Attendee FAQ
This is a FAQ for attendee questions
Registration
How can I pre-register for the show? The show only accepts preregistration for all-access passes. For General Admission, you can pay at the show when you arrive.
How come I did not receive any passes in the mail? We do not send out physical badges ahead of time. Upon registration and receipt of payment, your name is added to the list. When you arrive at the show, your badge(s) will be awaiting you at the registration desk.
Do I need a pass to attend seminars and classes outside of the show floor area? No.
Do I need a pass if I’m just getting a nib done? Yes.
Show Logistics and Hours
Is there a way to reach the show via public transportation? Yes: Millbrae BART/Millbrae Caltrain is a 15-20 min walk or very short ride with Uber/Lyft/other taxi. For those who want to avoid the walk from Millbrae BART, there is a hotel shuttle that picks up at SFO airport, making stops at every terminal, including the SFO Airport BART station.
Do I have to pay for parking? Yes. The show has negotiated a reduced price for parking in the hotel’s garage. To obtain the show rate, go to the registration desk and ask for a parking validation sticker. You scan your ticket first, then scan the parking validation sticker on your way out.
Where can I park aside from the hotel lot? The hotel parking lot has a limited number of spaces, so you might not be able to get a spot there. There are other hotels and parking lots nearby but we cannot guarantee availability or accessibility. Other options include: parking at Millbrae BART/Caltrain station – Free. It’s about a 1 mile walk (20 min) or a short drive with rideshare like Uber/Lyft. Additionally, Millbrae downtown also has free parking lots and is within 2 miles of the hotel (for rideshare or a long walk).
When can I get into the show? For General Admission passes, the show opens at 1:00 pm on Friday and 10:00 am on Saturday and Sunday. Access to the show before the General Admission times require an All Access pass or a dealer pass.
When does the show close? The show is divided into three areas. The main ballroom closes at 5 pm on each day. Usually, it is a slow close to allow last minute business to be concluded. The Foyer also closes officially at 5 pm but vendors may choose to continue doing business as late as they wish.
What times are the most crowded? The times closest to entry times tend to be the most crowded. Afternoons will be lighter. Sunday tends to be lighter than Friday or Saturday.
What is the difference between a class and a seminar? For the SF Pen Show, we use the term class to describe a paid tuition class. Seminars are similar but are free to all attendees.
How can I get on the waitlists for nib work? Each nib worker has their own policy on how they handle their work queue. The show has no influence or say on this. In some cases, the show may help a nib meister administer their waitlist but the policy is set by the nib meister.
If the show helps with the sign-ups, the show will not alter the policy or show any favoritism (i.e. don’t ask to be bumped up because you know the show organizers). It is recommended that you contact the nib meisters ahead of the show to ask about their policy. Some have online pre-registration that starts weeks ahead of the show. Even if they’re all full it never hurts to ask about a waitlist in case someone else has backed out or they are ahead of schedule!
For Mike Masuyama and Matthew Chen queues: Sign up sheet will be down at the lobby at 7am. You cannot sign up for other people.
How come I can’t use credit card with every exhibitor? Not all exhibitors are businesses, and therefore cannot process credit card or electronic payments without lots of additional expenses.
Where can I eat besides the hotel? We’ve created a map with some nearby restaurants and fast food locations highlighted, as well as other convenience stores. You can also order delivery from local restaurants.
Can I bring my dog? Yes! Well behaved dogs are welcome!
How can I stay up to date with news about the show? Feel free to join our mailing list for infrequent announcements, and/or follow us on instagram or Facebook.
Vendor Information: The San Francisco International Pen Show shares no information about vendors beyond the vendor list within this website. We do not distribute our show visitor, registration or attendance list to anyone. If you receive a solicitation offering any such list it is unauthorized, inaccurate, illegitimate and fraudulent. For your own protection, please ignore any such solicitatons.