MIC Unplugged: San Diego
MIC Unplugged: San Diego is an intimate, one-night gathering brought to you by VetClaims.AI designed to bring together leaders, creators, and changemakers from across the military-connected community and beyond.
Rooted in the ethos of the Military Influencer Conference, MIC Unplugged centers on a simple but powerful idea: leadership is influence earned through service, trust, and shared experience. This event creates space for meaningful dialogue—moving beyond surface-level conversations to explore the real impact of storytelling, leadership, and community in today’s world.
Designed for smaller rooms and deeper connection, the evening brings together voices from across industries including film, media, military leadership, and brand strategy. Attendees can expect an environment focused on substance over spectacle, where conversation is candid, perspectives are diverse, and relationships are built with intention.
At the heart of the evening is a fireside chat featuring four influential voices, each shaping how military stories are told, how communities are built, and how influence is carried forward with responsibility and purpose.
Katherine Torres-Pummill
As General Manager of Recurrent’s Military vertical, Katherine leads one of the largest digital media ecosystems serving the military community, including Task & Purpose, The War Zone, and We Are The Mighty. With over 15 years of experience, she specializes in building platforms, partnerships, and campaigns that authentically connect brands, media, and military audiences.
Mark Kershaw
A U.S. Army combat veteran and former 82nd Airborne paratrooper, Mark is the founder of PIR Entertainment, a veteran-led production company dedicated to authentic military storytelling. Through documentary and feature film projects, he brings real stories of service, sacrifice, and brotherhood to life with honesty and purpose.
Capt. Robbie Nanna, USMC
A Marine Corps officer and strategic communications leader, Capt. Nanna serves as Deputy Director of the Marine Corps’ Media & Entertainment Office in New York. With experience spanning military public affairs and the sports and entertainment industry, he works at the intersection of storytelling, partnership, and influence to shape how the Marine Corps is represented across culture and media.
Ryan Curtis
Filmmaker, director, and U.S. Army veteran, Ryan Curtis creates cinematic, mission-driven content that redefines how veteran stories are told—focusing on strength, resilience, and authenticity. His feature film Hollywood Grit earned a 93% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, and his work with organizations like the DoD (DoW) and VA continues to shape national conversations around mental fitness and service.
What to Expect
A thoughtful, candid fireside chat on leadership, influence, and storytelling
Perspectives from leaders across military, media, film, and brand strategy
Meaningful networking with a curated group of professionals and community leaders
An intimate setting designed for real conversation and connection
Insight into how influence is built (and responsibly used) within the military-connected space
This San Diego gathering reflects the energy, creativity, and leadership of the local military-connected community, bringing together individuals who are not only shaping conversations, but actively building what comes next.
Whether you're a creator, entrepreneur, leader, or advocate, MIC Unplugged: San Diego offers a space to connect, reflect, and engage in conversations that matter.
Heavy appetizers and drinks will be provided. There is ample parking available at the venue. See you soon!