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
Join Nikola Pang in learning the beautiful, classical, forms of Italic script! Cancelleresca, or Chancery hand, came about from a marriage of humanist and Roman forms and really hit its stride during the period we know as the Italian Renaissance.
These scripts were so popular in their multitude of variations that they quickly became adopted by both the church and became adopted throughout the old world as a standard. This widespread use lead the slanted, broad pen, script to such renown that, even today, we still call many small broad nibs “italic”. Classically beautiful, flowing, very nearly ideal in readability and highly refined through the ages it’s no wonder that Italic is still considered by a large number of calligraphers and typographers to be a “perfect script”.
SUN MARCH 8
8:00 AM
(3 hours)
DELAWARE ROOM
- Create unique comic characters that become companions in your journaling journey.
- Learn innovative techniques to tell your stories through illustrated narratives.
- See everyday moments through a fresh, creative lens.
- Connect with fellow journal enthusiasts in a warm, collaborative atmosphere.
SUN MARCH 8
8:00 AM
(1 hour 30 minutes)
Join Pen Boutique’s celebrated blog writer, Laura Petix, and Bill Pearcy, Pilot representative, for a fun and educational hands-on seminar about Pilot’s vast array of nib offerings! You’ll learn the difference between Pilot Falcon pens and Pilot’s Falcon (FA) nibs, what all those nib size numbers (#10, #15, #30, #50…) mean and which pens feature them, and how to use Pilot’s 16 different nib options–from Posting to Waverly to Soft Fine to Coarse to Signature, and beyond! Best of all, you will have the opportunity to try all of Pilot’s nibs in an intimate setting with no pen show crowds, with Laura and Bill guiding you.
SUN MARCH 8
11:00 AM
(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.
LaQuisha Hall is the proud educator of #MrsHallScholars, serving youth in Baltimore City Public Schools for 23 years. During her career, LaQuisha has led in the roles of classroom teacher, department head, the 2018 Teacher of the Year and now serves as a district level coach for Opportunity Culture programming.
Join LaQuisha for a tour of creative journaling pages and a live opportunity to create your first journaling entry with her support.
SUN MARCH 8
12:00 PM
(1 hour 30 minutes)
DELAWARE ROOM
Have you ever been intrigued by the enchanting allure of vintage pens but felt too intimidated to ask questions? Perhaps you’ve been curious about the extraordinary history behind a beloved heirloom pen but hesitated to dive into the extensive world of vintage writing instruments? If so, we invite you to join us for “The Basics of Vintage Pen Collection.” This engaging seminar will feature an informal Q&A session, where you can explore the fundamentals of vintage pen collecting and gain insight into the fascinating realm of these timeless treasures.
Discover the joy of collecting and learn to appreciate the craftsmanship behind each exquisite piece! Please do not think that your questions won’t interest anyone else. On the contrary, we are all part of the pen community, learning and sharing our passion and joy.
SUN MARCH 8
12:30 PM
(1 hour)
MARYLAND ROOM
SUN MARCH 8
2:30 PM
(1 hour 30 minutes)
The workshop will begin with a 60-minute overview and demo of the repair process. After the demo, the participants will be put into groups of 3 to share the tools provided. Each participant will receive a pen (you may also bring your own pen) and necessary supplies (sacs, seals, tools, etc.) to complete the Snorkel restoration during the remaining time. All tools and materials will be provided for the seminar.
Each hands-on workshop participant will leave with a list of tools and materials with sources, a Snorkel repair manual written by the presenter, and a working Snorkel that they completed during the seminar. A repaired and warrantied Snorkel typically sells for between $150 and $175 at a pen show.
SUN MARCH 8
2:30 PM
(3 hours)
MARYLAND ROOM
Baltimore/Washington International Pen Show 2026
Enjoy the luxury of seeing pens from around the world
