An abridged version of this article first appeared in the JNA July/August 2023 issue.  

Johannes Keilmann has successfully steered the gemstone and mineral sector to new heights throughout the decades. A man of extraordinary vision, he established the Munich Show (Mineralientage München) in 1963, which has since become one of the most relevant sourcing and networking events for dealers and collectors of gems, minerals and fossils, among others.

In a talk with JNA, Johannes described the Munich Show as "an all-encompassing event" that continues to celebrate the beauty of stones 60 years after its inception. "Catering to the professional trade and a global community of collectors alike, the Munich Show not only nourishes an ardour for minerals but also provides an economic basis for an entire industry by drawing a highly diverse audience," he added.

The Munich Show also helped create the mineral market in Europe, noted Johannes. He explained, “We followed our passion without predetermined business goals. Yet, the show has grown bigger and more significant with each edition. I am deeply grateful for this.”

At the time, there were no shows or blueprints to follow, he continued, adding that the Munich Show was set up from scratch as an innovative concept in an untapped market.

His inspired journey was not without challenges. Johannes recalls the seemingly daunting task of moving a small event for collectors and aficionados from a restaurant ballroom to the Munich Trade Fair Center. It was a groundbreaking decision that raised the show’s profile and laid the foundation for its global success. Johannes remarked, "Half a century ago, we decided to think big, take the risk, and go for it. We never looked back."

Today, the show has a strong international following, with over 1,300 exhibitors and 40,000 visitors pre-pandemic. Johannes has since handed over management of the Munich Show to his son, Christoph.

Continued innovation and more creative concepts and business solutions will drive the future of the Munich Show, said Johannes. The show is celebrating its 60th anniversary from October 26 to 29, 2023, which also marks its post-pandemic return to its normal scale and format.

"The Munich Show has always represented innovation and a cross-sectoral approach. Moving forward, we will maintain this spirit to meet challenges within and beyond our industry. This means that we must experiment with new approaches and occasionally accept errors to find the right path," said Johannes. "Consequently, in the long term, I anticipate seeing the creative potential of our exceptional team as they develop novel ideas and business solutions for the industry."
 

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As part of its 40^th anniversary content programme, JNA is casting the spotlight on the “Extraordinary 40” Awardees with special online features covering the highlights of their careers and the valuable lessons they have learned along the way. Click here to view the “Meet the Extraordinary 40” series from May to September, with new profiles published every week.