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Affiliate events at SOF Week are independently organized gatherings that complement the main program, offering additional opportunities for networking and collaboration. These events are hosted by industry partners and other organizations to enhance the overall SOF Week experience. An item listed as an affiliate event does not automatically grant it Widely Attended Gathering (WAG) status. Be sure to check out the Official SOF Week Networking Events:
Please see the list of events below, submitted in conjunction with SOF Week.
Sunday, 17 May
Veterans, Guns & Cigars Tampa
WAG Approval: Approved
WHEN: Sunday, 17 May, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
WHERE: Pinellas Outdoor Shooting Range,
3700 126th Ave N, Clearwater, FL 33762
Monday, 18 May
The Honor Foundation Transition Seminar
Join The Honor Foundation for an interactive half-day career transition workshop. Guided by THF faculty and military transition experts, this session provides transitioning veterans with the foundational tools needed to establish a framework for a successful move into the private sector.
The workshop will address how to overcome the greatest challenges veterans face as they leave military service, deciding what they want to do, and conveying their unique value and experience to civilian organizations to find the best fit.
WHEN: Monday, 18 May, 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM
WHERE: Holland & Knight LLP, Downtown Tampa
100 North Tampa St., Suite 4100, Tampa, FL 33602
SOF Week Welcome Reception
WAG Approval: Approved
The SOF Week Welcome Reception is the kick-off event that launches SOF Week. It provides a relaxed setting for attendees to network and engage with the global special operations community.
WHEN: Monday, 18 May, 6:00 PM
WHERE: Sparkman Wharf, Downtown Tampa
615 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
Tuesday, 19 May
Blue Cross Blue Shield SOF Week Breakfast
WAG Approval: Pending
Join Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) during SOF week for an exclusive breakfast that brings together members of the Special Operations community. This intimate gathering will feature distinguished BCBSA board members who have served in Special Operations Forces in different capacities:
- Ramon ‘CZ’ Colon-Lopez, 4th SEAC
- Robert Abernethy, Senior Enlisted Leader, CSM of U.S. European Command (Retired)
- Scott H Stalker, MGySgt, Command Senior Enlisted Leader, U.S. Space Command (Retired)
This breakfast is designed to foster relationships and create space for candid dialogue in a relaxed, collegial setting
WHEN: Tuesday, 19 MAY, 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
WHERE: Harpoon Harry’s
225 S Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602
Shoulder-to-Shoulder: Celebrating 25 Years of Partnership
WAG Approval: Approved
The program includes a 25-minute preview from the documentary NOORI followed by a panel with the cast and filmmakers. We’ll conclude with an hour-long, celebratory networking reception.
WHEN: Tuesday, 19 May
5:00 PM to 5:30 PM: Arrival
5:30 PM to 5:35 PM: Welcome Remarks
5:35 PM to 6:00 PM: Film Preview
6:00 PM to 6:30 PM: Q&A Panel
6:30 PM to 7:30 PM: Reception
WHERE: JW Marriott Tampa Water Street
Tampa Bay Ballroom | Level 4
Mantech SOF Week Social
WAG Approval: Pending
WHEN: Tuesday, 19 MAY, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
WHERE: Onboard Yacht Starship 1
Docked at the Tampa Convention Center Marina, 333 S. Franklin St. Tampa FL 33602
BAE Systems Reception
WAG Approval: Approved
BAE Systems cordially invites you to a cocktail reception at the 2026 SOF Week trade show. We hope you will join us for an evening of light refreshments as we celebrate National Military Appreciation Month.
WHEN: Tuesday, 19 MAY, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
WHERE: American Social
601 S. Harbour Island Blvd, Tampa, FL
Warriors Ethos American Victory Boat Fundraiser
WAG Approval: Pending
Join us for an evening of fun and camaraderie while supporting transitioning service members. Your ticket provides unlimited cocktails, food by Mission BBQ, live music by the Black Honkey band, cigars, and more!
WHEN: Tuesday, 19 MAY, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
WHERE: American Victory Ship
705 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
Wednesday, 20 May
SOF WEEK Exhibition Athletic Training (SWEAT)
WAG Approval: Approved
SWEAT is an interactive fitness and readiness challenge at SOF Week that engages military, industry, and partners in a high-energy test of endurance, teamwork, and problem-solving—highlighting the resilience of the Special Operations community.
WHEN: Wednesday, 20 May, 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM
WHERE: Cotanchobee Park
601 Water St, Tampa, FL 33602
Ridgeline’s SOF Week Midday Mixer & Demo Viewing
WAG Approval: Pending
Join Ridgeline for drinks, appetizers, and prime viewing of the Live Demo from the sixth-floor balcony of the JW Marriott.
WHEN: Wednesday, 20 MAY from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
WHERE: JW Marriott Tampa Water Street
SiX Tampa | Level 6
The Harbour Island Small Business Social
WAG Approval: Pending
Agile Lion, a partnership between Agile Defense and Neaman Solutions, is hosting The Harbour Island Social at American Social Tampa — a waterfront venue on Harbour Island with skyline views, premium food and drink, and the kind of high-energy atmosphere that turns introductions into relationships.
This is not a typical reception, it is where meaningful conversations happen once the badges come off.
WHEN: Wednesday, 20 MAY from 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM
WHERE: American Social
601 S Harbour Island Blvd #107, Tampa, FL 33602
Registration is required for entry.
Inquire about sponsoring: SOFWeek@agiledefense.com
Rally Point Tactical/ Fibrotex Networking Event
WAG Approval: Pending
WHEN: Wednesday, 20 May, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
WHERE: Grand Cathedral Cigar
2201 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
Thursday, 21 May
Liberty Alliance SOF-TECH EXPO
WAG Approval: Pending
Join Liberty Alliance and industry leaders for an evening of technology showcases, networking, and discussions on the future of defense innovation.
WHEN: Thursday, 21 May, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
WHERE: The Florida Aquarium | Coral Reef Galleries
701 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
USSOCOM Awards Ceremony & Dinner
The closing USSOCOM Awards Ceremony and Dinner takes place on Thursday, 21 MAY.
WHEN: Thursday, 21 MAY from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
WHERE: Marriott Tampa Water Street
Grand Ballroom | Level 2
Widely Attended Gatherings (WAG)
Widely Attending Gatherings (WAG):
Please be advised that the Department of Defense (DoD) no longer provides “blanket” Widely Attended Gathering (WAG) determinations for external events taking place around SOF Week. Events on this page may qualify as a WAG pursuant to 5 C.F.R. § 2635.204(g). All personnel are strongly encouraged to consult with their supervisor or ethics advisor prior to attending any event.
WAG Applications are now closed.
An event does NOT require a WAG Approval to occur; however, an event without a WAG Approval may have restrictions on military/government employee attendance in a formal capacity.
We can still post Affiliate Events on the SOF Week website without a WAG Approval. If you would still like your Affiliate Event posted on our website, please reach out to the email listed below.
Please reach out to Triana Militello, TMilitello@gsof.org, with any additional questions!
Looking to host a dinner or event during SOF Week? Click the button below to see a list of potential locations to host your event at!