From School Project to San Diego: Checkland at MicroCon 27

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when imagination grows up, gets organized, and books a venue in San Diego—welcome to MicroCon 27.

Every two years, this strange, earnest, and surprisingly human gathering pulls micronations out of the margins and puts them in the same room. Flags come down. Stories come out. And in 2027, under the Southern California sun, the world’s most unlikely leaders will meet again—among them, the Republic of Checkland.

Checkland’s Prime Minister, Stephen Pynch, knows exactly why MicroCon matters.

“I founded Checkland on December 6, 2020, originally as a school project, but it quickly turned into a proper micronation,” he says. What followed was structure, conflict, identity—real nation-building. “We’ve grown stronger, built a clear national identity… Our motto is Memento Mori—life is only precious because it ends.” That philosophy fits MicroCon perfectly: show up, engage, because moments like this don’t last.

Montreal’s MicroCon 2025 proved the point. “At first, I expected it to be uncomfortable,” Pynch admits, “but as soon as I started talking to people, I realized it was going to be a great time.” Open conversations. No judgment. Shared obsession. “Being able to talk about micronationalism openly without feeling judged—that was my favorite part.” That’s the real sell of MicroCon 27.

Premier Amber Ross of Paxia, Republic of Checkland, echoes it. “Our first MicroCon was in Montreal 2025—we were going in blind and ready for fun. As soon as we arrived, we were greeted with a warm welcome.” Everything close. Everything accessible. Everything human. “We met lots of new friends… and everything was so much fun.”

San Diego raises the stakes. The beach. Baseball. Mountains in the distance. A party on the water.

“I’m really looking forward to the Gala on the boat,” says Pynch—especially since it falls on his mother’s birthday.

Ross agrees: “I look forward to the Gala on my birthday and the side trip—an experience my son and I will always share.”

The Sultan of Slowjamastan, veteran of many MicroCons, sums it up best: “You can read about micronations online. Or you can sit next to them, break bread, and realize you’re among your people. San Diego just happens to have better tacos.” He adds, with authority, “MicroCon 27 isn’t optional. It’s inevitable.”

If you’re on the fence, Pynch is blunt: “If you’re a micronation and you’re not here, you’re totally missing out. If you’re interested in micronationalism, I’d 100% recommend registering.” Ross goes further: “This is going to be a trip of a lifetime—you’ll share it with the kindest, most welcoming people you’ll ever meet.”

The Sultan offers the final advisory: “Register early. Pack curiosity. And whatever you do—don’t wear Crocs.”

MicroCon 27. San Diego. This is where micronations come alive. REGISTER HERE.