Authenticating Sneakers at the First Authenticon
Updated: Mar 23
Last week in Houston, Tradeblock hosted our first Authenticon. At Authenticon, attendees spent time networking, learning the basics of authentication and had the opportunity to listen to a panel discussion focused on access, authentication, and tech. The authentication workshop was presented by Tradeblock Senior Business Analyst (and former StockX authenticator), Riian McCray. Assisting Riian was Tradeblock authenticator Ruben Solis.
Riian and Ruben were able to show attendees specific points to look at on each shoe to determine its validity. After the workshop, attendees participated in an authentication contest where they were tasked with authenticating 5 pairs of shoes in 10 minutes. Contestants combed over each pair of shoes, feeling the materials, looking at stitching, and even smelling the shoes to determine what was real and what wasn’t. There were 3 exceptional novice authenticators that were able to properly authenticate their stack of shoes and they all went home with trade credit!
After the contest, participants sat in for a panel discussion featuring Joe Kare of Premium Goods, AB Lima from Exclusive Elements, and Tradeblock's own Riian McCray, and Folasade Okunubi, VP of engineering.
Panel members discussed the sneaker community in the Houston area, how to get more access for "average" people, their thoughts on bots, and what the future of sneaker culture looks like in regards to authentication and technology.
Tradeblock founders Darren Smith, Tony Malveaux, and Mbiyimoh “Beems” Ghogomu were in attendance for the event were able to provide attendees with more context for the future of the company and how they strive to bring the company mission and core values to life while also running a successful company. Tradeblock is committed to the development and advancement of young BIPOC leaders in the tech and sneaker spaces as well as providing access to authentic, popular sneakers for all people.
Click here to download Tradeblock to secure your favorite pairs today! Be sure to follow Tradeblock on socials and subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates on the next event! See you on the block!
