Here is a preview of some of the exciting seminars and workshops that will take place during the Baltimore/Washington International Pen Show (BWIPS), March 6-7-8, 2026. This page will serve as your go-to resource for updates and additions as we get closer to our annual event. If you have already purchased your admission tickets, expect an informative email soon with detailed descriptions of all our events and direct links to make your reservations. Many of our events have limited seating, so we encourage you to respond quickly to ensure you don’t miss out on any of the fun!
Whether you are taking your first steps into the world of fine writing instruments and accessories or you are a passionate collector with years of experience, our thoughtfully designed seminars and workshops cater to all levels of interest. You can look forward to learning from industry experts, discovering new techniques, and connecting with fellow enthusiasts who share your passion.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact our show organizer, Bert Oser
(301) 468-6939 
bert@bertramsinkwell.com
In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the fundamentals of traditional Japanese stab binding, a centuries-old bookbinding technique known for its elegant exposed stitching along the spine.
Over the course of one hour, each participant will create their own hand-stitched notebook using high-quality paper, book board covers, and durable binding thread. You will learn how to align and clamp pages, pierce sewing stations with an awl, and execute a classic stab binding pattern that is both structural and decorative.
No prior experience is necessary, and all materials and tools are provided. Participants will leave with a completed handmade notebook and the skills to continue the process on their own.
SAT MARCH 7
8:00 AM
(1 hour)
DELAWARE ROOM
SAT MARCH 7
8:00 AM
(1 hour 30 minutes)
In this hands-on session, Jeanne explores both the art and the science of journaling. You’ll learn how handwriting, letter writing, and creative journaling can support mental and physical well-being, discover unique journaling approaches you can use at home or at work, and spend time actually writing.
SAT MARCH 7
8:30 AM
(1 hour)
MARYLAND ROOM
Are you curious about how the most complicated fountain pen filling system works? Are you interested in seeing how these pens can be made to write like new again? Look no further! In this hour-long seminar participants will learn about the Snorkel’s filling system, its unique anatomy that makes the filling system operate, how it relates to other pens in the Sheaffer line up from the same era, and a full demonstration of the Snorkel filling system. Each participant will walk away with a handout of the information discussed.
SAT MARCH 7
10:00 AM
(1 hour)
MARYLAND ROOM
Introduce yourself to the large and growing world of pens by independent makers – their unique designs, beautiful materials, and creativity. Caroline Foty, who writes the Meet Your Maker feature for the Pen Addict blog, will share some thoughts about why indie maker pens are a good next step for pen enthusiasts, and show off some of the pens in her collection from these creative artisans
SAT MARCH 7
10:30 AM
(1 hour)
DELAWARE ROOM
Join Laura and Leila (from Pen Boutique’s podcast “For Your Penjoyment”) as they talk about the fundamentals of using fountain pens. This seminar covers a variety of topics from nibs to cleaning to everything in between!
Ever wondered why your fountain pen glides so effortlessly across the page? It’s not magic—it’s masterful design! Laura and Leila, the beloved hosts of Pen Boutique’s podcast “For Your Penjoyment,” are here to reveal all the secrets.
Bonus: Participants will receive fountain pen ink and a beginner-level fountain pen to take home (color of ink and type of pen to be determined).
SAT MARCH 7
12:00 PM
(1 hour)
MARYLAND ROOM
Transform the way that you encourage yourself and spend your quiet moments using your own life experiences and research!
Participants will learn LaQuisha’s journaling strategy and the 5 specific things she writes daily that promote focus and empowerment. This technique will take participants’ notebooks from empty to filled, from basic to a chunky legacy.
Join LaQuisha for a tour of creative journaling pages and a live opportunity to create your first journaling entry with her support.
SAT MARCH 7
12:30 PM
(1 hour 30 minutes)
DELAWARE ROOM
What we’ll provide:
- Materials Kit Provide $40 retail value
SAT MARCH 7
2:00 PM
(1 hour 30 minutes)
MARYLAND ROOM
Do you get mistaken for a doctor with your chicken scratch?
Has typing your life away taken its toll on your handwriting?
Is your writing fine but you’d like it to look nicer?
Join us for an interactive seminar on how to improve your everyday handwriting with Kimberly Lau (@allthehobbies on IG) who started her own handwriting journey in 2017 after discovering fountain pens. Kimberly will walk you through the different aspects of handwriting, providing tips and techniques to get you improving your handwriting in no time.
SAT MARCH 7
3:00 PM
(1 hour 30 minutes)
DELAWARE ROOM
It was in the 19th century that virtually every writing technology that we enjoy today came to fruition. The mechanical pencil, steel nibs, tipped gold nibs, and the fountain pen were all first brought to marketable form in the 1800s.
Intense innovation and competition left behind a bewildering variety of designs from dozens of makers. While most who made the jump to fountain pens remain well known today, the contributions of the other pioneers of mechanical pencils and gold nibbed dip pens have largely been forgotten.
SAT MARCH 7
4:30 PM
(1 hour 30 minutes)
MARYLAND ROOM
Tired of boring ink swatches?
What to Expect:
SAT MARCH 7
5:30 PM
(1 hour 30 minutes)
DELAWARE ROOM
When the trading room closes for Saturday night, that is when the real pen-magic starts.
Pen Shows After Dark is our favorite BWIPS annual tradition—a time when pen enthusiasts and vendors can relax together and enjoy eachother’s company. The atmosphere is friendly, easygoing, and full of the kind of conversations only fellow pen lovers truly appreciate.
SAT MARCH 7
8:30 PM
(3 hours)
Baltimore/Washington International Pen Show 2026
Enjoy the luxury of seeing pens from around the world
