At the 2023 Military Influencer Conference (MIC), the Parade Deck Experience (PDX) emerged as a pivotal event for leaders, entrepreneurs, content creators, and brands deeply connected to the military community. Renowned for its diverse offerings, MIC catered to a broad audience—from those transitioning out of military service to individuals focused on social impact, business development, and expanding their professional networks.
One of the standout moments of this year’s conference was the debut of the Parade Deck Experience, a scalable mobile livestream platform. Attendees praised PDX as a “cool new feature” and an integral part of an “amazing conference,” adding a fresh and dynamic element to the annual gathering of military influencers.
The mission of Parade Deck was simple yet profound: to amplify the voices within the military community that often go unheard. By showcasing these stories and perspectives, Parade Deck aims to make a lasting impact on thousands of veterans searching for purpose and community.
Tiffany Orner & Riccoh Player
During the three-day event, PDX featured an impressive lineup of over 50 guests, including prominent veteran podcasters and influential speakers. The first speaker, Terrence Hayes, Press Secretary for the Department of Veterans Affairs, remarked: “I was honored to be the first speaker on the Parade Deck. What a great platform to tell the story of the military veteran.”
Terrence Hayes, Riccoh Player, Demetrius (Meech Speaks) Thigpen, Eric Brew
In addition to Hayes, the stage featured inspiring figures such as Riccoh Player, Demetrius (Meech Speaks) Thigpen, and Eric Brew, who led meaningful discussions on critical issues facing the military community, including mental wellness, veteran homelessness, food insecurity, and veteran suicide.
A particularly memorable session saw Eric Brew and Shawn Welsh interview John Wayne Troxell, retired U.S. Army senior non-commissioned officer and former Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (SEAC).
The Power of the Parade Deck Community.
The Parade Deck community's unity and collaborative spirit, both at the Military Influencer Conference (MIC) and beyond, played a crucial role in the success of the PDX. The commitment to consistently tagging and mentioning each other in social media posts became a cornerstone of the Parade Deck culture, fostering a supportive and interconnected community. This consistent engagement extended The PDX's reach far beyond the MIC event's physical attendees.
The Power of Community
The success of the Parade Deck Experience extended beyond the conference, thanks to the unity and collaborative spirit of the Parade Deck community. Attendees and members consistently tagged and mentioned each other on social media, building a supportive, interconnected network. This engagement amplified the reach of the Parade Deck far beyond the in-person attendees, making the event’s impact felt across digital platforms.
The communal social media strategy yielded impressive results, with over 30,000 engagements across platforms. The recorded podcasts achieved a 30% click-through rate, reflecting the compelling content shared by the PDX speakers.
The remarkable metrics across various platforms further evidenced the community's dedication. Within 72 hours of MIC’s conclusion, the metrics told a powerful story:
- LinkedIn: 9,800 impressions and 1,000 clicks
- Instagram: A 704% increase in reach, with 20,000 impressions and 10,000 accounts reached
- Facebook: A 326% growth in reach, reflecting broad and diverse engagement
- Podcast Plays: 13,000 plays and more than 16 hours of stories and reel playtime
These statistics underscore the importance of military voices within the Parade Deck community and the power of collective effort in amplifying each other’s stories. The success of the PDX has set a new standard for future events and collaborations, strengthening the bonds within the community and beyond.
Looking Ahead
As MIC 2023 drew to a close, it left a lasting impression on attendees and the broader military community. The Parade Deck Experience set a high benchmark for future conferences, with anticipation already building for the next MIC. With its focus on amplifying and empowering the military community, platforms like the PDX will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the future of military voices and stories.
More about Parade Deck:
The #1 Go-to Place for Military Podcasts, Influencers, and Live Streams. Welcome to Parade Deck, where we connect you with the voices shaping the military community. Whether you're looking for insightful podcasts, engaging social media content, or simply to learn more about the military, this is your go-to platform. We empower military content creators and influencers, including keynote speakers, authors, musicians, filmmakers, and more, by amplifying their voices and enriching their audiences. Our dynamic environment ensures their talents thrive, reaching new heights of creative influence and collaboration. Join us at Parade Deck and explore a world of innovation and inspiration within the military community.
Subscribe to Follow Parade DeckKey Highlights:
Global Reach: Over 137 million community followers show appreciation and support.
Impactful Engagement: Those who follow military influencers highlight the importance of honoring service.
Deep Connection: An impressive 81% of veterans feel a strong relatability with the influencers.
Inspirational Content: For those considering enlistment, 73% find motivation through military influencers.
National Military Podcast Day: Parade Deck is honored to host a National day to recognize the military voice.
Military Veterans Podcast Awards: A yearly event that highlights the dedication of our Veteran Podcasters.
