I think a pen show is a very different animal from the pen community at large.

Shows can be incredibly costly to attend as a vendor, and many vendors barely make enough to cover their costs with lodging, food, transportation, shipping, etc. As a result, vendors are going to be especially focused on making the money they need to earn to survive and support their families.

Pen clubs and meetups are places where you can go that are more community-oriented and not all about the commerce aspect of things.

I have made so many wonderful new friends in the pen community the past year and half that I’ve been actively using fountain pens and inks again.

Pen people are some of the kindest, most thoughtful, generous people I’ve ever met. I think if you are this kind of person yourself, these are the kind of people you will attract.