Nice Kicks: The move from the Meridian to the Toyota Center is a very big difference this year. How much of an impact do you think this move has on the Sneaker Summit event?

Kadoma: The Summit pretty much doubled in size with every event. We have grown from malls and internet cafes, to sports bars, to night clubs, to concert venues, and now we are at Houston’s premier sports and entertainment facility, the Toyota Center, also known as the home of the Houston Rockets NBA Franchise. I’ve started joking with people telling them we are going to keep doing it until we are on a space ship. But in all seriousness, I think the Toyota Center is the perfect fit for our event. Let’s face it, a lot of the sneakers attendees will be buying, selling, displaying, or discussing during the day are basketball or basketball inspired kicks. Like I mentioned before, we have always tried to keep the door open to let the culture’s different influences be uniquely represented at the event. Basketball has a HUGE influence on sneakers, and I’m glad we will finally have
the chance to have it make a bigger impression on the event.

Nice Kicks: I have heard some saying they are not sure if they want to go to the show because it’s also Championship Sunday. Will the game be able to be watched at the event anywhere?

Kadoma: Actually, the games were a huge factor into the date and time we picked for the event. We planned for the Summit to be held on Championship Sunday, and are even opening doors one hour earlier from our traditional time, just in time for Kick Off. Our event has always been more of a mixer than a spectator event, and I thought it would be cool to have the games on at our event. Sports and sneakers have always gone hand in hand, and I think it gives people more of a chance to break the ice and talk about the games, whether it’s that hot girl cheering for Chicago, or the guy you are dying to ask, “Where did you get those?”

Nice Kicks: Ok, so sneaker enthusiasts can hang out together at the show AND watch the big games.

Kadoma: Yes, the games will be on more plasma televisions than I can count. We will also be showing the game and game re-caps at our Official After Show featuring The Cool Kids at Warehouse Live. You could literally probably leave the Summit to head to the After Show during a commercial break and not miss a down of football.

“Sports and sneakers have always gone hand in hand, and I think it gives people more of a chance to break the ice and talk about the games, whether it’s that hot girl cheering for Chicago or the guy you were dying to ask, “Where did you get those shoes?” – Kadoma

Nice Kicks: What are you looking forward to the most this show?

Kadoma: I’m looking forward to see how our event fits in the Toyota Center. I’m looking forward to meeting all the new faces, as well as seeing the old ones, and especially catching up with out of town friends that I don’t get to see too often. I’m also excited about have Crooks & Castles as our featured guest and holding an exclusive brand showcase including their new footwear collection. We have had many special guests in the past; Clark Kent, Bobbito, DJ Greg Street, Levi Maestro, Nick Diamond, and Dante Ross just to name a few. We really strive to involve all the tangible aspects of sneakers into our show when we invite our special guests, whether it be design, marketing, blogging, music, athletics, etc. But we have never really had a major brand come out and give the people an exclusive showcase before. I know most brands do this all the time at trade shows, but it’s never really done for the real buyers, the consumers. I think everyone is really going to enjoy that. We also have a couple of surprises up our sleeves that I am looking forward to. But unfortunately I can’t talk about them right now as we like to save a little something for the people attending the event, although I’m sure you may be seeing a couple of pictures next week.

Nice Kicks: There could be many finite metrics of a successful show, but its pretty clear that this show isn’t done for the money but rather the love of kicks. How do you define a successful show?

Kadoma: I see a successful show as taking things to the next level. We always try to build upon past accomplishments and make each show better than the last. Basically success to me means elevating the culture, and educating the younger generation. Showing everyone a good time, and making sure everyone feels included.

Nice Kicks: Thanks for taking the time to speak with us during such a busy time. Best of luck Sunday. I’ll leave you with the final word.

Kadoma: I just want to take a second to personally invite everyone out to our event at Toyota Center this Sunday. We have worked long and hard on this event to make sure that it is the very best it can possibly be. If you love sneakers, fashion, and the culture that is built around it, this event is for you.