{"id":13260,"date":"2024-07-29T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-07-29T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/?p=13260"},"modified":"2024-07-29T08:01:22","modified_gmt":"2024-07-29T12:01:22","slug":"show-prep","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/show-prep\/","title":{"rendered":"Prepping for a Pen Show"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Attribution: I could not for the life of me find my overview images of the DC Pen Show, so I took to Google. The background image I used in the share images for Instagram and Facebook is from The Looped Square<\/a>‘s DC Pen Show Recap – 2022<\/a> post.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We’re in the final countdown to the DC Pen Show. While I always look forward to pen shows, I also look forward to the return to normalcy after. The closer a show gets, the more brain power and higher percentage of my thoughts it claims. This week, I’ll be working hard to think of, and accomplish, something other than preparing for the show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since I haven’t really shared my pen show prep schedule before, I thought I’d give it a go and see if it will help to get my thoughts out of my head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Two Weeks Out<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Last week I went through my nibs to see if I need any \u2014 I do not \u2014 and what size I should get if I buy a pen \u2014 F or EF. I also started considering my shopping list. I’m hoping to find Diamine Sailor’s Warning and am keeping an eye out for a swatch of DeAtramentis Pearlescent Red to see if it’s as pretty in person as it looks online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is usually when I start keeping an eye out for a pen show map. They aren’t usually available this early, but it never hurts to look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Weekend Before<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This past weekend, I pulled together the items I’ll be donating to the Share the Wealth table, and chose which pens I’m taking with me to the show. I don’t usually consider pen show pens as part of my regular rotation<\/a>, and don’t choose them using the randomizer. The pens I take to a show are specially curated, usually the newest and\/or most impressive pens in my collection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For shows where I have pens for sale \u2014 like this one, so come find me! \u2014 I also make sure I have all of the pens I’m selling and their boxes. The boxes can sit in the hotel room, since some people want boxes, and some specifically do not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes, if there’s something I’m afraid I’ll forget, I’ll start my packing list for the show. For example, I need to make sure I have specific nibs with me for my appointments at DC, so I started my packing list with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I also make sure that every event I want to attend \u2014 seminars, classes, nib appointments, etc. \u2014 is listed in my Google calendar. If it’s not in the calendar, I won’t know to set an alarm, and it won’t happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Week Of<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The week leading up to the show \u2014 well, four days, really, since it’s only Monday through Thursday \u2014 is always busy. My brain is a three year old asking if we’re there yet, and I have to make it function well enough to complete work and finish preparing for the show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choosing a Bag<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While I’m getting close, I don’t yet have a specific “pen show bag.” I tried that, and even embroidered it, only to find that it was too big. My bag needs to be large enough to handle my pens, a notebook, and general carry things (wallet, brush, lip balm, etc.), while not being so large as to block aisles or get too heavy with purchases. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

My current top contenders are from Doughnut<\/a> \u2014 I’m not affiliated with them in any way, I just love their bags \u2014 the Macaroon Mini backpack <\/a>and the Hammock Happy Camper backpack.<\/a> The former is larger and has more pockets, always nice, but the latter has a slimmer profile. I also carry the Macaroon Tiny crossbody bag<\/a> to hold my phone, wallet, and pen of the day within easy reach. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Packing List<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I work on a packing list throughout the week. I’m sure that sounds excessive for a three-day event near home. However, I’m an over-packer. But working on a list early, I can whittle down to what I actually<\/em> need to bring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics are easy. It’s when I get into toiletries, medical stuff like a heating pad for my shoulders \u2014 will I really<\/em> notice a difference missing two days? \u2014 or my makeup choices for “fountain pen cosplay” that things get difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fountain Pen Cosplay<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There’s a good chance you know that I wear “fountain pen cosplay<\/a>” at my local shows \u2014 Baltimore and DC. People have come to expect it, asking me what pen I’m matching on any given day of the show. While this is fun, it also means I need to plan ahead. I generally aim to bring the least amount of makeup possible, which means careful planning to get two looks out of one palette. Thank goodness I can put on my Friday look at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shopping Day Plan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The more shows I attend, the more I try to keep my shopping to just Friday \u2014 or the first day of the show. This lets me shop when there is the best selection and \u2014 for Fridays \u2014 the least amount of people. Granted, there’s always something I forget, or something I didn’t see that catches my eye later, but I do my best. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What this means is that I need a plan. This includes a shopping list and an idea of where I want to start my day. I’ll work on the list throughout the week, while the starting location has to wait until the map is posted \u2014 assuming there is one. I usually look through the vendor list, sometimes checking websites and Instagram accounts, to determine who I’m most interested in seeing. If there’s a map, I can use that to work out my best path, otherwise, I have to ask when I arrive at the show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hangout Plans<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If I’ve discussed plans to hang out with friends, I also make sure to solidify those plans during the week before. It’s difficult to catch people during the show, so planning day, time, and meet-up location ahead of time is a must!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day Before<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The day before is usually when I get my show money, assuming I’m taking cash, and when I pack, except for the last-minute morning things. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the Show<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The main goal during the show is to not go crazy. Sometimes this is easier said than done for someone with impulse control problems \u2014 like myself. Having a list helps. As do my mantras<\/a> to keep from shopping. I should make myself a card with them… maybe something to do this week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each morning, I set alarms for any classes, seminars, and appointments I have. It’s very easy to lose track of time, and with as loud as the show is, it’s easy to miss a simple reminder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I also make an effort to take notes during my breaks. I use the notes for my blog post(s) later. If I’m taking a long break, and no one is around to chat with, I’ll even start writing the post, or work on other upcoming posts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Post Show<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The show isn’t really<\/em> done until I’ve finished my blog post, if I’m writing one. Both for that and Instagram, I need photos of my haul. Did you even get anything if you didn’t post a photo of it? *grin*<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I try to get everything put away when I get home from the show. Otherwise, I know it will likely sit out until the following weekend. Then it’s a matter of getting my brain back together for work the next day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Do you regularly go to any pen shows? If so, how do you prepare for them? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear from you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thanks for reading to the end, I hope you enjoyed my post. Make sure to subscribe to my blog<\/a> or follow me on Instagram<\/a> so you don\u2019t miss any posts. I generally post at least once a week.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

It’s about time I share how I prepare for a pen show. And perhaps getting these thoughts written down will help me function this week.<\/p>\n

Keep ReadingPrepping for a Pen Show<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13326,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[417],"tags":[315],"class_list":["post-13260","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pen-shows","tag-how-i-do-things","entry"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/penShowPrep-featured.jpg?fit=288%2C288&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p8Z77k-3rS","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":15680,"url":"https:\/\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/2025-dc-pen-show\/","url_meta":{"origin":13260,"position":0},"title":"2025 DC Pen Show","author":"Rachel","date":"August 8, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"I went to the pen show with good intentions. But, I completely blew my budget before noon on Friday. I have zero regrets.","rel":"","context":"In "Pen Shows"","block_context":{"text":"Pen Shows","link":"https:\/\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/category\/stationery\/pen-shows\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"screenshot of the pen show map showing the upstairs rooms","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/2025-dc-upstairs.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/2025-dc-upstairs.jpg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/2025-dc-upstairs.jpg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/2025-dc-upstairs.jpg?resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":11001,"url":"https:\/\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/2023-dc-pen-show-part-3\/","url_meta":{"origin":13260,"position":1},"title":"2023 DC Pen Show, Part 3","author":"Rachel","date":"August 14, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"My final post about the 2023 DC Pen Show. Thank you to the pen community for being so special and making pen shows so great.","rel":"","context":"In "Pen Shows"","block_context":{"text":"Pen Shows","link":"https:\/\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/category\/stationery\/pen-shows\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/dc-show-23-3-featured.jpg?fit=288%2C288&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":8134,"url":"https:\/\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/making-pen-shows-accessible\/","url_meta":{"origin":13260,"position":2},"title":"Making Pen Shows Accessible","author":"Rachel","date":"August 26, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"After receiving some comments about accessibility on a 2022 DC Pen Show post, I'm dedicating this post to some thoughts on pen show accessibility.","rel":"","context":"In "Pen Shows"","block_context":{"text":"Pen Shows","link":"https:\/\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/category\/stationery\/pen-shows\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/accessible_IGSm-e1661515947492.jpg?fit=288%2C288&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":15738,"url":"https:\/\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/sf-pen-show-2025-2\/","url_meta":{"origin":13260,"position":3},"title":"2025 San Francisco Pen Show Experience","author":"Rachel","date":"September 12, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"As promised, here is my overview of my *experience* at the San Francisco Pen Show. 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