THE 2026 CA PEN SHOW took place February 19th – 22nd. Let’s talk about it!
HISTORY OF THE SHOW
First, a disclaimer: I am not affiliated with the show in any way (other than having attended it, of course). I am sharing the history as I recall it, with research where necessary to shore up my memories. This is not definitive documentation!
The show was preceded by the Los Angeles International Pen Show, which, according to “Stationery Wiki” and “The Poor Penman” was established in 1989 and ran until at least 2020 (or possibly 2022). I never visited the show myself, so I can’t provide a first hand account. The write-up from Poor Penman I’ve linked describes the show as “one of the only two pen shows on the west coast” and “worth attending if you are within driving distance.” The show also used to have a website, but it seems to be defunct at time of writing. (It can be viewed using the Wayback Machine, however.)
With that said, the CA Pen Show started in 2023 (more or less picking up where the LA Pen Show left off), and was first held at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott in early February (9th-13th). As I recall, the show was situated in a single large ballroom on the bottom floor of the hotel. There were no classes that year, and it continued the precedent of the show being offered on President’s Day weekend. I bought my first Monoc nib (from the original run with rainbow lettering) from Schon DSGN that year, and I still cherish that nib to this day!
In 2024, the show moved to its current location, the Torrance Marriott in Redondo Beach. It was once again held on President’s Day weekend, and took place over multiple days (Feb 16th-18th). I bought an Atelier Lusso Carina 15 that year, a pen that remains among my favorites both for its style and comfort. I was also able to meet Ben Walsh (Gravitas Pens) at the show. I distinctly remember him demoing a nib that he stabbed into stuff. It was weird, wild material science. With regards to pricing, 2024 included a VIP ticket option ($89 vs $15 for daily admission). Classes were added to the programming in 2024, with Lisa Vanness (Vanness Pens) and Joe “Gentleman Joe” Crace (Gentleman Stationer) hosting many of the offerings.
In 2025, my partner and I splurged for VIP tickets. They were $99 a piece and included an additional day of access to the show (Thursday), a welcome gift pack, and a special raffle. The gift pack included items from the year’s show sponsors: a Rickshaw A5 zipper pouch (which I still use), a “CA Pen Show” branded Leuchtturm1917 & a bottle of Robert Oster ink (neither of which I’ve touched), and a Wahl-Eversharp rollerball (which I plan to sell).
There were more classes on offer from more teachers, too; my partner and I attended the “Sigils” class offered by Ana from Well-Appointed Desk and two classes on journaling from Sugar Turtle Studio (“Exploring Creative Journaling” and “Getting Lost In Your Creative Journal,” respectively). My two favorite purchases for the year were the Skogsy 1-off I bought and the Italic Monoc from Schon DSGN. Both are still favorites.
That brings us to today (2026)! The show was held on President’s Day weekend, ran from Thursday to Sunday, offered multiple classes, had VIP tickets, and was held at the Torrence Marriott. The other through-line to the show has been Nahvalur, who has been a sponsor since the start in 2023. I’m pretty sure that their Ikkau sub-brand was first premiered at the CA Pen Show, too, but don’t quote me on that. Lastly, prices for the 2026 VIP tickets remained unchanged at $99, but General Admission rose to $20 and “early” admission (which allowed purchasers to get on the show floor two hours early) was $30.
Now that we have context for the show, what can you do to prepare for it?
BEFORE THE SHOW
PREPARING FOR THE SHOW
If you have never been to a stationery show before, there’s a lot you can do to prepare. Here are a few tips that will work at virtually any show, not just the CA Pen Show.
Try to get your tickets early.
This often isn’t critical for the show itself, but in my experience the most popular classes sell out well before the show so it’s worth it to grab tickets early. Classes can vary in cost, time commitment, and subject matter. I’ve seen everything from an introduction to the fountain pen to to nib tuning to repairing vintage pens to book binding. It’s not guaranteed that every show will have a class you’re interested in, but it’s very likely.
Set a budget.
With so many interesting options available, it’s easy to overspend. Sticking to a budget you are comfortable with will go a long way in keeping the show a positive experience. The specifics should be tailored to you and your financial situation, of course. You can track your spending as you go; I usually do this with the notebook I have handy. Having numbers in black and white keeps me honest and helps prevent overspending. That brings me neatly to my next recommendation!
If possible, bring cash.
Doing so has multiple benefits. First, it can serve as an easy way to budget: when you have no more cash, you stop making purchases. Second, it can be easier when working with some vendors (though almost every vendor I’ve purchased from at the shows I’ve visited have taken some form of card / PayPal, for what it’s worth). Using cash may even lead to deals and discounts, depending on how much you buy. Finally, it means you’ll save the “withdrawal fee” when using the ATMs at most hotels / show venues.
Peruse the vendor list before the show.
This will help direct your attention at the show, especially since it’s easy to get overwhelmed or run out of time. It can also help you pinpoint which vendors you want to visit first! Some tend to sell out quickly or have a really long line all show (at the 2025 SF show, for example, “Pinky Elephant,” had a line the entire time). If you’re not sure what you want, that’s OK too! Shows are also a great place for exploration and serendipity – something is sure to catch your eye.
Bring a pen for nib work.
Pen shows represent a unique opportunity for fountain pen enthusiasts: you can get your fountain pens serviced by a nib worker! The nib worker can generally provide a menu of options, from a “tune and smooth” to more involved work, like grinding a nib into an architect, italic, or Waverly. Some services may not be available in person (e.g. stacked nibs or flex modifications), and some nib workers require you sign up before the show. Still, there’s something magical about having a nib worked on in front of you. Among other things, you can give direct feedback to the nib worker about your preferences with regards to how your pen writes. Having a nib worked on can turn a pen from a dud to a favorite and, depending on the work done, may be cheaper than buying a new pen.
Wear a mask!
Events like this tend to be packed like sardines, and you’re almost assuredly going to be shoulder to shoulder with other show-goers for hours at a time. Wearing a mask helps keep you safe from “con funk” (and COVID-19). Also, I hope this goes without saying, but if you’re sick, stay home!
Pack a notebook, pen, and ink you’re familiar with.
Having a notebook you’re familiar with means that you can more accurately test pens you are thinking about purchasing. If you know how a paper typically reacts, you can use that to get a sense of a pen’s performance. The same goes if you want to test a particular paper (assuming the vendor allows it / has sample paper); having a familiar pen and ink combo will give you better insight into the paper’s performance. Lastly, having a pen, paper, and ink you’re familiar with means you have something cool to share with other show-goers at classes, meet-ups, and “after dark” gatherings. Who doesn’t love having something cool to show off?
Bring Comfort and Utility Items.
Are you bringing a phone? Make sure to bring a portable charger and cable to keep yourself topped up. Do you have a corporeal form? Bring snacks and water. Also, make sure to shower and use deodorant. (I get that this is common sense to most folks, but it can get hot and sweaty on the show floor and taking this precaution makes being shoulder to shoulder for hours on the show floor easier for everyone.) I said this above but it bears repeating: if you’re sick, stay home. Don’t be patient zero for “con funk.” Lastly, if you take medication – over the counter or otherwise – bring it with you. It’s easy to be swept up in the excitement, but you’ve got to take care of yourself.
A few final notes on preparation:
Wear comfortable shoes. Observe good show etiquette: ask before touching, be gentle when handling, and be mindful of the time and attention you take up. Try and connect with people – everyone at the show is virtually guaranteed to share a hobby (you know, stationery), so you already have something in common. Of course, don’t forget to have fun! Whether that’s meeting new people, sniffing out deals, trying the latest model from a given maker or manufacturer, or something else entirely, there’s lots to enjoy at a pen show.
MY HOPES FOR THE SHOW
There are a lot of familiar vendors coming to the show. As such, I plan to chat with many of the folks behind the booth (e.g. Ian at Schon DSGN, Kirk Speer / Pen Realm, Matthew Chen, the Skogsys, etc). It’s been nice to connect with them over the last few years and to see their product lines and skills grow!
I plan to get at least one nib worked on. Two would be ideal, but I’m only going to be at the show one day and there will only be so much time for and availability of nib work. The architect is my go-to grind, so I have some decisions to make: will I bring a pen to get ground, or will I pick a pen from the show for that honor? It depends on what I find, really. (At present, my Gravitas Monster and Pilot Custom Urushi are both top contenders for a bit of tuning. They both perform well, but I’d like them to write a bit wetter.)
There are a few rare pens I would love to buy at the show (like the Sailor X Bungubox King of Pen Silent Night). I’m not holding my breath that they’ll be available, especially since some of the pens I’m seeking are special editions from years ago. Even if I don’t spot the aforementioned pens, the show will still be a great opportunity to test out a variety of pens I’ve been interested in for some time (like from Papa J) or those I’ve owned before and might want to re-buy (LAMY 2000).
I’ve harped on about the budget above, but my goal is to stick with mine! It can be very easy for me to overspend at shows; between the excitement of new models and colorways and the energetic atmosphere (plus the fear a particular pen won’t be there when I get back), there’s a certain pressure to spend. I want to stick to my guns, though! I don’t need more pens, and I certainly don’t need more inks or notebooks. As such, I can (and will) be choosy!
What else? Honestly, I hope the crowds aren’t too wild. “SF Pen Show level crowds” are not what I want to see. My partner uses a mobility aid and when things get too tightly packed neither of us have a good time. It’s something to consider for organizers, actually: can a wheelchair or mobility scooter reasonably fit down the aisles and walkways you’ve set up? Are table cloths tied down and out of the walkways (since it would be a mess if a mobility scooter caught on one – ask me how I know)? Is there a place for people to rest and connect? While this is especially helpful for folks with disabilities, everyone benefits from having a quiet space they can retreat to, if needed.
In addition to special pens, there’s a few other items I’m looking for. I’ve been really into A5-size binders lately, and I’m curious if any of the vendors present will have something interesting in that vein. (PLOTTER comes to mind, but I’m not sure I want to spend what they’re asking for a notebook.) I’m also looking for pocket, A7, and B7-sized notebooks for on-the-go / “rapid fire” note-taking. Lastly, I’m also looking for mechanical pencils (not vintage). It hasn’t been a focus of the show historically from what I’ve observed, but who knows? Maybe I’ll find something good!
LEARNING FROM THE PRE-SHOW EXPERIENCE
What did I learn from my pre-show experience as a creative? Let’s discuss.
I feel like the show website did the vendors a disservice by only posting the names of the vendors in an AVIF file. Why? The static nature of the image meant that I had to search up the vendors myself rather than be taken directly by a trusted source. It would be even better if each vendor had a website AND a small blurb (e.g. their general product category, their primary product / etc). I get why a show may not want to deal with that, but it would certainly be “value add” in my eyes.
Searching up the vendors also taught me a number of lessons. First, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) can be a bear. For some vendors, I was left wondering if I had found the right business or website at all. I think part of this had to do with how generic some of the business names were. Then again, I wouldn’t put it past Google to get a little tricksy with search results.
Even when I found the websites, though, some appeared unfinished, half-baked, or otherwise unready for prime time. I’m not going to name names, because I don’t think it’s helpful. With that said, I can also unequivocally say that having a “your product here” placeholder on the front page of your website isn’t convincing me to do business with you – quite the opposite!
AFTER THE SHOW
The show seemed bigger and more packed than it was last year. On one hand, I’m happy to see the show thrive! It’s nice to see new and returning vendors alike. On the other hand, it’s frustrating to have to deal with crowds, especially with a partner using a mobility aid. It got especially bad when one of the booths raffled off a prize. The crowds swelled so much we practically had to elbow people out of the way to get through. Oof.
I don’t have a great solution for this other than giving more space in the aisles and around booths. Even then, I’m not sure space alone is the answer; any space will seem too small if it is swarmed with people. I guess the lesson is just to remain calm and patient. (Also, we’re going to make a point to not attend any classes that coincide with our early admission passes! Seriously, the hour or so before the general admission felt like the only time when there were a reasonable number of people on the show floor.)
In other news, I was able to secure a number of weird, one-off pens! I got one from Leonardo with a micarta (“crazy fiber”) section and piston knob, tuned by the CEO, Salvatore Matrone, no less. I got one from Bonecrusher7 – a prototype of a 14mm torpedo-shaped pen they may produce in the future. I got a nib holder from Skogsy Pens that both has a cap and looks like a great match for a (Kakimori) dip nib. I even got a fun neon green and black pen from Write Turnz. (I’m not sure that last one was a one-off, but it was the only one at the table in that color scheme so I’m assuming it is, lol.) It’s really cool to me to be able to say “this is a one of one pen!”
Of course it was also great to connect with familiar faces. Ian Schon remains one of my favorite folks to talk to at shows; it feels like we share a lot of ground in our aesthetic and design priorities! We talked about crafting designs to last a lifetime, in fact. Though this may sound counterintuitive, I’m also glad that the Monoc Evo I was eyeing sold out before I got there! As pumped as I was to pick up that pen, it would have cost more than the rest of my purchases combined. Still, I’ll be getting in touch with Ian in the next few months to get something custom made. I want a Monoc Evo in my collection.
Other highlights included: Papa J Studios, Mike’s Pen Fun, Zodiac Pens, and the ever cordial Gentleman Joe (of Gentleman Stationer)! I also ran into Ana (of Well-Appointed Desk) at the Dromgoole’s booth. She turned me on to a new ink brand: Stockman Ink. Some of the colors were so rich I had to grab a few bottles. The reasonable price ($12 for 35 ml) didn’t hurt either! I also ran into Neil from Wasted Paper at the Magna Carta booth. I grabbed a bottle of his ink (Puuurfectly Insane) by Tomo&Lims, and I’m excited to put it into a pen, even if I haven’t decided which one. He also clued me in to the fact that Magna Carta are doing piston-filling MAG 1000s now. Neat!
I had three nibs tuned by Matthew Chen. I’ve had him work on a number of my most precious (and expensive) pens, and he’s never disappointed. He was able to get my Pilot Custom Urushi to a wetness that was much more palatable to me, and did the same with my Gravitas Monster. I also ended up getting an Architect grind on my Majohn P140 <M> in plum. Perhaps it’s overkill for a pen that only streets for about the cost of the grind, but I like the color and size of the pen enough to make it a bit more special. (Plus, I can always swap the nib into a different pen if the mood strikes me.)
It’s practically a tradition at shows at this point, but some items sold out FAST! As I mentioned above, the Monoc Evo I was eyeing sold out before I could even lay eyes on it in person (even if missing out ended up having a silver lining). The Uni Zento Signatures at the Vanness booth were also gone before I got to their table. Even the “Kayan Pepper” slings modeled after USPS sold out before I could grab one! I also overheard that the Esterbrook “Bestie” sold out quickly, too. In short, the size of the show can be a double edged sword. It means that more vendors and products can come to the show, but it also means that more people are gunning for the same stuff. In the end, I got what I wanted (minus the 1-in-a-million pen that I didn’t see hide or hair of), so I won’t belly ache about it.
The other looming reality of the show was rising prices. I’m not sure how it affected the secondary market (especially since many of the pens in that realm at the show were vintage and not my area of expertise or interest), but just about everything felt more expensive than years past. In some cases, the added spend felt justified: e.g. when extra features like pistons and additional metal furniture and accents were being added. In others, it felt more like the cost of business had gone up and that was being passed onto the consumer.
I get it, of course; businesses are taking steps to stay afloat. My sympathies certainly extend to small businesses and makers in that regard. It still stung to pay an extra 10-30%+ more than I did even a year ago for the same product because of the uncertain economic climate. Really, I just wish we didn’t have to live in such “unprecedented” times.
I also surprised myself a little bit by not buying any journals this year. Then again, I wasn’t really prioritizing them because I have far, far too many as it is. I could’ve looked a bit harder for a pocket / A7 / B7 notebook, but c’est la vie. It’s not like there aren’t options on JetPens (and similar retailers) that I could try to satisfy my curiosity. Granted, I also bought more inks that I needed (i.e. none), and more than previous shows, too! This means I’ll need to let some of my current collection go, either via sale or donation. I could probably stand to let a few pens go too, but that’s a conversation for a different blog post.
In addition to shopping, we also attended two classes: “The Science of Journaling” and “Journal with Imaginary Friends.” They were very different in tone, but both explored self-discovery, self-expression, and creativity. The first (“Science” by Jeanne Florini of Jeanne’s Ohana Designs) involved considering four quadrants of the self: curiosity, relationships, spirituality, and physicality. The teacher of the class encouraged us to consider and act upon all four to have a balanced, happy life! She also provided a lot of quotes, journaling prompts, and a neat journaling package with a notebook, stickers, pictures, felt tip pens, and more.
The second class (“Imaginary Friends” by Sugar Turtle Studio / Tom Forsythe) was more focused on the visual arts. It included doodling characters, listing facts about them, and using one of them to create a three panel comic that touched on everyday life, a recent challenge, and one of the doodled characters reacting in the extreme. As a writer and word nerd, it was fun to break out of my typical box and doodle. I had fun and made myself laugh, and you really can’t beat that. This class also included handouts and a goodie bag (with stickers, a multi-pen, a brush pen, a plush keychain charm, and more).
In all, I feel we packed a full week’s worth of fun (and spending) into a single day. We didn’t leave the show until 5P (aka closing time), and I’m glad for it. While there were some booths I missed and would’ve gone back to, I left satisfied. Ultimately, while I could’ve justified going back for another day, I think one was sufficient.
MY HOPES: CHECKING IN POST-SHOW
As I hoped, I chatted with many great vendors, staff, and attendees. I was also able to get three pens worked on. I didn’t find a Sailor x Bungubox “Silent Night” King of Pen, but I wasn’t expecting to. I also tried a LAMY 2000 briefly and as a result, I don’t feel the need to pick another one up. As far as budget, I overspent. I’m not surprised, frankly, but given that this is one of the two times a year I go “buck wild,” I’m giving myself grace. I also take comfort in the fact that we’re still on target to hit our monthly budgeting goals.
As far as crowds, as I said above, I wasn’t a fan. With that said, I heard stories of a show even MORE crowded than the SF show; the mind boggles. (It’s the DC Supershow, if anyone is curious. Part of me wants to see it with my own eyes and take in the madness; most of me wants to run the other direction as quickly as possible.)
As I said above, I didn’t buy any notebooks. Interestingly, I didn’t see A5 binders either, PLOTTER notwithstanding. Maybe I just missed them? I wasn’t looking particularly hard for them. (With that said, Gentlemen Joe and I chatted a bit about the Lochby line-up and the A5 binder they plan to release. It dropped on the Lochby website the next day! Coincidence? Almost certainly.) I also didn’t find any mechanical pencils, but honestly, those ended up being even lower on my list of priorities than “pocket” notebooks. I have a number of great stationery stories in my area, so it’s not like I’m hurting for options for pencils!
WRAPPING UP
As always, thanks to all the organizers, vendors, presenters, and fun pen folks who made the show a blast to attend. It’s great to have such a fun local show! I definitely think the show is worth visiting even if you don’t buy a single pen because of the people, the classes, and the nib workers. If you’re in the LA/OC/SD area and you’re interested in stationery, I think attending is a no-brainer. On the other hand, I’m not sure I would fly in for the show. With that said, I’ve also only been to shows I could (more-or-less drive) to. I suppose I’ll have to attend the DC show and report back. 😛
AN ADDENDUM ABOUT MERCH
Unsurprisingly, the show had merch. Surprisingly, much of the merch in question was pretty good! What merch was available, though, and was it bad, meh, good, or great?
- Bad Merch (i.e. merch that is poorly made or exploitative): none of the merch present that I saw seemed to fall into this category.
- Meh Merch (i.e. merch that serves a purpose but isn’t aesthetically interesting or is low effort / little more than a slapped on logo): the rubber wrist-bands we received fell into this category for me. Sure, they have the name and year of the show on them, but it’s not like they add value beyond identifying paid attendees to staff and being a bare-minimum memento for the show.
- Good Merch (i.e. merch that serves a purpose and is either aesthetically interesting or useful): the “show bag” falls into this category for me. It remains to be seen how long it actually lasts (and I could do without all the logos), but it was affordable ($10 USD), more than sturdy enough for the show, had a magnetic closure, and even included pen storage by way of pen loops. Neat!
- Great Merch (i.e. merch that serves a purpose, is aesthetically interesting, and is useful): the “show nib” by Pen Realm met this criteria for me. It’s fun, it’s functional, and the imprints on the nibs from Pen Realm only seem to be getting better (clearer / cleaner, more detailed, etc) with time. The fact that my partner and I were both able to get the show nib in our preferred nib sizes (M and BB) was also a win.
