Registration

How can I buy tickets for the show? 

The show only sells VIP and Weekend Pass tickets online until April 19th 2027. We will also be selling Weekend Pass tickets at the registration table during the show Thursday - Saturday

For General Admission, you will purchase a wristband the day of the show. 

​

How come I did not receive any passes in the mail? 

We do not send out physical badges ahead of time. When you arrive at the show, come to our registration table and give us your name and we will give you your badge(s) 

​

Do I need a pass to attend seminars and classes? 

Yes! You need to have either a VIP, Weekend Pass or a wristband to attend the show or any classes

​

Do I need a pass if I’m just getting a nib done? 

Yes. Depending on your appointment time, you may need an aweekend pass if you’re getting a nib done outside of general admission hours.

​

Can I re-enter if I leave?

If you have a VIP or Weekend Pass Badge you can come and go just have your badge on when you re-enter. If you have a wristband you can come back  while we are open or for an evening event that same day.

​

Does my child get in for free? 

Yes, children 12 and under get in free with a paying adult

​

Show Info

What are the show hours?

VIP and Weekend Pass tickets is Thursday 9am - 6pm, Friday 9am - 5:30pm, Saturday 9am - 5:30pm and Sunday is 9am - 4pm. 

For General Admission, the show opens Friday at 12:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday is 10:00 am. 

​

How can I get on the lists 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. 
It is recommended that you contact the nib workers ahead of the show to ask about their policy.  Some have online pre-registration that starts weeks ahead of the show, and some may do first come first serve sign ups when the show opens. 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! 

​

What kind of payments are accepted?

Cash is King! Some will also accept credit cards but not everyone.   

​

Where can I eat besides the hotel?

Check out our local restaurants page with lots of options. The mall is also nearby and you can also order delivery from local restaurants.

​

How can I stay up to date with news about the show?

Feel free to join our mailing list for our newsletter, and/or follow us on instagram or Facebook. Follow vendors’ instagrams for the latest information about what they might be bringing! 

​

Vendor Information: The Chicago 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.

​​

Parking info

The hotel has free parking in their garage or parking lot if you are just visiting the show during the day. For overnight guests there is a discounted parking fee of $8/night. Please ask at the front desk about it. 

 

​