Frequently Asked Questions
What are the event dates?
The San Francisco Stationery Fest will take place from March 27 to March 29, 2026 with social events starting March 26. We invite all stationery enthusiasts to join us for this exciting event!
How can I contact the organizers?
You can reach the organizers of the San Francisco Stationery Fest by emailing us at [email protected]. We are happy to assist with any inquiries or provide additional information about the event.
Is there an age limit for attendees?
No, there is no age limit for attendees; everyone is welcome!
Will there be workshops or classes available?
Yes, we will offer a variety of classes and seminars throughout the event, covering topics like journaling, crafting, and more.
Get in touch with us for any inquiries or feedback regarding the San Francisco Stationery Fest. We value your input!
Contact us for any questions or suggestions you may have.
Registration
How can I pre-register for the show? The show only accepts preregistration for all-access passes. For General Admission and early day entry, 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?
Yes, for classes.
For seminars and meetups, No, unless otherwise noted (e.g. a tour of the show requires that you have a pass).
Can I re-enter if I leave? As long as you have a valid pass, you can leave and return as many times as you want!
Show Logistics and Hours
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 a little later.
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? 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 lists for classes? Each instructor is in charge of registration for their classes, so please use the registration links they provided.
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 on leashes or held are welcome. Please do not bring dogs in strollers into the show area, especially during busy/crowded times.
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.
Parking/Transportation
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).