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Thread: DC Pen Show 2019

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    Default DC Pen Show 2019

    I see the DC Pen Show starts 2 weeks from today but I don’t see a thread for the show so I’m starting one.

    I’m planning to go but I’m surprised at the lack of information on the official site and for comments online.

    I reached out to a contact on the official site asking if there will be tickets for Friday but so far no reply.

    Can you share your experience in the past and are you going this year?

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    Default Re: DC Pen Show 2019

    Anderson Pens is taking a pass this year. Go to around 26...

    https://youtu.be/ug30ahQvVP8

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    Default Re: DC Pen Show 2019

    I saw that the other day. That’s disappointing.

    It would have been nice to connect with them and see the goodies they offer.

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    Senior Member Jon Szanto's Avatar
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    Default Re: DC Pen Show 2019

    In recent years the DC Pen Show has become legendary at the inept nature of pre-show information and website, and for clumsy handling of the logistics and layout of the show itself. That it continues is almost completely based on the reputation as the "Biggest Pen Show". That may not last forever.
    "When Men differ in Opinion, both Sides ought equally to have the Advantage of being heard by the Publick;
    and that when Truth and Error have fair Play, the former is always an overmatch for the latter."

    ~ Benjamin Franklin

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    Default Re: DC Pen Show 2019

    Quote Originally Posted by Brilliant Bill View Post
    Anderson Pens is taking a pass this year.
    Doesn't appear they are coming to San Francisco either. Focusing on their retail locations, maybe.
    "When Men differ in Opinion, both Sides ought equally to have the Advantage of being heard by the Publick;
    and that when Truth and Error have fair Play, the former is always an overmatch for the latter."

    ~ Benjamin Franklin

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    Senior Member FredRydr's Avatar
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    Default Re: DC Pen Show 2019

    Quote Originally Posted by Jon Szanto View Post
    ...That it continues is almost completely based on the reputation as the "Biggest Pen Show". That may not last forever.
    It may already be over. It was forced to move from the Sheraton Tysons Corner next to the Metro stop to a smaller venue further away. Is Chicago the Big One now?

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    Senior Member Jon Szanto's Avatar
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    Default Re: DC Pen Show 2019

    Quote Originally Posted by FredRydr View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Jon Szanto View Post
    ...That it continues is almost completely based on the reputation as the "Biggest Pen Show". That may not last forever.
    It may already be over. It was forced to move from the Sheraton Tysons Corner next to the Metro stop to a smaller venue further away. Is Chicago the Big One now?
    Chicago/SF are back and forth. Besides, I've never ever felt like biggest was best. I like that individual pen shows, when well conceived and run, have their own flavors. Columbus/Ohio is much smaller but I look forward to when I can go to that show for the charm and vintage vibe. SF might not (currently) equal Chicago but it's a hella fun show. I'm sure this story can be repeated with other shows.

    Big? Who cares?! I like a quality-run show.
    "When Men differ in Opinion, both Sides ought equally to have the Advantage of being heard by the Publick;
    and that when Truth and Error have fair Play, the former is always an overmatch for the latter."

    ~ Benjamin Franklin

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    Default Re: DC Pen Show 2019

    I will be in the First Ballroom (Small Ballroom to the left when you enter hotel) with my 4 tables of products as in the prior years the show was there!
    I will bring product from my 40+ brands of Pens, Ink, Paper, Journals, Refills, Pen Cases and Accessories! Look for me along the wall by the windows
    (We are in good company along with "Toys From The Attic", Chatterley Luxuries, and Luxury Brands of America!)!

    Frank
    "When, in the course of writing events, it becomes self-evident that not all pens are created equal" (Federalist Frank)

    Owner-
    http://federalistpensonline.com (Online Pen Store)
    (5% Discount for FPG Members! Use Code "FPG" at checkout!)

    Follow store/forum at
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    Default Re: DC Pen Show 2019

    Quote Originally Posted by FredRydr View Post
    Is Chicago the Big One now?
    Nope, sorry. It's Dallas now.

    Just kidding, we're not the biggest, but our vendors love us.
    - Will
    Unique and restored vintage pens: Redeem Pens

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    Default Re: DC Pen Show 2019

    If I were young again and still had my event management chops, I'd put that guy out of business. He wouldn't last two years against pro management.

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    Default Re: DC Pen Show 2019

    Quote Originally Posted by Brilliant Bill View Post
    If I were young again and still had my event management chops, I'd put that guy out of business. He wouldn't last two years against pro management.
    I would imagine Glen Bowen had some thoughts about that.

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    Default Re: DC Pen Show 2019

    I lived in the DC-area for about 17 years and when I heard the show was moving from the old location to the new one, I actually did not believe it. The old location was a high-end, top-flight spot in northern Virginia. Tyson's has a reputation for being very busy, but with lots of high-end stores and venues. The new location was known as sort of a B-rate spot. It's not bad, but the hotels there are definitely a step down from Tyson's, and get a lot less traffic (all the more so now that there's a Silver Line Metro station in Tyson's).

    But I gave the new location a try. I went two years to it there. The set up was very difficult to navigate, especially in the back hallway between the small room and the larger room. The small room was also congested. The ink table was in a rented hotel room upstairs. I was sort of blown away by how the venue was such a step down. The old location was straight-up ritzy. You'd walk in and there was plenty of space, there were several rooms of pens, and traffic flowed just fine. The ink table was in a nice spot over by the windows near the swimming pool area. As bad as the car traffic at Tyson's was, the location was top-notch and made you feel like you were going to a luxury event. The new location just is a step down. Maybe I put too much on the venue, but it felt to me like a whole different event when it moved - one that was not up to par with the old event.

    Some years I got my promo card in the mail and some, I did not. But that wasn't really a big deal to me.

    My sense is that Baltimore's pen show is on the rise and DC on the decline. I won't be attending DC this year. I moved, so it's harder to get there, and I just don't think the trip would be worth it.

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    Default Re: DC Pen Show 2019

    Got a question. First time for a pen show. Does DC folk allow you to re-enter? I assume so because you buy admission for the day. But wanted any confirmation. Thanks in advance.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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    Default Re: DC Pen Show 2019

    Bob always has in the past.

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    Default Re: DC Pen Show 2019

    Quote Originally Posted by karacter0 View Post
    Got a question. First time for a pen show. Does DC folk allow you to re-enter? I assume so because you buy admission for the day. But wanted any confirmation. Thanks in advance.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Yes, you can re-enter.

    I'll be around on Saturday.

    I concur it's become more of a shitshow the past few years.

    Still a good show for attendees at least, and even with some of the long-time vendors giving up on it, there are lots of interesting vendors you won't see at other shows.

    We see the Andersons, Binder and the others at multiple shows a year.

    Last year in DC I got to see Manu Propria pens in person, saw Penlux for the first time, met Ian Schon (who is a marvel) met Ralph Reyes and got to hang with Brad Dowdy t'boot. It's one of two shows Richard Greenwald does. It's well worth the trip if you ask me.

    Anyway, I don't hold out a lot of hope for the show improving. I can think of a dozen folks I'd rather see running it, but in the meantime those folks are creating amazing pen culture all over the country already.

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    Default Re: DC Pen Show 2019

    There is a lot of interest in improving the way shows are run. I wonder if anyone has considered making an offer to buy out one of the shows and improve it?

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    Default Re: DC Pen Show 2019

    Quote Originally Posted by Farmboy View Post
    There is a lot of interest in improving the way shows are run. I wonder if anyone has considered making an offer to buy out one of the shows and improve it?
    I have a bid in on the Lompoc Biennial Pen and Penitentiary Supplies Show. I figure we could arrange for side trips to Vandenberg AFB. I have to admit, though, that the main selling point was when I found out that the name of the town came from the Chumash work for "stagnant water". Totally sealed the deal.
    "When Men differ in Opinion, both Sides ought equally to have the Advantage of being heard by the Publick;
    and that when Truth and Error have fair Play, the former is always an overmatch for the latter."

    ~ Benjamin Franklin

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    Default Re: DC Pen Show 2019

    Jon, you won the bid. You are committed (pun intended).

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    Default Re: DC Pen Show 2019



    The “sealed” MB limited/writers editions come out of the safe.


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    Default Re: DC Pen Show 2019

    Look at all those MB Agathas! Wonder if any of them has a B nib. Do the WE ever have a BB?

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