Sneaker Con
Sneaker Con is the world's largest sneaker convention, hosting over 20 events annually across major cities worldwide, attracting over 200,000 attendees and 4,000 vendors each year.
Company History
Sneaker Con held its inaugural event in March 2009 at the Time Square Arts Center in New York City, which saw over 3,000 attendees. Sneaker Con made its first international expansion in December 2014 with an event in London. By May 2017, Sneaker Con had launched its presence in Asia with an event in Hong Kong. It continued to grow globally, including a major event in China in June 2018, attracting over 20,000 attendees over three sold-out days.
Global Events and Attendance
Sneaker Con hosts over 20 events annually across major cities including New York, Los Angeles, London, Shanghai, Sydney, and Toronto. These events attract more than 200,000 attendees and over 4,000 vendors each year. Events feature a live marketplace where attendees can buy, sell, and trade authentic sneakers. The events also include stage games, special guest appearances, and authentication services provided by eBay's Authenticity Guaranteed experts.
NFC LEGIT Tag and Authentication Services
In August 2017, Sneaker Con introduced the NFC LEGIT Tag to enhance sneaker authentication activities at their events. This proprietary technology helps ensure the authenticity of products being bought, sold, or traded. Sneaker Con established a partnership with eBay in October 2020 to provide global authentication services under eBay's Authenticity Guaranteed program. In November 2021, Sneaker Con sold its authentication and marketplace business to eBay, which included six global warehouses and its authentication intellectual property.
Sneaker Con Marketplace
Sneaker Con launched its digital marketplace in May 2018, enabling consumers to transact online in addition to physical events. The marketplace offers a secure platform for buying and selling sneakers, augmented with robust authentication services. Sneaker Con events also feature a Trading Pit, where attendees can sell their sneakers directly to bulk buyers. Exclusive event merchandise, such as city-specific T-shirts, is often available and sells out quickly.
Event Policies and Regulations
Sneaker Con events are open to the general public, with no ID requirements or age limits for entry. The events are smoke-free, prohibiting cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and vaping pens in all enclosed areas. Attendees can bring as many sneakers as they can carry but are not allowed to use dollies, carts, wagons, or hand trucks inside the venue. Sneaker Con enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy against weapons, harassment, drugs, smoking, theft, violence, alcohol, and gambling to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.