Should You Go To Pen Shows?
We won’t beat around the bush. Most definitely yes! Like other conventions or conferences, this is the kind of event for people like us who are into, if not yet in love with, fountain pens and anything stationery related.
It is also the kind of event that is great for those who are new to this scene and are curious about fountain pens and inks. There is probably no better place to get acquainted with fountain pens than a pen show and here are some of the reasons why.
Explore a World of Pens and Inks and More!
It’s a great space to see many popular and bespoke brands known globally and locally. It’s a chance to see the fountain pens and fountain pen inks in person which is a whole new experience as compared to seeing 2D images on the internet or just the videos enticing you with their character and beauty.
(Image Caption: Inside the California Pen Show 2026)
There are in fact so many brands that you’ll need to plan ahead to make sure you see them and not miss on specific brands you definitely need to visit. Experience how different each fountain pen writes. See how different fountain pen inks shade and sheen on different fountain pen papers. And if you have the budget, even get some pens and inks that will capture your heart.
It’s a good chance to look around and shop!
Meet the Makers and Interact with the Community!
If there’s one thing that resonates in a pen show, it’s the passion of both makers and enthusiasts for pens!
(Image of @WastedPaper on the left side and @PapaJStudio on the right)
Writing is not just a form of tradition or expression. It is art and writing instruments such as pens, inks, and paper are the center of it. The love for pens transcends space and time and you can share the passion with fellow enthusiasts and the people behind the craft. Being at pen shows is a great chance to start and engage in conversations with fellows who share common interests. Whether it’s writing, drawing, or inspiring new creations and innovations, a pen show, sparks, spreads and nurtures inspiration.
Get Good Deals and Collect Rare Finds!
Pen shows are the hot spots for new releases, vintage pens, and special deals that you wouldn’t want to miss. If there’s three things you can rely on for these events, it’s seeing new products, crowd favorite essentials, and heritage finds. You may get advance access to unreleased designs, stumble upon discontinued pens and inks, and even score great finds for good prices.
(Image of Magna Carta Pen showcased at the California Pen Show 2026)
To make sure you have the best experience, remember to come prepared and also consider your budget. While pen shows vary in size, you may still be overwhelmed with the choices available so sticking to your budget and priorities can help you manage and come home with no regrets…hopefully. Kidding aside, it’s a good place to have a look and have a blast! Because why not? You deserve another pen and ink. Maybe even a few more.
Have a Chance to Create and Collaborate!
Aside from getting access to the exhibition of different products and meeting different people, you can also find the opportunity to create something personal. With pen shows, you can also see brands and makers offering the chance to get creative. Find workshops and tables offering to mix inks of your preference that you can get on the spot, or even find the invitation to possibly collaborate on doing a project.
(Image of the box sleeve for the Leonardo x @WastedPaper - Leo Angeles Essenza Fountain Pen; a HATCH exclusive first look pre-released at the California Pen Show 2026)
Like the Leo Angeles Essenza Fountain Pen made possible through HATCH crafted by Leonardo Officina Italiana, this pen is a homage to one of @WastedPaper’s favorite designers. Since this designer is based in Los Angeles, @WastedPaper chose what he feels are the city’s most iconic colors: gold and purple. But it was important to interpret them in a way that still honored that mantra so he worked with @DSquared blanks to create a vertical line style blank. What makes this pen extra special is the final touch of the engraved phrase on the pen, “Be meaningfully different,” that is the designer’s favorite mantra which @WastedPaper hopes to encourage you to embrace your own meaningfully different path.
(Image of the Leonardo x @WastedPaper - Leo Angeles Essenza Fountain Pen; a HATCH exclusive first look pre-released at the California Pen Show 2026)
Discover HATCH! If you haven’t heard of it yet, while we also have it on our website, we do go to pen shows and open the door for aspiring creative partners who would like to endeavor on a project with us and our partner makers. HATCH closes the gap between Creatives and Brands. It is our platform where brilliant but often overlooked ideas can have the funding and support to bring these creative visions to life. (Know more about HATCH here.)
Now that you know, we can concede that pen shows are a must!
While it’s no walk in a park, it is a great place to discover more, connect with the community and get inspired.
If there’s a pen show within your sight or schedule ahead this year, you may want to consider going because they are worth it. And maybe, hopefully, we’ll meet you in one too!
By Some Folks at EndlessPens
