Press Center
MIC26 TAMPA, FL
Where military culture, leadership, and storytelling converge
The Military Influencer Conference (MIC) is the leading gathering for creators, entrepreneurs, executives, advocates, and organizations shaping the future of military-connected culture. Now in its 10th year, MIC has grown into a convergence of leadership, media, entrepreneurship, and community — coming to Tampa in 2026.
At a moment when trust in mainstream media is fracturing and niche communities are driving the most engaged cultural conversations in the country, military-connected voices are building audiences that legacy outlets can’t reach. MIC26 is where that story unfolds live.
This is America250 year. The national conversation about patriotism, service, and identity has never been more charged, or more contested. MIC brings together the people at the center of that conversation: veterans, spouses, creators, advocates, and entrepreneurs who aren’t waiting for mainstream media to tell their story. They’re building the platforms themselves.
WHY MIC MATTERS
Trend stories. Not just event stories.
The conversations happening here reflect where military-connected culture, leadership, and business are heading, and they’re happening nowhere else in the country at this scale.
- Creator-driven media
- Veteran entrepreneurship
- Podcasting & digital story
- Military culture & identity
- Leadership after service
- Advocacy & community
- Audience-building
- Lived experience storytelling
MEDIA AT MIC
The press shows up. Every year.
Not just for the stage, but for the conversations shaping what military-connected storytelling, leadership, and influence look like now.
Over three days, creators, founders, executives, advocates, veterans, brands, and emerging voices come together in one space built for visibility, connection, and real conversation. Podcasts are recorded live. Partnerships form in hallways. Interviews become larger cultural conversations.
MIC is not just an event to cover. It is a live ecosystem of stories unfolding in real time.
MEDIA & CREATOR CREDENTIALS
If you tell stories, you belong here.
The media landscape has changed and MIC reflects that. Credentialed access includes traditional press, independent media, podcasts, documentary crews, photographers, newsletter writers, and creators covering the people, ideas, and conversations shaping military-connected culture today.
- Who we credential
- List Item #1
- Podcast hosts and production teams
- Documentary crews
- Newsletter and independent media
- Digital creators and on-camera storytellers
- Photographers and videographers
- Industry analysts and trade reporters
- What approved media access
- Keynote sessions
- Breakout conversations
- Interview opportunities
- Creator activations
- Networking events
- Designated media workspace
- On-site content capture opportunities
STORY OPPORTUNITIES
The stories are already inside this room.
CULTURE
The rise of creator-led military storytelling and what it signals about trust in modern media
BUSINESS
Veteran entrepreneurship at the intersection of creator economies and mission-driven brands
IDENTITY
Modern patriotism heading into America’s 250th anniversary, told by those who served
MEDIA
Trusted niche communities as the new front page – how military voices reshape digital influence
LEADERSHIP
What service-to-civilian transition looks like in 2026, from the people living it
IMPACT
Military spouse entrepreneurship, nonprofit innovation, and community-building
INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES
Voices at MIC26
The conversations don’t stop at the Keynote. MIC26 convenes founders, creators, executives, advocates, veterans, and cultural voices shaping how military-connected stories are built, shared, and experienced today.
Credentialed media may request interviews with speakers, creators, organizational leaders, and featured guests throughout conference week through the MIC media team.
Curtez Riggs
MIC Founder
Kathy Torres-Pummill
General Manager
Melissa Bird
Sr. Events Manager
MEDIA RESOURCES
MIC IN THE PRESS
20251009 – PR News Wire: We Are The Mighty Announces the 2025 MIGHTY 25 Class
20250923 – Georgia Public Broadcasting: VA Secretary Doug Collins returns to Georgia for the Military Influencers Conference
20250922 – We Are The Mighty: Air Force veteran Sam Eckholm is focused on good military stories and stunning imagery
20250829 – Business Wire: Where Service Meets Impact: Military Influencer Conference 2025 Brings Leaders, Creators and Changemakers to Atlanta
20241004 – Military.com: How Jon Stewart’s Visits with Wounded Iraq War Veterans Shaped his Military Advocacy
20241002 – Atlanta Daily World:Exclusive: Atlanta Hosts Military Influencers Conference, Killer Mike Shares The Importance Of Black Vets
20241002 – VA.Gov: Veterans receive resources from VA and partners at Military Influencer Conference
20241001 – Military.com: The National Global War on Terrorism Memorial Gets a Renowned Architect
20240930 – Atlanta Daily World: Army Vet, Former Miss USA Deshauna Barber To Talk TikTok At Military Influencers Conference
20240926 – Atlanta Daily World: The Inaugural Military Influencer Conference Prepares To Kick Off In Atlanta
20240916 – Atlanta Voice: Military Influencer Conference empowers military-connected entrepreneurs in Atlanta
20240904 – PR News Wire: Military Influencer Conference Announces Its Debut in Atlanta
20240903 – Military Families: Annual Military Influencer Conference heads to Atlanta with a new spin
20240207 – Task & Purpose: USPTO Debut at the 2023 Military Influencer Conference
20231110 – Military Influencer Conference Brings More Than Personality to Las Vegas
20231102 – Mighty 25: We Are The Mighty Announces The Top 25 Military Changemakers of 2023
20231024 – Military Influencer Conference Announces Keynote Speaker Lineup
20231018 – Stand-To Veterans Leadership Scholar spotlight: Mark Harper
20231003 – MIC Announces its Return to Las Vegas
20221118 – Pixly wins The Veteran Fund’s $100,000 Pitch Contest at the 2022 Military Influencer Conference
20220721 – MIC Relaunches in Las Vegas
20201109 – Military Influencer Conference and Leaderpass Join Forces for Veterans Week
CREDENTIAL REQUEST
Ready to cover MIC?
MIC is where the conversations are. Apply below to join us in Tampa as credentialed press.
Each application is assessed individually. All press must submit a recently published byline or broadcast segment. Freelancers, photographers, and film crews require a letter of assignment. Additional credentials may be requested.
For direct coordination: Lakesha Cole — lakesha.cole@teamrecurrent.io
