Beyond Booth Space

CNECT

cnect logo

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.

2025 SOF Week Participating Countries:
  • Australia – Australian SOCOMD
  • Belgium – Directorate Protection & Security
  • Japan – Japanese SOF
  • NATO – Innovation Fund
  • Republic of Korea – Special Warfare Command
  • Romania – SOF Command (ROU SOFCOM)
  • Sweden – Swedish SOF (SWESOF)
  • Thailand – Defense Technology Institute

Application Window Will Open in Spring 2026

Application Window: 9 MARCH 2026 – 10 APRIL 2026 at 5 PM ET

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 will open in Spring 2026

2025 Application Window: 12 MARCH – 4 APRIL

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!

25sw meeting hub collage