What I Learned from the Military Influencer Conference Posted on October 31, 2017January 14, 2025 Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... 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 You Can Never Go Home Again No Question Has to Go Unanswered Military Spouse Content Creators After the Military Influencer Conference 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. Wood 19×27 Picture Frame Black for Wall Hanging, 19 x 27 Frame Poster Photo Frame for Wall Horizontally or Vertically, Black, 3 Pack Stylish and durable, our 19×27 picture frames (3-pack) feature shatter-resistant plexiglass and easy wall mounting for posters, photos, and artwork. Perfect for home, office, or as a thoughtful gift! Amazon 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. 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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. For more information on the next conference, visit their website. Like it. Pin It. Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe! Share this:FacebookLinkedInTwitterPinterestThreadsEmailPrintBlueskyXLike this:Like Loading... Related Discover more from Duffel Bag Spouse Travels Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email. Type your email… Subscribe MILITARY SPOUSE BLOG Content Creation and Blogging
It sounds like you really learned a lot at the Military influence conference. The app and the facebook page is something you know about for the next conference you go too. These conferences are always awesome for making connections with others. Thanks for sharing sharing your awesome experience and the information. Reply
That is so cool you have such a great support group! We all need to surround ourselves with people who have some type of understanding what we do and have similar interests. Reply
Having a support group who is within your niche makes all the difference in the world. It sounds like you picked up a lot of inspiration! Reply
I could not agree with you more. None of can do anything alone, its nice to have blogger friends who are willing to share their knowledge and best practices without fearing they’ll lose something. We are all have something to teach and something to learn. Reply
Wow…I don’t know how I have never heard of this conference before! And it’s here in Texas? I’ll have to check it out next time. Glad you went and had a great time! Reply
What nice is that everyone can appeal to the military community, you don’t have to be a Veteran or a military spouse. That market is huge and looking for diverse products and services. Reply
Attending events is always such a great learning experience. I have yet to attend a conference though! Reply
It’s still very difficult for me to get out of my comfort zone. I hope that I will soon decide on something like that and maybe I will visit a conference that interests me.J Reply
I’ve learned getting out of my comfort zone is key to growing! Looks like you had a great time and made a lot of new awesome contacts! Reply
This sounds like a very useful and fun seminar/conference. I hope you can use what you learn here in the future. Reply
I’m glad you had such a positive experience at this conference! I’ve never attended one, but it looks like there’s tons to learn, even when you think you know it all haha Sondra xx prettyfitfoodie.com Reply
I’ll be attending a Marketing Unconference in November 27 and as early as October when I found out I was chosen, I’ve been feeling nervous. It will be my first time and I don’t know anyone else attending. But you are right, we should step out of our comfort zone. Reply
Stepping outside of my comfort zone is never easy for me either! Sounds like the conference was great for you in many ways! Reply
Having this community must be such a great feeling.. So glad you stepped out of your comfort zone and made connections! 🙂 Reply
Ido love going to these events every so often because I love meeting people – especially the people I have connected with through the blogging world!! They can definitely be a bit overwhelming and intimidating, but the whelm will calm down soon enough! Reply
I had no idea that there was a conference like this. What a wonderful opportunity to meet others that are in the same situation. It sounds like you really made some great connections. Reply
Wow you’re so blessed to be part of this community of military bloggers that have your back! To a great 2018 of blogging ahead! Reply
This sounds like an amazing conference. I’ll have to see if they ever come to San Antonio. I might check it out though I’m an introvert 😉 And I just love Military One Click! So cool! Reply
He Amber, next year it’s going to be in Orlando, but I’m sure if you do a search you can find something else closer to San Antonio. And Jen is amazing… imagine creating a website that two major players ended up fighting over? Reply
Sometimes when you can jump over your shadow and step out of your comfort zone then you can achieve so much. Great that you got good feedback. Reply