My First Military Influencer Conference: Wins, Mistakes, and Key Takeaways

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Way back in 2017, I attended my first blogging conference. It was the Military Influencer Conference in Dallas, Texas. I went on my own, unsure of what to expect, whether it would be worthwhile, or even if I truly belonged there. What I did know was that I had taken my blog as far as I could on my own and needed help to grow further. It was my first industry conference, and I won’t lie—it felt awkward at first. I met many people at the conference, but I had to remind myself of the advice I often give to others: step outside your comfort zone and invest in yourself. If I wanted to become a better blogger, this was the next step.

Table of Contents

• The Military Influencer Conference
• Meeting Maria Reed: Creator of Moving With The Military
• Whova App, Military Influencers FB Page & LinkedIn
• Get a Good Night’s Sleep
• Military Spouse Content Creators
• You Can Never Go Home Again
• No Question Has to Go Unanswered
• After the Military Influencer Conference
• MIC 2025 – Why You Should Go
• Like it. Pin It.

The Military Influencer Conference

I found out the Military Influencer Conference would be held just a few hours away in Dallas, so I registered. I’m so glad I did because the takeaway was far more valuable than I expected. One of the people I met was Maria Mendez Reed. She had started a show that focused on military families—a community close to my heart.

The Military Influencer Conference (MIC) was founded in 2016 by Army veteran Curtez Riggs during his final year of active duty. He created the event as a platform for entrepreneurs, creatives, and businesses within the military community to connect, collaborate, and grow. Over the years, the conference has become a key gathering for military-connected individuals and organizations, fostering mentorship, inspiration, and partnerships.

Meeting Maria Reed: Creator of Moving With The Military

At the Military Influencer Conference, I had the opportunity to meet Maria Reed, the creator of Moving With The Military, a home makeover series dedicated to honoring and celebrating veteran and military families.

Maria shared how the show empowers military families by telling their stories and recognizing their contributions and sacrifices. It provides a glimpse into the lives of these families, showcasing their resilience and the support they provide to one another.

Talking with Maria was both inspiring and down-to-earth. Her passion for creating meaningful change within the military community shines through in her work. For more about the series and its mission, visit Moving With The Military.

Whova App, Military Influencers FB Page & LinkedIn

This should have been a no-brainer: I should have installed the Whova app and interacted with people in the Facebook group before attending. When I arrived, I stumbled around, wondering why everyone else seemed to know each other. Some of them did, but most had connected beforehand through Facebook and the app.

Everyone had a LinkedIn page. I had one too, but I barely used it. In the three days after the conference, I connected with many of the people I met, and I’ve already had two job interviews as a result.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

I am a night person, but I should have forced myself to get more sleep. I dragged both mornings, missing prime opportunities to network one-on-one with people before the seminars began. Next time, I’ll prioritize rest.

You Can Never Go Home Again

Military spouses are members of a greater community—one you never really leave. As Heather Dobson, one of the speakers, bluntly put it, I need to “get my sh!t together” and reach out to other military spouse content creators for inspiration and collaboration. I met some remarkable people, some of whom already knew me from my blog. Others made an effort to help me grow and improve as a blogger. Now, I have mentors and peers who can help me reach my goals.

No Question Has to Go Unanswered

All the speakers made themselves available for additional questions, which I truly appreciated. I took the opportunity to explain why my Pinterest page wasn’t working for me. Lauren Tamm gave an excellent presentation on Pinterest and even sat with me afterward to review my account. Her advice showed me how much work I have ahead, but I know it’ll be worth it.

Military Spouse Content Creators

It’s a small world. When I sat down on the bus, I had no idea the woman next to me was Jen Pilcher. I knew of Military One Click but had never met her. We talked about paid sponsors, affiliates, and how she eventually sold her business. However, it was her honest insight into the challenges of balancing success with her marriage that resonated with me the most.

After the Military Influencer Conference

If I thought I was going to return home and continue working on my business alone, I was wrong—dead wrong. I’m overwhelmed by the follow-up support from the military spouses, veterans, and sponsors I met during those two days in Dallas. We’ve built strong networks, and I know that when it’s time for #MilBlogging18, I’ll be ready to roll.

MIC 2025 – Why You Should Go

The Military Influencer Conference returns September 21–24, 2025, at the Signia by Hilton in Atlanta, Georgia. MIC continues to be the leading event for military-connected entrepreneurs, leaders, creators, and innovators. It’s where ideas take shape, partnerships form, and missions grow.

I won’t be attending this year, but I still believe it’s one of the best investments you can make in yourself and your work. MIC offers the perfect balance of tactical learning and transformational conversations, giving you tools and relationships you can’t get from behind a screen.

The conference centers around five pillars—Influence, Impact, Inspiration, Innovation, and Inclusivity. These values guide everything from the keynote stage to casual hallway talks. Whether you’re a service member, veteran, spouse, content creator, founder, or community leader, you’ll find the support and energy you need to take your next step.

MIC 2025 will feature:

• Networking events like the Early Bird Welcome Reception and MilSpouse AfterHours
• Focused sessions, breakouts, and The Mighty Talks
• The Georgia Military Connected Summit and a dedicated Hiring Fair
• The Mighty 25 Awards Gala, celebrating those making an impact

If you’ve ever wanted to connect with people who understand the military journey—both personally and professionally—MIC is where you’ll find them.

Visit MilitaryInfluencer.com for registration details and hotel booking.

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