Lots of pen show newcomers ask for tips for going to their first show. Here are mine.
In brief: 1. Use a List. 2. Get Organized. 3. Pre-Order and Prepare. 4. Prioritize. 5. Don’t Just Shop. 6. Talk to People. 7. Go as Early as Possible.
Want more details? On the next page.
(click Page 2 below to continue)
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OMG, this got me so excited, and I couldn’t even go! Haha. I’d love too though, I really, really have to figure out a way to go some day. There isn’t one locally, and there isn’t likely to be anytime soon I think, but I would *love* to go to the Chicago one as it sounds especially cool (although that’s probably just seeing that through Laura’s eyes and others are also nice, they just don’t have Laura talking about them :P)
But this list is still useful – there’s a craft supplies show I somehow end up attending every year and every time I’m a little lost and wish I’d prepared better to get the most of it. I love the ongoing to-do list! It’s funny, I use it all the time for more formal projects and never thought to use it for an event like that π
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First weekend of May! Maybe next year? π
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This is a most, most excellent write-up: concise, enough photos to make sense, and plenty of enthusiasm. I’ve already shared a link to the site with a couple people who will be attending Chicago as THEIR FIRST PEN SHOW EVAR!
So, yeah. Yay!
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No way?! You’ll send them over to me, right? We’re having a meetup and group hug Saturday, but if they miss that I’ll also be doing the ink station and IG and assorted other things. It’s going to be a great show this year. Chicago Blue, too. π
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Gimme the deets in a separate communication and I’d be happy to spread the word about the times and places for meeting up, etc. I miss all the good stuff!
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Excellent advice. Your USA pen shows sound much bigger affairs than we have in the UK. I like to bring my loupe in case I want to look at nibs. And do not wear a ruck sack that will knock pen trays off the table when you turn around (which I saw someone do). The abiding memory is always the lovely interesting people you meey. Enjoy!
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A loupe’s a great idea. Although, at Ohio I brought mine, used it once and immediately lost the lens cover. π€¦π»ββοΈ Luckily I’ve never knocked over a tray of pens. Knowing me, it will be a rack of ink bottles. π
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Great write-up! Looking forward to the day I’ll be able to attend a big show. π
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Awesome!
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It is about that time isn’t it? I can see you are excited about it. I would be too. The tips you gave were some really good ones!
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Starts May 4!
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