Kingpins Show gets a new shareholder, Messe Frankfurt

A global leader in trade fair organization, Messe Frankfurt, and Kingpins Show, the premier trade show specializing in the denim industry, have announced a strategic partnership to strengthen their commitment to promoting innovation, collaboration, and growth within the denim community.

The new role of Messe Frankfurt in the Kingpins Show has also elevated the textile portfolio’s presence in the denim industry. This solidifies their dedication to supporting the industry’s development.

The Kingpins Show will keep its identity intact and will continue to operate independently. Messe Frankfurt, as a shareholder, will combine its global network, unparalleled resources, and industry- leading expertise to improve the Kingpins Show’s position as a premier denim platform.

Both the companies share a deep commitment to promoting sustainability within the textile industry. They are aiming to drive positive change by promoting circular economy initiatives, encouraging responsible production methods, and supporting sustainable sourcing practices. They will serve as a catalyst for collaborative efforts that prioritize environmental and social responsibility to ensure a more sustainable future for the denim industry.

“Since the day we started Kingpins in 2004, we aspired to one day sell our show or partner with Messe Frankfurt — we were never ‘show people’, we were ‘industry people’ where as Messe Frankfurt is an 800-year-old exhibition company with all the knowledge, technique, and data needed. Now almost 20 years later, a kind of dream has occurred — now we are both ‘show people’ and ‘industry people’. We know this collaboration will really grow each other’s opportunities and quality,” said Andrew Olah, founder and CEO of Kingpins.

Constantin von Vieregge, president & CEO, Messe Frankfurt Inc. said, “Our partnership with the Kingpins Show is rooted in our admiration for their distinct vision and innovative approach to the denim industry. We recognize the opportunity to learn from Kingpins, and together with our expertise we believe we can continue to be the stage for business encounters in the denim industry.”