Surviving Sneaker Con: 7 Tips

Conventions used to be just for retailers, wholesalers and Trekkies. However, over the last few decades the convention phenomenon has exploded, thanks in large part to the Internet and social media. Now conventions cover everything from little-known sci-fi shows with cult followings to events of epic proportions such as Comic Con or SXSW. Fashion has also been bitten by the convention bug. Of course there's the grand empress of them all, Fashion Week, but there are also conventions covering everything that covers your body. One of the most popular of these fashion events is Sneaker Con. You can catch the premier traveling event on both coasts this spring either in Washington, D.C., or San Francisco. Not going to be in D.C. or San Fran? No worries - you can catch up on all things sneaker at the SoleXChange in NYC or Miami Beach, the Ultimate Sneaker Expo in Long Island, Cleveland's Got Sole in Ohio, the H-Town Sneaker Summit in Houston, Texas, or the Baltimore Sneaker Show in Maryland to name just a few. However, to get the most out of your sneaker con experience, you need to be prepared. Read on for tips on not just surviving but thriving at your next sneaker event.

1. Bring a friend. If your friend has been to a sneaker con before, great! They can help guide you through. Even if it's your friend's first time too, having a wingman (or woman) makes the whole event much less intimidating and easier to navigate.

2. Do your homework. Sneaker cons usually have websites or at the very least, flyers with the location, date and time. There is also usually information on how many pairs of sneakers you can bring if you plan on selling, what sneakers will be available and how to get VIP tickets (if they are offered).

3. Dress to impress. Instagram is a fact of life - and so are snarky people. If this isn't an issue for you then disregard. However, who doesn't like an excuse to look sharp and show off some of your prized kicks? A sneaker con is a fashion event, after all. If your closet is looking bare, retailers like Jimmy Jazz offer the perfect sneaker con wardrobe.

4. Get there early. The good stuff disappears fast so be sure to get there early if you want the best pick of what's available. This is especially true for rare, hard to find or crazy popular items.

5. Stick around. On the flip side, staying until the very end is also a good idea. The best giveaways often happen right at the end of the convention. Also, vendors trying to clear their stock usually give deep discounts right at the end of the event. Selection might not be great but prices sure will be.

6. Be friendly! Where else on Earth are you going to find other people as passionate about kicks as you are? Sneaker cons are the ideal place to network and community build. Being friendly and reaching out is a huge part of what sneaker events are all about. Just make sure that you maintain the connections you make at the event.

7. Manage expectations. It's true you can find some incredible steals at sneaker cons but don't expect to get the hottest sneaks for thrift shop prices. You will have to shell out for the latest and greatest.

Bonus tip: Keep your wits about you. While most people are probably fairly honest, conventions deal mostly in cash so the environment is ideal for pickpockets and petty thieves. Be aware of your surroundings and you should be fine.

About the Author: Toby B. Jackson is a convention fanatic and contributing writer. He can usually be found wearing the latest Nike kicks while scoping the convention scene.