Pen Shows 101 (and Stationery Festivals too)

(Kimberly (she/her) took the express train down the fountain pen/stationery rabbit hole and doesn't want to be rescued. She can be found on Instagram @allthehobbies because there really are many, many hobbies!.)My first article for TPA came out in time for the first post-pandemic show in 2021, the DC Pen Show. I thought it might be time to do a bit of an update since I’ve learned a lot more in the past 5 years of going to/working at more shows and writing recaps. I know that I just missed Yoseka’s Stationery Fest this past weekend, but this will be out before the DC Pen Show. There are at least another stationery show and at least six more pen shows this year. So without further ado, here are some tips about navigating pen shows, show etiquette, and preparation so you can make the most out of your show experience.Side note: I will be using the term “pen show” interchangeably to refer to both pen shows and stationery festivals. I will make specific call-outs if something applies just…