I will be going to the Baltimore International Pen Convention next weekend. I have never been to a pen convention before and was wondering if anyone has any advice, tips, or has some experiences they would like to share.
There are some classes/workshops. Most cost money and there are some included with admission. I decided to just sign up for two of the free ones as this is my first convention. I figured I could always do paid ones at future convention. I signed up for one that is all about meeting independent pen makers and another which is fountain pens 101.
I am only going for one day but I am super excited. I have collected pens for the past few years but really started to get serious within the last two. I expect that I will probably want to purchase something while I am there.
Any advice or stories are appreciate. This community is so kind and welcoming. Even to new users like me. Thanks!
Greetings @Ethan_PT7 ; I shall attend a Pen Show here in the far corner of Italy this Spring — there are many around the peninsula throughout the year, but I am rarely able to travel, so visiting other conventions elsewhere is practically impossible. Here is what I have learnt over a few of these events, but full disclosure, it is stuff one can find anywhere else on the Internet, written much more concisely and effectively.
• Appreciate openly: if you see something beautiful, even when you will never be able to buy due to financial constraints, nor the pieces will totally capture your curiosity, do not be afraid to show your enthusiasm and compliment the booth, maybe adding a few followup questions: who knows what may come out of a discussion stemmed from a positive comment;
• Ask politely, but consistently: some sellers have an outstanding memory, and can remember requests and cries for help even after many years; I always ask everybody if they happen to have mechanical pencils or drafting equipment, and after a few times sometimes they reply «Oh, you’re the pencil guy! I remember that cute little piece I sold you last time. Look what I found this Winter in some old people’s basement…»
• Negotiate tightly, but be prepared to spend (much) more than forecast: a 40% safety increase over any budget might open windows to both fantastic bargains and unique opportunities (bring as much cash as you can: fast payments on the spot are a great way to achieve even higher discounts); there are people very good at pressing and getting crazy-low prices: I am not one of them, but after some rounds one learns how to spot good prices, or assess the seller’s willingness to budge a bit
• Whenever in doubt, unscrew instead of pulling: better turning aimlessly a pen/pencil cap for a few seconds and look like an idiot, than risking ruining a precious bakelite thread with a too-vigorous snap
• Look everywhere, speak with everyone, try all samples: it is probably true that not all booths have the same vibes — and I have met my fair shares of posh sellers and snobby collectors — but at the end of the day, basically all the people showing up are there because they love the game, and they will generally respect a fellow practitioner, even if sometimes more in the long run.
Have fun, and bring pictures and specimens for us to drool over!
Hello from Pennsylvania @Leonov. Thank you so much for your reply and advice! I really appreciate it. I will definitely share the specimens I find and the inevitable purchase(s) I make. Thanks again
