Hollywood heavyweights are pivoting from the silver screen to the convention floor with the launch of “Military Con,” a new event series aiming to bring the sensory experience of a fan convention to the world of the U.S. armed forces. Spearheaded by former Jerry Bruckheimer Films senior vice president Jennifer Worthington and Hulu co-founder George Kliavkoff, the venture plans to utilize high-production values and interactive technology to engage the military community.
The inaugural conventions are slated for 2027 in San Antonio and San Diego. Produced under the duo’s Two Dice Media banner, the events are designed to blend the narrative-driven atmosphere of comic conventions with the technical reality of modern military service.
Bringing Hollywood Tech to the Frontline
Worthington, whose resume includes blockbusters like Black Hawk Down and Armageddon, is applying the logistical and storytelling tactics honed in Hollywood to a series of immersive, three-day experiences. The events are structured around a thematic arc titled “The Call,” “The Mission,” and “The Return.”
The organizers are leaning heavily into experiential technology to draw crowds. Plans include “Hardware Alley,” which will feature static displays of aircraft and heavy machinery, alongside interactive simulations that mimic real-world operations. To capture a modern, tech-savvy audience, the events will also feature competitive gaming tournaments. The organizers hope this blend of real-world hardware and digital engagement will differentiate Military Con in a crowded market that already includes industry-heavy gatherings like Defense One forums and the Military Times-backed MCON expo.
Navigating a Challenging Cultural Climate
The timing of this launch is notable, occurring against a backdrop of public fatigue regarding the ongoing conflict in Iran. With recent polling data suggesting that a significant majority of registered voters favor a diplomatic path to end current hostilities, the founders are taking pains to position the event as a non-partisan celebration.
“Military Con is not a political event,” said Harry Humphries, the project’s military director. “It’s about honoring the men and women who have served our country and the families who have supported them.” According to the organizers, the event’s advisory board is composed entirely of veterans committed to keeping the focus on personal narratives and the history of service rather than current policy debates.
The Future of Live Experience Marketing
By utilizing the “Comic-Con model,” the organizers are betting that the military community—often segmented by branch or specialized function—is hungry for a broad-spectrum, pop-culture-style gathering. This move signals a broader shift in the live events industry, where niche “fandoms” are increasingly being treated with the same specialized marketing strategies as major media franchises.
As for the tech behind the scenes, expect the event to leverage modern digital infrastructure for ticketing, attendee management, and AI-driven engagement. While full speaker lists remain under wraps, the organizers have teased a lineup that will pair Hollywood celebrities familiar with military-themed cinema with the actual service members whose stories inspired those films. By bridging the gap between fiction and reality, Worthington and Kliavkoff are hoping to create a permanent home for a demographic that feels underserved by traditional airshows or industry-exclusive defense trade shows.
Tickets and full programming details for the 2027 San Antonio and San Diego events are expected to be unveiled early in the coming year as the company continues its ramp-up to the launch.
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