My First Pen Show Experience!! The Pacific Northwest Pen Show

Introduction

Introduction

Hi everyone, I'm Alexander, and today I’m sharing my first experience at the Pacific Northwest Pen Show, which took place just last weekend in Portland, Oregon. Attending on a Saturday, I was filled with anticipation and curiosity, as it was my very first pen show. Here, I will describe my overall thoughts as a beginner, highlight some vendors I interacted with, and showcase products I purchased.

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Initial Impressions

Upon arrival, I found the pen show to be a bit overwhelming, not knowing what to expect. Held in a local hotel, it was well-organized and welcoming. Fortunately, they offered an "Intro to Pen Show" class for just an additional $ 5 on top of the ticket price. This introductory class provided a 30-minute first look at the booths before opening to the general public. It was incredibly helpful to have someone guide us through the basics.

Michael, the instructor, gave a brief 20-30 minute presentation on Fountain Pen 101. We received a handout printed on Midori paper that touched on the dos and don’ts, such as bringing cash, setting a budget, and not posting fountain pens. For first-time attendees, I highly recommend this course.

Vendors and Interactions

The show featured a variety of vendors, from pen enthusiasts and retailers to ink specialists and nib grinders. Here are some highlights:

Writer Shop

One of the remarkable finds was a product from Writer Shop, an Etsy vendor. They offered Diamine ink vials for $ 7, a dollar cheaper than on JetPens. I also discovered a catalog for ink testing—a binder of 50 pages where you can document ink details, save swatch samples, and even use it for watercolor. Priced at $ 12, it was a fantastic purchase, complete with premium paper and a charitable cause—supporting no-kill cat shelters.

Oblivion

Oblivion, an authorized Traveler’s Company retailer based in Portland, was a treat to visit. They had a variety of Traveler’s Notebook inserts, and I couldn’t resist picking up a few more for my collection. Their prices were very reasonable, making it hard to resist buying more.

Letter Writer Social

Another notable interaction was with Sarah from Letter Writer Social. This paid subscription service connects people who enjoy writing and receiving letters. It's a beautifully cultivated community for stationery lovers.

Traveler’s Company

The star of the show for me was the Traveler’s Company booth. Although the Pacific Northwest Pen Show was smaller compared to other shows, the Traveler’s Company had an impressive setup. Items on display ranged from journals and planners to one-of-a-kind stamps. Both my wife and I found inspiration here; she even decided to start her own traveler’s notebook.

Purchases and Final Thoughts

I came home with several unique items, including Traveler’s Notebook inserts and specialty stamps that I used to commemorate the event within my own notebook. I also left inspired to start collecting and documenting everyday adventures, both local and far-flung.

Conclusion

My first pen show was an eye-opener. It was exciting, enriching, and provided an opportunity to connect with a passionate community. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned fountain pen enthusiast, attending a pen show offers invaluable experiences and connections. If you have the chance, I highly recommend attending one near you.

Thank you for reading, and I look forward to sharing more of my adventures with you. Don't forget to like and subscribe for more content. Have a wonderful day!

Keywords

• Pacific Northwest Pen Show
• Fountain Pen 101
• Travelers Company
• Writer Shop
• Letter Writer Social
• Oblivion
• Stationery Community
• Notebook Inserts
• Pen Show Experiences
• Pen Enthusiast

FAQ

Q: What is the Pacific Northwest Pen Show?
A: It's an event held in Portland, Oregon, featuring a diverse range of vendors, workshops, and products related to fountain pens and stationery.

Q: Was there an introductory class? How helpful was it?
A: Yes, there was an Intro to Pen Show class for beginners. It provided a 30-minute head start to view booths and learn the basics, which was incredibly helpful.

Q: Who were some of the notable vendors?
A: Some notable vendors included Writer Shop, Oblivion, and Traveler’s Company. Each offered unique products and valuable interactions.

Q: What types of products were available?
A: The show featured products such as fountain pens, ink vials, notebooks, specialty paper, and unique stamps.

Q: How can I get involved in letter writing communities?
A: Check out Letter Writer Social, a subscription service connecting people who love writing and receiving letters.

Q: Would you recommend attending a pen show to others?
A: Absolutely! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced enthusiast, pen shows offer a wealth of experiences and community connections.