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What's Happening At The Expo
One Day. One Place. Something for Every Age.
A national, family-centered experience designed for military-connected children, teens, families, educators, and community leaders.
The Military Child World Expo is designed as an interactive, family-centered experience where children, teens, and families can learn, create, explore, and connect, together. Programming spans education, STEAM, the arts, community engagement, and celebration, with activities designed for different ages and interests.
Below is an overview of what participants can expect throughout the Expo.
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Children (ages 4–10)
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Pre-Teens & Teens (ages 11–17)
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Young Adults (18–25)
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Families & Caregivers
MILACON
Enter the Torchbearer Universe
Something extraordinary is arriving at the Military Child World Expo.
Welcome to MILACON, the Military Innovation & Leadership Alliance, where the worlds of innovation, science, creativity, and imagination collide.
Inspired by the energy of anime, Marvel, gaming, science fiction, and the real-life resilience of military children,
MILACON introduces the Torchbearers, a new universe of heroes representing the builders, thinkers, explorers, caregivers, and defenders shaping tomorrow.
Inside the MILACON, the experience comes to life. Meet the Torchbearer characters. Collect exclusive trading cards. Earn cadet badges in the Torchbearer Academy.
Explore science, technology, and innovation challenges. And design the hero you want to become. But that’s only the beginning.
MILACON invites creators, cosplayers, innovators, anime fans, comic enthusiasts, and dreamers of every generation to Come In Character (CIC).
Arrive inspired by your favorite hero. Create your own Torchbearer. Represent your universe. Because the future belongs to those bold enough to imagine it.
From military-connected children all over the world, military brats and innovators to scientists, engineers, artists, and guardians of tomorrow, the Alliance is forming. Every generation needs its Torchbearers.
Join the story at the Military Child World Expo.
For Children
Children are invited to learn through play, creativity, and hands-on discovery. Activities are designed to spark curiosity while allowing kids to participate alongside parents or guardians.
Kids can experience:
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STEAM SUITED™ hands-on activities, including DIY creations such as space-inspired gear, simple robotics, and creative builds
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Planetarium experiences that bring science, space, and exploration to life
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Interactive learning stations hosted by community and education partners
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Creative arts and imagination-based activities, including comics, storytelling, and visual expression
All children’s activities are family-appropriate and supervised, with parents or guardians encouraged to participate alongside their children.
For Teens
Teen participants engage in deeper exploration, leadership-focused activities, and opportunities that recognize their contributions and experiences, particularly those who carry added responsibilities at home or in their communities.
Teen programming includes:
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Advanced STEAM engagement and youth innovation showcases
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Education and career pathway conversations with colleges, universities, and community organizations
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Opportunities to earn accredited community service hours
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Teen caregiver recognition and engagement opportunities
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Leadership, creativity, and civic participation experiences
Programming is designed to be inclusive of both military-connected and civilian teens, fostering shared understanding and collaboration.
For Young Adults
For Young Adults: Pathways, Leadership, and Belonging
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College and education pathways
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Career exploration and workforce readiness
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Civic engagement and service leadership
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Continued connection for those who grew up military-connected
Military-connected youth do not “age out” , they grow forward.
FOR FAMILIES & CAREGIVERS
The Expo is intentionally structured to support families as a unit. Parents and caregivers are invited to explore alongside their children, access resources, and connect with other families who share similar experiences.
Families can expect:
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Interactive activities designed for multi-generational participation
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Education and wellness resources from trusted community organizations
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Opportunities to learn about school transitions, youth support, and enrichment programs
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Performances, exhibitions, and shared moments that celebrate military-connected family life
The Expo is open to all families and emphasizes inclusion, accessibility, and connection.
Planetarium Experiences
Step inside immersive planetarium experiences designed for children, teens, and families to explore space, science, and discovery together.
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Family-Friendly
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All Ages
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Parent + Child Experience
Signature Moments
Throughout the day, the Expo features signature moments that bring the community together and highlight the voices, talents, and leadership of military-connected youth.
Signature experiences include:
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Live performances by youth and student groups
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Creative showcases and interactive demonstrations
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Youth-led presentations and exhibitions
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Special recognition moments honoring service, caregiving, and leadership
Select events are part of the broader Expo weekend and may take place at different venues.
COMMUNITY, CREATIVITY & BELONGING
At its core, the Military Child World Expo is about belonging. It brings together children, teens, families, educators, community organizations, and leaders to create a welcoming space where military-connected youth are seen, valued, and celebrated.
Whether exploring science, expressing creativity, learning about future opportunities, or simply spending time together, participants experience the Expo as a shared community moment, one that honors resilience, connection, and the next generation.
Community, Educators & Supporters
Those who serve, support, and invest in military-connected children.
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Exhibitors and community organizations
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Educators and youth-serving professionals
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Civic, nonprofit, and private-sector leaders
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Artists, creators, and innovators supporting youth development
The Expo brings everyone into one shared space, without silos, because military-connected children do not grow up in silos.
Convenings & Symposiums
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STEAM Symposium
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Financial Wellness Symposium
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Youth Voice Panels (Independence Halls A & B)
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National Women's Convening - America's Daughters & The Next 250 Years
Zones
Expo Zones help attendees easily locate exhibitors and resources by focus area.
List zones:
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MILACON Zone (Independence Hall B)
