Kingpins cancels October Amsterdam event

The October edition of Kingpins Amsterdam Show is the latest physical event to have been cut from the industry’s calendar this year given the continued health and travel concerns related to Covid-19. 

In an open letter, Andrew Olah, founder of Kingpins Show and the virtual Kingpins24 events, said while the Netherlands is allowing events — albeit with restrictions — the coronavirus pandemic is not a local problem alone. 

“We have a venue with plenty of space. And we have experienced and creative partners to help with the show’s logistics. But Covid-19 is not a local problem to resolve. It’s global. And it’s not going away, at least not yet, regardless of the laws.

“We could hold a show in Amsterdam and hope to draw a mix of exhibitors and attendees from much of Europe, but should we ask everyone to come? Do people really want to fly? Do they really want to stay in hotels and enter public places?”

He added: “We all wonder whether we will catch the virus or will carry it to our families, friends and colleagues. Even those with antibodies — like me — constantly worry how long immunity will last and if the next exposure will be lethal.

“That is why our answer to the Amsterdam show in October is, sadly, no. It’s not that we don’t want to return to Amsterdam. We love the city and the show is one of our most successful events. And, we would love to see you all industry friends again in person. But all “desire” is trumped by a lack of confidence in health control and we would never risk the health of our friends and colleagues in the denim community — we are, after all, one big connected denim-loving family.”

The decision to cancel the event, which was due to take place on 28-29 October, was unanimous across the Kingpins team and will see organisers continue to work on ideas to help keep the industry connected. 

The team has recently held two Kingpins24 virtual events and last week, announced a new partnership with Material Exchange to build a digital denim supply chain platform which will allow mills to showcase their textiles to brands and retailers year-round.

A raft of trade shows and fairs have been cancelled or postponed on the back of health and travel concerns related to Covid-19. For many organisers it has been a chance to offer a digital alternative to the physical shows such as the Apparel Textile Sourcing Virtual (ATSV) show and Kingpins24.

Click here for just-style’s coverage of the Kingpins24 April event and here for coverage of the June edition.