Kingpins Amsterdam canceled due to coronavirus concerns

By

Gabriella Lacombe

Published
Mar 9, 2020

Denim supply chain trade show Kingpins has canceled its Amsterdam show in response to the continuing health concerns and travel restrictions caused by the coronavirus, or COVID-19. 

The Amsterdam show was originally scheduled for April 22 through 23. The cancellation marks the the latest change to the Kingpins schedule as a result of the coronavirus, following the trade show's February announcement that it would be cancelling its Hong Kong show, originally scheduled for May 13 through 14. 

“We have been monitoring this situation very closely and had been hoping to have the show go on, but in light of the travel restrictions our attendees and exhibitors are experiencing and the overarching concern for the health and safety of our community, we have no choice but to cancel Kingpins Amsterdam,” said Andrew Olah, founder of Kingpins Show. 

“We are following the Center for Disease Control’s recommendations for limiting the spread of COVID-19. The CDC is recommending people avoid all nonessential travel, including to several countries that have reported high levels of infection,” he continued. "This includes countries where many of our friends, exhibitors and attendees are based. We encourage everyone to practice common sense and get their information from trusted sources.” 

Despite the cancelations, Kingpins organizers said they are searching for solutions to help the denim industry stay in touch with customers and suppliers. 

“We cannot stop the world over this virus,” Olah said. “A total economic shutdown is not a realistic option for any of us although the earth is benefitting from less activity." 

Kingpins Amsterdam exhibitors and attendees will be contacted with further information regarding booth contracts and registrations, Kingpins said. 

Fashion and retail events continue to be canceled as the virus spreads rapidly throughout the world. Cancellations have included the 2020 Copenhagen Fashion Summit, the upcoming India Runway Week, and the fashion shows of several luxury brands, including Giorgio Armani, Versace, Gucci, Prada and Chanel.