Sneakers redefine business wear trends

Gone are the days when business attire was synonymous with polished dress shoes, stilettos and tailored suits. Sneakers are taking over conference center floors, making a statement while increasing comfort, confidence and brand awareness; changing the way we think about professionalism.

This shift is not just a passing trend, but a reflection of broader cultural changes. As remote working and casual attire become the norm, the need for comfort and personal expression surges. Once limited to casual wear, sneakers have become popular in the meetings industry, offering a stylish and comfortable alternative to traditional footwear.

From prestigious industry events like IMEX America 2022 to practical tips for incorporating this trend into your wardrobe, here’s how sneakers are redefining business dress codes and becoming a key element of modern professionalism.

Sneakers make a statement at business events

Here are some notable examples from industry events where companies have chosen custom sneakers to make a bold statement –

Visiting Milwaukee gets tacky

At Visit Milwaukee’s booth, custom-made “tacky” sneakers tell the brand’s story with a local flavor. Local sneaker artist Noel Alvarado transformed the Nike Air Force 1 with a hand-painted cheese design.

“We were looking for a unique, fun way to express who we are and tell the stories of the makers in our community,” said Joshua Albrecht, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Visit Milwaukee.

The team considered various elements of cities, sports teams and the brewery scene as themes for its sneakers. In the end, cheese won and the whole concept was great for the team and the business.

“If our team feels comfortable, they feel comfortable talking to our clients and customers and representing our city in the best possible way,” said Albrecht, who hopes to keep the shoe for the upcoming season. Part of the trade show uniform.

How are custom sneakers made? “It’s like painting a car — there’s a lot of preparation,” said Alvarado, a social media influencer who started painting sneakers in high school. He prefers to pair it with white Air Force 1s or Jordans. After peeling off the factory layers, he hand-paints or airbrushes the design with acrylic leather paint. Final touches include sealing the wearable artwork and protecting them with a gloss or matte finish.

“I didn’t expect the Milwaukee tourism event to get such a response, but it shows that customizing sneakers is a cool thing and businesses see it as a way to stand out,” Alvarado said.

Visit Orlando’s Bright Orange Sneakers

Sneakers are front and center at the Visit Orlando booth at the entrance to the IMEX America showroom. Team members wore bright orange sneakers to match the exhibit’s signature elements. It’s an easy conversation starter and a great photo opportunity.

“We wanted to find a way to inject the fun of Orlando and stand out at the trade show while maintaining professionalism,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. “We worked on familiarization, sales assignments and on-the-ground Orange shoes are also often worn on tours. They allow us to carry the Orlando brand everywhere because the vibrant orange helps us attract attention and is a fun extension of the brand “Incredibly Authentic” that we just launched at IMEX. .

This approach highlights how thoughtful integration of branded sneakers can contribute to a company’s overall marketing strategy.

European economy embraces the world

On the other side of the Euromic stand, a global association of destination management companies, Team Sneakers has launched its second product. Huw Tuckett, executive director of Euromic, said: “Our first sneaker was launched five years ago and we have continued the tradition ever since.”

The company’s sneakers have color-coded laces, depending on the member’s continent. This thoughtful approach to branding not only increases awareness but also strengthens internal connections.

Hyatt Allbirds

The Allbirds brand, a low-key darling of the tech world, took center stage in a spacious booth at the Hyatt Hotel. “We partnered with Giveswagger.com, a woman-owned, planet-oriented business, to provide us with options that allow us to We are able to care about our colleagues so that they can do their best work.

Hyatt’s exhibition spaces are focused on optimal health, so it makes sense that employees wear comfortable shoes. Its IMEX event also features a Miraval-branded recharge/meditation igloo, while chef Thomas McKeown serves healthy snacks such as quinoa peas at the entrance.

Hyatt’s selection of Allbirds sneakers underscores the importance of aligning footwear selections with broader organizational themes. By choosing sustainable and comfortable options, Hyatt demonstrates its commitment to employee well-being and environmental stewardship.

Venetian on-site personalized service

The Venetian takes activation to another level by giving away custom sneakers to their featured buyers. Nicola Kastner, former vice president and global head of event strategy at SAP, is also part of the team. Kastner launched her company, The Event Strategist, in January 2022 and now has a pair of sneakers with her company’s logo emblazoned on the side.

Freestyle Love Supreme, the improvised hip-hop group founded by Lin-Manuel Miranda, shows off a stunning display of true Venetian fashion. Their show is entirely audience participation and ends with a stunning pyrotechnic display.

The next night at the Rendezvous event at Drai’s nightclub, many of the invited buyers wore their new personalized sneakers and received many compliments.

Kastner agrees that the pandemic has fueled this trend. “Colleagues and associates see us in our living rooms and bedrooms. The facade of perfect professionals is gone,” she said.

Benefits of Sneakers at Business Meetings and Trade Shows

Here are the reasons why sneakers are replacing stilettos at major business events.

Comfort and productivity

Sneakers are designed with cushioning and support that traditional dress shoes often lack. This extra comfort helps reduce foot pain and fatigue, allowing employees to stay focused and productive throughout the workday.

In the modern work environment, where long working hours have become the norm, comfort has become crucial. Sneakers align with workplace wellness trends and support physical health and work performance.

Brand Identity and Marketing

Custom sneakers are a powerful branding tool. Incorporate company colors, logos or unique designs into sneakers to create memorable marketing moments.

For example, Visit Milwaukee’s “tacky” sneakers and Visit Orlando’s bright orange sneakers not only attract people’s attention but also reinforce their brand image.

Branded sneakers can also foster team spirit and create a stronger connection between employees and the company’s image.

Employee confidence and morale

Sneakers offer a stylish and comfortable option, allowing employees to express their personal style while remaining professional. This increased confidence can lead to more positive interactions and greater job satisfaction.

The shift toward sneakers reflects a broader cultural trend that values ​​authenticity and personal expression, making workplaces more inclusive and engaging.

Frequently Asked Questions – How do sneakers fit into business dress codes?

Here are some common questions you may encounter when pairing sneakers with business attire:

Add branded sneakers to your business attire

This new love for sneakers seems to be a solid bridge between the brand and the individuals it wants to attract. The rules are changing and our feet are grateful.

Wearing sneakers as part of your business attire will enhance your work environment, align with contemporary values, and support personal and organizational goals.

Ready to upgrade your work wardrobe with the perfect pair of sneakers? Check out our selection of active footwear and discover the perfect combination of style, comfort and personalization to suit your professional needs.

Last updated on August 8, 2024 by Kanchi Jain

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