A few days ago, the Empire State Pen Show gathered writing enthusiasts and collectors under one roof in Manhattan. Hosted at the New York Hilton Midtown, the event offered a welcoming and well-organized space, perfectly suited for exploring, testing, and discussing all things related to fine writing. It’s always encouraging to see such events take place, and I believe there’s truly no better occasion to celebrate the passion for pens than in a space entirely devoted to it.
“It was a great first show for the Midtown Manhattan area in a long time. The event area was big enough that you never experienced that shoulder-to-shoulder “herd” feeling. Browsing was always comfortable. With that said, there’s definitely room for growth in the space if they decide to have it there next year. There were open areas on the floor where more vendors could have set up. I was also hoping for a bigger presence of notebook and journal offerings,” says Eryk Wenziak, a pen collector who attended the show and whom I want to thank for the images you’ll see throughout the article.
The show floor was filled with vendors displaying a remarkable variety of pens—ranging from contemporary creations to unique Maki-e and even a few vintage pieces. Alongside them, several retailers offered visitors the chance to explore different paper textures, inks, and writing tools firsthand. The atmosphere was relaxed yet lively, with people pausing at tables to exchange impressions, test nibs, or simply share their appreciation for craftsmanship.
“There was a nice mix of modern and vintage pens available, along with some maker pens. I was able to find a Pelikan M800 Brown-Black at a great price. A Kickstarter company named STILFORM was there who had some very cool minimalist designs made from aluminum and titanium. Picked up one of their Aeon Nano pencils with detachable, magnetic graphite tips which is quite cool! Also nice to see some of the bigger shops there as well: Goldspot, Fountain Pen Hospital, Truphae, Papier Plume, etc. Most of all, seeing old pens friends and making new ones is what it’s all about: a passionate community of pen lovers, all sharing their affection for inks, journals, and writing,” further notes Eryk about his experience there.
What truly defined the event, however, was its sense of community. The Hilton’s central location and accessible layout created the right context for people to socialize—to meet others who share the same fascination with handwriting, materials, and design. Conversations flowed easily between collectors and newcomers alike, whether about a rare pen find, a favorite ink, or the pleasure of slowing down to write.
Now I’m wondering, what are your thoughts about attending pen shows? Let us know in the comments!
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