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Visitors Admission #BWIPS2023

For General Admission, you can pre-pay online through the Baltimore/Washington International Pen Show #BWIPS2023 General Admission website page or at the show registration table when you arrive.

1 Day: $10.00. 2 Days: $15.00. 3 Days: $20.00. Children under 13 free!

What to Expect at the #BWIPS2023

Browse more than 150 tables of writing instruments and accessories with vendors from across the United States and distributors representing brands worldwide.

• Stationery and writing instrument retail stores showcasing modern writing instruments of all kinds.
• Online stores featuring classic and modern writing instruments.
• Distributors representing global brands of writing instruments.
• Award-winning designers of writing instruments.
• Retail stores and online companies offering vintage marketing materials, and ephemera going back as far as the early 1800s.
• Dealers specializing in vintage writing instruments using an array of filling mechanisms that goes back to the late 1800s: Eyedroppers, Pump, Twist, Crescent, Vacumatic, Pneumatics, Snorkels, Button, Lever, Bulb, Plunger, Touchdown, Piston, Capillary, Blow-fillers, and more!
• Restoration services for vintage writing instruments.
• Historians and published authors of writing instruments and associated ephemera. 
• Independent writing instrument makers.
• Nibmeisters offering customized services for the writing characteristics of your fountain pen nibs and ink flow.
• Established pen repairers.
• Calligraphers.
• Bottled inks in any color you can imagine from all over the world.
• Refills for every kind of writing instrument. 
• Fountain pen-friendly paper, note pads and cards.
• Writing accessories – pen stands, sealing wax, inkwells, letter openers, blotters, and much more!
• Pipes, lighters, and vintage tobacco.
• 3D-printed premium fountain pens.
• Hand-forged wrought iron decorative items for the home, lawn, and garden.
• Handmade dip pen holders.
• Vintage dip nibs.
• Writing instrument storage – single pen case, pen wraps, storage to house 100+ of your cherished pens. 
• Pen protectors that fit in your pocket.
• You can even find pens launched during your family and friends’ birth year!
• Pure chocolate by Jinji.
• 3D Pop-Up Cards Art.
• Classes & Seminars – a great way to learn more about the art of writing, calligraphy, the history of pen brands, and much more.

Attending Your First Show? #BWIPS2023

The Baltimore/Washington International Pen Show is a multiple of experiences. When you attend your first show, you will be overwhelmed when walking into a room filled with 150+ dealer tables offering thousands and thousands of modern and vintage writing instruments, hundreds of ephemera, inks, fountain pen-friendly paper, and writing accessories.

• Make a list. Before you travel to the Baltimore/Washington International Pen Show, consider putting together a ‘Wish & Want’ list for writing instruments, inks, paper, accessories, pen cases, etc. Wish: pens you have seen online or in a magazine but never held. Want: items to purchase.
• Set a budget. The joy of putting a pen collection together is to take your time, meet people with a mutual love of writing instruments and appreciate the process!
• Factor In Your Comfort. Your personal comfort is of utmost importance. However, hours or days spent wandering the aisles at the Baltimore/Washington International Pen show may tire you. Therefore, choose clothing and footwear that is comfortable enough to wear for long periods.
• Go to the Baltimore/Washington International Pen Show early. The show floor will be less crowded, increasing the likelihood of purchasing from your list before someone else buys it. 
• Name Badge. Upon show admittance, you will be given a name badge to wear. Please wear your name badge and keep it visible to our show security staff.
• Always ask permission before touching or picking up a product from the dealer’s table. 
• Do not feel pressured to rush past the dealer’s tables. The Baltimore/Washington International Pen Show hosts hundreds of friendly dealers, many of which are passionate about their products and happy to answer your questions.
• Desensitivity and sensory overload. Take regular breaks outside the showroom to sit, rest, hydrate, and eat food. Doing this will help you continue enjoying the Baltimore/Washington International Pen Show without being overwhelmed. 
• Check out our scheduled Classes & Seminars. While some classes (such as calligraphy) may charge a nominal materials fee, free seminars will be available with proof of admission. 
• Make new friends. In addition to the hustle and bustle of the thriving Baltimore/Washington International Pen Show ballroom, you will see groups of fellow pen people relaxing in the hotel lobby, bars, and restaurants, enthusiastically sharing their knowledge and showing their collection of new purchases.
• Socialize and have fun! Pen Shows After Dark is a popular after-hours party full of people that share the same passion as you do!! Giveaways and other fun activities are all part of the fun. 

Seminars & Workshops #BWIPS2023

All events will be posted on the Baltimore/Washington International Pen Show 2023 Seminars and Workshops website page.  Some events are limited in size. We strongly advise registering your interest for the event(s) as soon as you can. A show pass is required to attend all seminars and workshops. The access pass will be available online upon completing your registration or at the show, pending availability. 

What payments do Exhibitors accept?

Not all exhibitors are set up to process credit cards or electronic payments. Some exhibitors may only accept cash because of factors like the price of their products and credit card fees. 

• Bring your own cash – hotel ATMs run out of cash quickly during shows and typically are not replenished during the weekend. 
• If you wish to pay by card, you may want to notify your charge card company that you are going to an event that features multiple vendors from many states, so your account is not suspected due to fraud. 
  

Pen Show Hours #BWIPS2023

When does the Baltimore/Washington International Pen Show 2023 opens to the public? 
The show opens at 11 AM on Friday, 10 AM on Saturday, and 10 AM on Sunday for General Admission passes.

When does the Baltimore/Washington International Pen Show 2023 close to the public? 
For General Admission, the show closes at 6 PM on Friday, 5 PM on Saturday, and 4 PM on Sunday. Some exhibitors may continue doing business outside the showroom as late as they wish.

Exhibitor #BWIPS2023

How to Register for the Baltimore/Washington International Pen Show 2023
Choice of options:
1.  Print your registration form through the Baltimore/Washington International Pen Show 2023 registration form page
2.  Register online through the Baltimore/Washington International Pen Show 2023 registration online page

Exhibitor Badge
Upon completion of registration and receipt of payment, your name will be added to the list of Exhibitors. When you arrive at the show, your name badge(s) will be available at the registration desk along with the show packet.