ABOUT THE SHOW

Bob Johnson started the DC Pen SUPERSHOW in 1992. With his continued vision and dedication in establishing a venue for pen enthusiasts to meet, sell, and discuss their interest in fountain pens, Bob created the largest pen show in the world drawing attendees from numerous countries and states.

​

Sadly, Bob passed away in September 2020 but his sister and nephew, both long time pen show helpers, carry on his legacy.

2022 SUPERSHOW SPONSORS

XEZO

SUPERSHOW: Open to the public. $10 daily admission.

SEMINARS - free with show admission

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5

​

12:00 PM – JOHN BEDARD

               WHAT IS A "SNORKEL" AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

1:00 PM – OSMAN SUMER, FRED GORSTEIN AND NICK MASTRICOLA

               THE EVOLUTION OF THE FOUNTAIN PEN FOCUSING ON BASIC FILLING SYSTEMS

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Introducing Nib Wars!

On August 5, in a galaxy far, far away (okay, it’s at the Marriott Fairview Park), four nib grinders will compete in the inaugural Nib Wars during the D.C. Pen Show!

These masters of their craft will compete head-to-head in three events where they will be tasked with grinding a specific nib to perfection during each round of the competition.

They will be judged on how well they executed the task at hand. There can only be one winner.

Join us to find out who we’ll crown the galaxy’s best nib grinder!

Learn More & Register

​

​

SATURDAY, AUGUST 6

​

11:00 PM - DALE BEEBE

               SPECIALIZED & COMMON TOOLS USED IN PEN REPAIR

​

12:00 PM - JOHN BEDARD

               WHAT IS A "SNORKEL" AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

​

1:00 PM -  GEOFFREY PARKER

               THE PARKER ARCHIVES: A TRUE INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE

​

​

2:00 PM -  DAVID SILBER

                SOME IDEAS ABOUT VINTAGE PEN COLLECTING

​

​

3:00 PM -  BERT ANDERSON 

              COLORS AND INK 

              Colors! Everyone has a favorite ink color! Ever wonder why? This workshop will explore the physics, biology, chemistry, psychology, history, and technologies of color and ink. 

SUNDAY, AUGUST 7

​

10:00 AM – RACHEL AND JIM CRAWFORD

                   THE TRUE VALUE OF INDIE PENS

​

​

12:00 PM – JOHN BEDARD

                   WHAT IS A "SNORKEL" AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

​

1:00 PM – GEOFFREY PARKER

                   THE PARKER ARCHIVES: A TRUE INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE      

What is a Weekend Trader?

​

The Weekend Trader pass dates back to the early years of the show who wanted the full show experience minus the table. While the pass expanded as the show expanded, the original name stuck leading to the current four day all access pass. 

The Weekend Trader pass is perfect for pen enthusiasts who want more time with exhibitors and other hobbyists as well as access to all events. If you have a large quantity of material to display we do not recommend the this option as it does not come with table access.

RETRO 51 door prize on Saturday, August 6:

Winner will receive:

Numbered edition pen, 12 x 15 shadow box including several items complementing the pen design, a display tube, display label and a display A/P edition of the pen.

Pilot will be giving away 1 Ishme fountain pen on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

​

Register at the Pilot table for your chance to win one of these pens.

XEZO will give away 100 ink cartridges on Saturday and Sunday.

​

Go to the XEZO table to receive it.

Ink Testing Tables -  location will be posted at the show: 

• Ink Testing sample tubes with over 200 inks from many brands open for testing and evaluation – q-tips provided or bring you own pens and paper

• Ink Tables are a highlight of the show attracting ink doodlers

Please support the local DC Metro Pen Crew’s “Share the Wealth” table providing free pen and associated products to introduce newbies and others to this wonderful hobby. Drop off donations with them or pick up something for yourself.

​