Words by Nicky Heemskerk aka @fountainpenandink
A few weeks ago, I decided to head to Utrecht for the Dutch Pen Show 2026. As always, pen shows are one of those events I look forward to every year. They’re a fantastic chance to catch up with friends, meet new people, discover interesting pens and innovations, and, if we’re being honest, usually come home with a few new additions for the collection.
A warm and inspiring Atmosphere
There is something very special, even magical about walking into a room filled with people who share the same passion. The DPS is more than just an event – most definitely for me – it’s a gathering place where craftsmanship, creativity and a love for writing come together. The moment you walk through the doors of Van der Valk and specifically when you step in one of the two big hotel ballroom, you are immersed in a world of fountain pens, vibrant inks, fascinating conversations and the best thing of all the unmistakable excitement of discovering who’s and what’s there to see!
The people behind the passion
The one thing I enjoy the most about a pen show are the attending people. Throughout the day I had countless conversations with like-minded individuals. Old and young, man and women, I doesn’t matter much when you share a passion together. Whether discussing favorite pen brands, nib sizes, ink combinations, the latest releases or vintage treasures there was a genuine sense of community everywhere I went. It’s always refreshing to meet people who understand why a fountain pen is so much more than just a writing instrument. It brings us together.
Exploring the exhibits
The show itself offered an incredible variety of things to see and do! Visitors of the show could admire high-end grail pens and rare collectibles to beautifully handcrafted notebooks and endless liters of inks. Stationery from literally all over the world. Every table has a little surprise in store for the attenders to find en take home. If you are fast enough because the show is very busy. Still, even after hours of walking around and thinking to have seen it all, I still found myself spotting something I might want to take home!
Hands-on activities and learning opportunities
Besides the shopping opportunities there were also several hands-on experiences. Well known nib specialists from The Netherlands and abroad were available to customize and tune nibs helping writers achieve their perfect writing experience. Note to myself: take pens to the show next year for customization.
Other exhibitors demonstrate how to assembly and disassembly a fountain pen. Very interesting to attend that workshop next year. And an extra second thought note: maybe don’t take pens to the show next year!
Either way it gives the attenders an even deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and engineering behind these writing tools and helps them learn new skills with their pens and explore different aspects of this wonderful hobby.
A personal highlight: meeting Frank from Elbwood
One of the highlights of my visit was meeting Frank from Elbwood. I had missed him at the grand opening of Writing Culture in Zug a few weeks ago and it was such a pleasure to connect in person and talk about his pens, craftsmanship, passion for pens and the story behind the pens and behind the name Elbwood. Encounters like these – meeting people behind the brands we admire – are what makes pen shows even more memorable for and personal to me.
A community that welcomes everyone
What impressed me most was the atmosphere. There is excitement everywhere, yet it never felt rushed or overwhelmed. Although I have to say that I attended only the second day and maybe day one is a bit more crowded. For that reason the show is nog longer one but two days since two years.
Whether you were a newcomer attending for the first time ever or a seasoned collector, everyone is welcome and that’s what I love the most about the DPS!
An unforgettable day
While driving home I realized that the most valuable things I took with me weren’t the pens, notebooks or inks, but most definitely the conversations, inspiration and shared enthusiasm that made me feel like being with family. The DPS is for me a reminder that this hobby thrives because of the communities built around them. A week after the show I’m still happy with my new Sailor, the new notebooks and inks, but it’s the connections made and memories shared what stays with me the longest. It’s what makes this event truly unforgettable!
Thank you Dutch Pen Show, it was a pleasure and see you all next year!
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