The 3rd India Pen Show (TIPS III) is being organised at the Nehru Center, Worli, from the 16th to the 18th of February, 2023. The theme of the show will be “Write for Good.”
More than 50 brands from around the world will display their products as far as confirmations to date suggest. 5000 plus visitors are expected to visit the show – and these are conservative estimates – where they can interact with some of the most respected collectors, academics, calligraphers, and pen, ink, and ephemera historians. Members of different fountain pen communities from around the country (and abroad) will also be present. The 3-day extravaganza will also feature several side events like handwriting, lettering, and calligraphy workshops; talks and presentations on fountain pen collecting; ink testing ceremonies; and the like. It will not be an exaggeration to say that the 3rd India Pen Show, acknowledged as the biggest event of its kind in these parts of the world, is hoping to shatter all previous records in terms of quality, content, and participation this year.
Naturally, the teasers have started appearing on social-media and the first thing that struck me was the fact that the third edition of the TIPS is being presented by Mango. Mango? I decided to jump for the low-hanging fruits.
It appears that my knowledge about Mango was limited as I am based out of Kolkata, whereas in Mumbai and thereabouts, Mango is a well-known name among connoisseurs. Their shop in Thane, may be of modest size by Mumbai standards say people from the trade, but the entity has been in the business for close to a decade now and knows how to shift the grains from the chaff. Apart from achieving a cult status among the art fraternity in Maharashtra because of their huge collection of drawing and painting materials, they are also a stationery collector’s dream destination as they stock an obscene variety of products that one can indulge in. “The very fact that Mango is the presenting sponsor of TIPS III, speaks volumes about the financial muscles of Mango, and it is good to see such entities coming into the fore,” said one industry expert who does not wish to be identified.
Mango’s backing of TIPS III makes perfect business sense as well, for, with a major chunk of the action having shifted to the e-commerce platforms post covid, the physical size of the store will play a progressively diminishing role, while the understanding of the business dynamics and the ability to source and supply before one can blink, that too at a globally competitive price, will make all the difference. In such a scenario, the kind of visibility that TIPS will provide the fledgling brand will be beyond measure. Add to it the fact that most of the key players will be physically present providing the sponsors an opportunity to mingle and jingle, even as they score on the visibility factor, upping their ante in the process.
Nisha Singhi while acknowledging all the facts pointed out that “it is not correct to slot Mango just as a stationery and art material supplier for they also have an enviable collection of fountain pens, inks, and writing accessories. From global brands like Sheaffer, TWSBI, Pilot, Kaweco, and Waterman, to locally made premium brands like Vazir, they have an enviable spread that can take the breath away of any fountain pen lover. Add up-and-coming brands like Kaco and you can well imagine how deep the banquet of their offerings.” Mango’s collection of paper and pads is huge, say regulars who swear by the customer service.
TIPS III has already got the adrenalin pumping among not only the members of the industry but also the collectors and the different people associated with the hobby of fountain pen and ink collecting. Some of the most revered names will be there and the number of side events that have been painstakingly chalked out is simply enormous. As a matter of fact, “the number of new launches that have already been announced to take place at the show is enough to get the pulse racing” said one collector who has been nurturing the hobby for decades and is now quietly enjoying all the action. For newbies and seasoned hobbyists alike, TIPS III promises to be the mother of all pen shows in India and it will be interesting to check out the fabled spread from Mango.
For More information visit : https://theindiapenshow.com/
For More information about Mango: https://www.mangostationery.com/