I managed to get to the show today for just a few hours. Saturday is the busiest time for the show and sure enough, the aisles were totally jammed with people and it was an effort just to navigate up and down the aisles. Show promoters Roger Wooten and Paul Conterato made the move to a larger hotel this year with close to 150 tables on two floors. Chicago is known for both a large assortment of vintage and modern pen dealers, lately more modern and hand made. Primary modern pen makers were there from Pelikan, Taccia, Sailor and more. I apologize for not taking more pictures, it was elbow to elbow even in front of dealer tables.

A good part of the visit was seeing many of my older friends, we're getting along, older, more grey and a few more pounds. I was delighted to see Steve Weiderlight formerly the owner of FPH Fountain Pen Hospital in NY, semi retired and concentrating on selling the enormous pen collection from Gary Lehrer. Steve's brother Terry passed away last years but Ed Fingerman, a legend in the pen community is there working at the shop. Saw "The Penguin" Rick Propas, he is about to semi-retire but will still assist on his website.

A few images from the main exhibit room. And a nice memorial for Dan Reppert, another legend in the pen hobby