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CNECT
ABOUT
CNECT is an exclusive engagement program designed to connect government acquisition representatives—both U.S. and Partner Nation—with industry partners to explore innovative solutions that address capability gaps for SOF warfighters worldwide.
By bridging the gap between SOF acquisition professionals and industry innovators, GSOF’s CNECT enhances collaboration and accelerates the development of technologies and solutions that support the evolving needs of the special operations community. The CNECT Meeting Hub at SOF Week is adjacent to the SOF Week Meeting Hub.
2026 SOF Week Participating Organizations (as of 5 MAR):
- Brazil – Marine Corps
- Colombia – Colombian Joint Special Operations Command
- Defense Technology Institute (Thailand)
- Denmark – Danish Special Operations Command
- Global Tactical Edge Acquisition Directorate (G-TEAD)
- Greece – Hellenic Special Warfare Command
- Lithuania – Special Operations Forces Command
- Program Acquisition Executive – Maneuver Air & Capability Program Executive – Aviation
- Mongolian Armed Forces Special Forces Command
- NATO Defense Innovation Accelerator of the North Atlantic (NATO DIANA)
- NATO Innovation Fund (NIF)
- Romania – Special Operations Forces Command
- USSOCOM Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO)
- USSOCOM Chief Intelligence Officer/J6 Directorate
- U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM)
Applications are now OPEN!
Application Window: 26 FEBRUARY – 10 APRIL 2026 at 5 PM EST
One application per company will be accepted.
– You MUST be registered for SOF Week to apply.
– Completion and submission of a 1:1 Application DOES NOT guarantee a meeting.
– Application Window Will Close on 10 APR
– Notification of selection of a meeting will be provided NLT 10 May
– Meetings will take place on 19-20 MAY. Please plan your travel accordingly as meeting will not be rearranged due to travel limitations.
– Only one application per capability per organization will be accepted. All duplicates will be removed.
How to Apply: Log in to the “Attendee Hub” on your SOF Week Registration Confirmation email (bottom of the email). Click on “More” to see the CNECT applications.
In addition to SOF Week, the Global SOF Foundation offers two further opportunities for CNECT participation: the Indo-Pacific Irregular Warfare Symposium and the GSOF Symposium Europe.
Business-to-Business Matchmaking
We’ve partnered with Govmates to build a structured networking program designed to connect SOF week attendees through targeted, one-on-one meetings. By facilitating strategic introductions, Govmates helps foster collaboration, drive innovation, and accelerate solutions that address critical challenges within the SOF community. Additional information will be provided in Spring 2026.
SOF AT&L 1:1 Meetings
USSOCOM’s Acquisition branch, Special Operations Forces Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics (SOF AT&L), offers industry a unique opportunity to engage with their leadership during SOF Week. These 15-minute sessions provide a forum for companies to present their solutions, discuss emerging capabilities, and explore potential opportunities within USSOCOM’s acquisition framework.
Meetings are selected using an application process, and we encourage all interested participants to apply early for a chance to connect with government decision-makers shaping the future of special operations technology and procurement.
- Location: Tampa Convention Center, Level 1, “PEO Row”
- Available: Meetings will be scheduled with chosen applicants in select time slots between 18 – 21 MAY. If applying, please note meetings can take place as early as Monday afternoon. Please plan accordingly.
Applications are now OPEN!
2026 Application Window: 26 FEBRUARY – 31 MARCH at 5 PM EST
– You MUST be registered for SOF Week to apply.
– Completion and submission of a 1:1 Application DOES NOT guarantee a meeting.
– Application Window Will Close on 31 March
– Notification of selection of a meeting will be provided NLT 10 May
– Meetings will start as early at 18 May and take place through 21 May. Please plan your travel accordingly as meeting will not be rearranged due to travel limitations.
– Only one application per capability per organization will be accepted. All duplicates will be removed.
How to Apply: Log in to the “Attendee Hub” on your SOF Week Registration Confirmation email (bottom of the email). Click on “More” to see the SOF AT&L applications.
SOF Week Meeting Hub
Meeting space at SOF Week can be hard to find… we’re hoping to fix that with the SOF Week Meeting Hub!
- Location: Marriott Water Street – Level 2 – Grand Ballroom
- Available: Tuesday, 19 MAY and Wednesday, 20 MAY
The meeting space is not private; tabletops can seat 4-6 meeting participants and will be spaced out across the Grand Ballroom.
Space can be booked in two ways:
- In-Person Booking: During SOF Week, you can approach the SOF Week Meeting Hub Check-In Table and request a meeting table for a certain time (including right then)! On-site requests will be accommodated if space is available.
- SOF Week Mobile App: You can use the App to invite a fellow SOF Week Attendee to a meeting at a certain table and time in the SOF Week Meeting Hub.
Whether you’re coordinating with industry partners, meeting a government customer, or reuniting with an old colleague, the SOF Week Meeting Hub offers a location to make it happen!
