A PCA Pen Show Program

Vintage Pens for the
Modern Pen Enthusiast

A two-part program at major pen shows: a panel discussion that answers the questions every modern pen enthusiast asks about vintage, followed by an hour of hands-on time with the pens themselves. Same room. No charge. Beginner questions encouraged.

2 Parts
Free To Attend
All Levels Welcome
How It Works

The Panel, Then the Pens

First the panel, then the panelists stay in the room and bring out the pens.

— Part 1 —

Vintage Pens for the
Modern Pen Enthusiast

A Panel Discussion

The world of vintage pens offers an incredible opportunity to add fascinating, beautiful, and functional pens to your collection at relatively low cost. But where do you start?

This is a highly interactive panel — bring your questions. Panelists are PCA members who have been collecting and writing with vintage pens for years, and the goal is to demystify, not lecture.

Format
Panel + Q&A
Best For
Curious Beginners
— Part 2 —

Hands-On Hour

A Vintage Pen Workshop

Come and try a variety of vintage pens. We supply the pens, the ink, and the paper — and we’ll be there to guide you and answer every question. Beginner questions are welcomed and encouraged.

Tables typically include:
  • Filling systems — fill and empty levers, plungers, vacumatics, snorkels
  • Iconic vintage pens — hold the pens that defined the hobby
  • One-on-one with a panelist — about a pen you own or are considering
  • First-pen guidance — for anyone ready to buy their first vintage pen
Plus a surprise or two depending on what panelists bring.
Format
Hands-On Tables
Best For
Anyone Curious
Questions the Panel Answers

The Things People Actually Want to Know

Every panel runs differently because the questions come from the room. But these are the ones that come up almost every time:

? Where do I start? What should I look for?
? Is it all about flex?
? What if the nibs are scratchy?
? Is it hard to clean and polish the pens?
? Can they be fixed — and what about parts?
? Where can I learn more if I’m curious?
Who It’s For

If You’ve Ever Wondered About Vintage

You don’t need to know anything about vintage pens to come. You don’t need to own one. You don’t even need to be sure you want one yet.

  • Modern pen users curious about vintage You’ve got a TWSBI or a Lamy, you’ve seen vintage pens at shows, and you want to know if they’re for you.
  • New collectors You’ve bought your first one or two vintage pens and want to make better choices on the next ones.
  • Long-time collectors You’ve been at this for years and want to compare notes, meet other collectors, or contribute your expertise.
You don’t have to commit to anything to come. Most attendees walk in curious and walk out with a vintage pen on their wishlist — or a clearer sense that modern pens are exactly what they want. Either is a good outcome.
For Show Organizers

Bring the Panel and Hands-On Hour to Your Show

If you organize a pen show and want to add a vintage panel and hands-on hour to your programming, PCA can help. We’ll send panelists and volunteers, supply the pens for the hands-on portion, and work with you to fit the program into your schedule.

The program is free to host and free to attend. We just need a room, some tables, and a slot on the schedule.

What You Need to Provide

A room that holds 30–60 people, a panel-style setup at the front, and 4–6 tables for the hands-on portion. About 90 minutes total on the schedule.

Get In Touch →

More PCA Programs at Pen Shows

The vintage panel is one of three programs you’ll find at major pen shows. Pens for Kids® runs free fountain pen workshops for school-aged kids; the Scavenger Hunt is a guided tour of the show floor.

Pens for Kids® → Scavenger Hunt →

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