However, the images are on a pdf file that is 67mb in size.

What would be the best approach to getting this information out there?

[silverlifter]

Google Drive? Or one of the other free file sharing services.

[carlos.q]

Well, I already marked the date for the next pen show: June 7 and for me it's at 10:30AM not 10:30PM.... :crazy_pilot:

[carlos.q]

Ok... this is a very public ooops! According to my, evidently incorrect calculations, I thought the show was tonight!
This international time zone calculation thing seems to be way above my pay grade!!!! :jester:
Well... better luck next time!

Ok, the "next time" is fast coming up: the show is this Sunday. Just have to remember, for me it's 10:30AM not PM! :wink:

PS. I am still amazed that this show "takes place" in Rome! Why hasn't anybody on this side of the pond organized something similar?

[Jon Szanto]

PS. I am still amazed that this show "takes place" in Rome! Why hasn't anybody on this side of the pond organized something similar?

One of the main people is in Rome, but the impetus and collaborative work on this is all over the globe, just as the participants and sellers are. AFAIK, Art (the main fellow doing the outreach and communication through Pentrace) is based in Chicago. As long as people have access, it kinda doesn't matter *where* it is taking place, because it is taking place all over. For a couple months there has been an active virtual pen show every 2 weeks, on the weekend, coordinated through a Facebook group and has the participation of quite a number of very good dealers. Again, a fair number of European dealers are involved, reflective of the international nature of the online pen groups. People offer up trays of pens in photos and descriptions and then are available for sale through messages. Roughly the same, just not 'live'.

All in all, a good thing to happen. Maybe someone will pop up a US-centric effort, but outside of the shipping it doesn't make a big difference to me.

[Empty_of_Clouds]

Actually it does matter "where" it is taking place, due to time zone differences. While I have supported the Rome show, and attended more than once, it starts at 2:30am on a Monday (a work day) for me, which is rather inconvenient. Having another option for a show hosted in a different time zone would reach more people in similar situations.

[carlos.q]

Ok so I finally "attended" the Rome Zoom pen show. Like I have said before I have never been to a real pen show so I can't really compare the experiences. The obvious difference is the fact that you can't touch the pens, which is a bummer. But on the on the other hand the experience was very rewarding for someone like me whose closest pen show is 1,000 miles away. Hey, I could finally put a face to some famous pen sellers like Sarj Minhas and Letizia Iacopini!

First the format. There were 8 sellers, half of them based in Italy with others from the UK, Spain and the US. At the beginning of the show all the approximately 150 pens were presented using Zoom's "share screen" function so that the attendees could get a feeling of what was up for sale. After that each of the sellers presented their pen trays individually while describing the pens and answering questions from the public.

Second the pens. This was an eclectic collection of vintage and modern pens ranging from $80.00 to $3,200 with a fabulous Urushi and Raden custom MB149 for $1,750.00 which caught my eye. Sorry to say but that beauty is way above my pay grade! Although you can't touch the pens the sellers offered to send high quality pictures to those interested. Any of the attendees could ask questions about the pens which were promptly answered. Before the show's end we all received a PDF catalog of all the pens for sale which was a nice touch.

Third the dialogue. After the pens were presented there was a very frank conversation as to how to make the show a better one. Hosting what is essentially an international pen show using Zoom is not an easy task. However the organizers, together with some of the attendees, were eager to exchange ideas as to the form that future pen shows would take.

The international Covid-19 pandemic has changed many of the ways we work and play. However it is inspiring to find a group of people that have come together to overcome the limits of "social distancing" and have organized a pen show that you can see from the comfort of your own home. I believe that other pen shows, as well as pen clubs, could learn from this experience. I know that I have.

54368

PS. If you are interested in future shows you should go over and sign up to Pentrace.

[Empty_of_Clouds]

Glad you enjoyed it, Carlos. Yes, it has it's limitations, but under the present circumstances it is a pretty good effort, and as you note, it is fun to be able to put a face to a name.