It’s an idea 23-year-old Vedant Lamba, founder of one of India’s biggest sneaker reselling platforms The Mainstreet Marketplace and part of 2022’s Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list, has had for four years now. After multiple attempts, involving several schedule changes and around a year of work, this week the team will host the first convention in the world with the maximum pairs of sneakers under one roof. 

“The idea was to announce to the country that sneaker culture is here,” is Lamba’s war cry, “[and is] serious enough for someone to invest this magnitude of creative and financial resources into the build.” The convention will also spotlight designers, artists, musicians, influencers, and content creators, host panel discussions and have performances by some of the country’s leading DJs and musical acts. In a competition titled Stupid 50, attendees also stand a chance to win highly exclusive sneakers at a generous discount. At the customisation corner, attendees can give creativity a free rein to make a personalised pair. “The event is going to be an entirely immersive experience,” says Lamba excitedly, “Every inch of the space has been creatively curated. Every conversation will uncover  stories and perspectives guests wouldn’t otherwise have access to.”