This is my fourth DC Pen Show and it was the best one yet! It helps that we’ve been saving up all year for it, haaaaaa! 

It was pretty busy, but after just coming back from the Brooklyn Stationery Fest, I can say that it was still a very comfortable shopping experience. There were a couple of places that bottlenecked, but overall, it was quite comfortable and people were generally very aware and respectful. I was there Thursday through Sunday and I had the best time!

Pens purchased:  
\-Pilot Custom 74 in Blue Stone (EF)  
\-Bonecrusher Studios (the black cap with wood and      resin body)  
\-Relic pens nib holder  
\-Sheaffer balance from the 1930s  
\-Carolina Pen co in dark coral abalone  
\-Benu haute in the Flair  
\-Benu with hand painted octopus (this was a pen that I traded for some pens I was going to sell)

Tips:   
•have a budget, especially on what you’re willing to spend for one pen. There are so many things you will want to buy, but some of the prices can be a little insane.   
•carry a water bottle with you OR make sure you stop and get a cup of water at all of the hydration desks. The hotel is amazing at keeping these water stations full of iced water.  
•if you want a special nib grind, keep an eye out months in advance to sign up. I am on top of this and I still couldn’t get a time slot. I was lucky that I showed up early and Mark Bacas gave me a slot. The same goes for Tono and Lims, if you want custom ink, you need to be there first thing in the morning to sign up for a time slot and they sell out quickly! They are super nice and it’s totally worth it!  
•there is so much to see so if you aren’t there for something specific, go through the whole show first and then decide. Otherwise you might have regrets or go over budget.  
•take breaks, it can be overwhelming.  
•don’t be afraid to chat with people.   
•take advantage of the free seminars. It’s a great way to try pens, get tips, and learn some things, especially the vintage pen talk. If you’re curious about vintage pens but you’re scared, at the end of this talk there are a ton of people who bring their own collections and let you try them out. It is the best way to try these pens and learn if you like them. You also get tips on how to buy them at the show.  
•don’t forget the raffles. Write the vendor and time on the back of each raffle ticket so you know which one goes with which vendor. 

Have fun and I hope this helps!

Washington DC Pen Show!!!!