Here’s What Went Down at ComplexCon 2024
Photo: Gregory Lopez / Best of Los Angeles
This past weekend, the Las Vegas Convention Center transformed into the epicenter of cultural innovation and collaboration as ComplexCon 2024 unleashed its unparalleled energy on the world. A two-day immersion into the intersecting worlds of music, fashion, art, sneakers, and food, this year’s event proved why it remains the go-to destination for global tastemakers and enthusiasts alike.
With the debut of CactusCon, helmed by none other than Travis Scott and his Cactus Jack collective, ComplexCon reached stratospheric heights. Scott’s vision set the tone for a bold, immersive, and boundary-pushing experience that redefined what cultural activation could mean. Over 35 exclusive collaborations and installations from some of the most influential designers, artists, and brands turned CactusCon into the heart and soul of the weekend.
But let’s rewind and take you through what unfolded over the past two days.
DAY 1: SETTING THE STAGE
Opening day buzzed with an electric energy that could be felt the moment you stepped onto the show floor. Travis Scott, ComplexCon 2024’s Creative Director, led the charge with a hands-on approach that left fans buzzing. Seeing him interact with his monumental CactusCon activation was a reminder of his knack for blending creativity and accessibility, making every attendee feel like they were a part of something monumental.
The energy was palpable as CactusCon debuted, showcasing 35 exclusive collaborations and installations that pushed creative boundaries. On the floor, Travis Scott himself explored the activation, engaging with fans and taking in the monumental response to his vision.
Adding to the intrigue was the Hidden NY x ASICS installation, a mysterious and minimalist space that invited attendees to decode its secrets. With its cryptic clues and sleek design, it became one of the most talked-about stops on the show floor, sparking countless posts and speculation about its deeper meanings.
Photo: Gregory Lopez / Best of Los Angeles
Adding to the legacy, LRG marked its 25th anniversary in style by inviting a select group of designers to reimagine their iconic Dead Serious Hoodie. The reimagined pieces honored the hoodie’s streetwear roots while pushing creative boundaries, breathing fresh life into the design that helped define an era. The installation became a nostalgic touchstone for longtime fans while introducing the brand’s rich history to a new generation.
Meanwhile, Reebok took attendees on a journey into nature with their forest-themed installation. Lush greenery, immersive soundscapes, and exclusive sneaker reveals turned the booth into a sensory escape, proving that even the most urban of brands can tap into the organic.
Pop Mart, a global leader in designer toy culture, stole the spotlight with their vibrant booth, which featured the global debut of the HIRONO collaboration between the celebrated artist Lang and another Los Angeles creative powerhouse, Gary Baseman. This pairing of whimsical, emotive figures with Baseman’s signature storytelling flair was a massive draw for collectors. Fans were treated to a live figurine signing by Lang, making it one of the booth’s most memorable moments and further cementing Los Angeles as a hub for innovative artistic partnerships.
Adding to the L.A. pride, legendary artist Mister Cartoon hosted a meet-and-greet at the Felix the Cat x Universal Studios booth. His collaboration came to life through an intricately detailed lowrider, painted to perfection in tribute to the beloved animated icon. The display was a seamless blend of L.A.’s street culture, classic cartoons, and universal appeal, drawing fans eager to meet the artist and witness his work up close.
Photo: Armen Keleshain, Cones, Izzy Nuzzo, Taylor Wong / Complex
The weekend also featured jaw-dropping celebrity cameos, like Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg previewing unreleased music during a live taping of Drink Champs. On the sneaker front, the newly renamed “DJ Clark Kent Sneaker of the Year” panel crowned the adidas AE1 as the top sneaker of 2024, with PJ Tucker and Lil Yachty shaing hilarious stories of sneaker grails that almost slipped through their fingers.
And, of course, there were surprises – Lil Yachty’s impromptu DJ set at Greg Yuna’s booth was a perfect blend of spontaneity and fanfare, while Keith Lee and Tobe Nwigwe lit up the Family Style Food Festival, indulging in their favorites such as Trill Burgers and Shang Artisan Noodle.
The day ended on a high note with Playboi Carti headlining the first night’s festival, joined by Ken Carson and Destroy Lonely, delivering a performance that was both frenetic and unforgettable. Metro Boomin, Offset, and internet darling Airsoft Fatty set the stage with an opening set that had the crowd moving from the start.
DAY 2: CLOSING OUT STRONG
If day one was a spark, day two was an inferno. Travis Scott closed the event with a high-energy performance on the main stage, featuring his Cactus Jack crew. The opening acts – Don Toliver, Sheck Wes, Chase B, and Mike Dean – set the tone, but it was Scott himself who brought the house down. Between hits, he thanked the audience for their energy and shared his excitement about debuting CactusCon on such a grand scale.
The show floor was a constellation of stars. WWE Champion Cody Rhodes shared stories of his heroes, iShowSpeed dazzled fans with a surprise 360 with Speedy appearance, and FaZe Clan discussed the mental toll of streaming in a live panel.
CactusCon’s centerpiece, the Secreto Maximus Tournament, was a private soccer match featuring the likes of Steve Nash and top-tier athletes. The stakes? Bragging rights and cultural clout. iShowSpeed upped the ante with a jaw-dropping gift – a Ronaldo Jacob & Co. Epic x Heart of CR7 watch worth $29,000.
Photo: Armen Keleshian / Getty Images
And in the world of fashion, Michèle Lamy graced the Rick Owens booth in her usual iconic style, while Angelo Baque broke down his creative journey in a live taping of IDEA GENERATION. The vibrancy of the attendees – over 60,000 strong – only added to the eclectic vibe, representing cultures and subcultures from every corner of the world.
ComplexCon 2024 wasn’t just a celebration – it was a statement. The event served as a reminder of the ever-evolving intersections between art, commerce, and culture. Where else can you see Travis Scott holding a WWE Hardcore championship belt handed to him by Triple H one moment and Lil Yachty blessing fans with signed Concrete Boys Forces the next? Even beyond the performances and activations, the event was a visual feast. From FaZe Banks debating the GOAT Playboi Carti song during a live taping of GOAT Talk to the fashion-forward merch drops at the Opium booth, the details of the weekend were as meticulously curated as they were Instagram-ready.
With CactusCon setting a new standard for immersive experiences and Travis Scott’s undeniable presence as both a creator and a curator, ComplexCon 2024 wasn’t just another event – it was the blueprint for how we celebrate culture moving forward.
Here’s to what’s next. Let the countdown to 2025 begin.
