So far at the 2022 D.C. Pen Show, we’ve only had a half a public day (from 12-5pm on Friday). Attendance was good, but it’s nowhere near the rush that typically hits the show on Saturday, when the show is open to the public all day (10-5). Due to construction in the hotel, things look very different, and it’s worth spending a bit of time familiarizing yourself with the show layout before diving in.
First, there are multiple levels (upstairs and downstairs) to this year’s show. The main ballroom and the hallways surrounding it will look very much the same. T.G.S. is located in the front hallway between Shawn Newton and Pilot Pens, immediately to your right as you enter the show. As I’ve mentioned online, we do not have items available for on-site sale (we didn’t have enough time to prep inventory), but we do have a wide selection of testers and samples available for you to play with, as well as a show special coupon for you to take home and use online should you find something you like.
Be sure to visit the Gulgurilkbahar table next to Galen Leather, featuring these beautiful hand-painted Kaweco Sports!
If you continue down the hallway to the left of the main ballroom, you will see a staircase with a banner above it. Downstairs is the “independent makers” area, with vendors such as Galen Leather, Carolina Pen Company, Kanilea Pen Company, Hinze Pens, and Schon DSGN. Please don’t forget to head downstairs to visit!
So What Did I Pick Up On Friday?
I was at the table visiting with people for most of the day, but I did have the opportunity to do a quick sweep of the show, including picking up some new samples from Galen Leather, a Nahvalur (formerly “Narwahl”) Nautilus in purple striated ebonite, and a handful of pens from Gravitas (Ben Walsh) who was attending from Ireland. I need to make some more visits today, and will report back with a full recap and post early next week, but in the meantime will be documenting the show over on my Instagram account.
A Reminder on Pen Show Weekend Specials
Whenever I’m traveling to a show, I typically run a special online in the shop, and this weekend is no exception. You can still get 10% off certain pens and paper, automatically applied at checkout. This sale will end Sunday at 11:59pm, so take advantage while you can! The Pen Show-exclusive coupon discount will remain active for two weeks after the show, expiring Sunday, August 21 at 11:59pm. There are a handful of additional Traveler’s Notebook 2022 Limited Sets in the Passport size (“Traveler’s Train” and “Traveler’s Records”) available, as well as the new Platinum Plaisir “Aura” 2022 Special Editions, so be sure to check them out!
The Gentleman Stationer is supported by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and pledges via the T.G.S. Patreon Program. This post does not contain links to paid sponsors or affiliates.