Plan Your Visit to SOF Week
Have questions? You’re in the right place. Explore key information on registration, travel, housing, and event logistics to ensure a seamless SOF Week 2026 experience.
Registration
BE SURE TO REGISTER IN ADVANCE TO AVOID ANY DELAYS ON-SITE!
To register for SOF Week 2026, you can follow these steps:
Website: Go to sofweek.org/registration for detailed instructions and to begin your registration.
Bulk Registration: Each participant must register individually due to security vetting requirements. Bulk registrations are not allowed.
ID Requirement: For non-USSOCOM Attendees, you will need to upload a photo and a government-issued ID for security verification.
Sponsor and Exhibitor Registration:
If you are part of a sponsoring or exhibiting organization, registrations can be done through the Exhibitor Resource Center.
For any issues or additional information, you can reach out through the “contact us” form on the SOF Week website.
You can select your registration type based on the category that best fits your role.
The available options include:
Industry
Active Duty/Military/Armed Forces
Academia
Non-Profit
Public Sector/Government
Student
USSOCOM
Partner Nations
Welcome Reception Only
Each type provides varying access levels to conference sessions and exhibition areas. For more information, visit the registration page here https://sofweek.org/2026-registration/.
The cost to attend SOF Week varies based on registration type. Here are some of the options:
Industry (Full Conference & Exhibition):
Early Bird (Until 14 APR): $640
Regular (15 APR – 17 MAY): $695
Last-Chance/On-site (18-21 MAY): $800
Small Business (Full Conference & Exhibition):
Early Bird (Until 14 APR): $530
Regular (15 APR – 17 MAY): $585
Last-Chance (18-21 MAY): $690
Non-Profit / Academia (Full Conference & Exhibition):
Early Bird (Until 14 APR): $410
Regular (15 APR – 17 MAY): $475
Last-Chance (18-21 MAY): $555
Full-Time Student: $105
Exhibit Hall Only:
Early Bird (Until 14 APR): $165
Regular (15 APR – 17 MAY): $195
Last-Chance (18-21 MAY): $250
Active-Duty Military, Government Personnel, and Partner-Nation Representatives: Complimentary.
While we do not offer a specific discount for retired military, you are welcome to join us by registering under the Industry pathway or the registration category that best aligns with your current professional affiliation.
Registration substitutions are not permitted. To maintain the integrity of our security protocols, every SOF Week attendee must register individually and successfully complete the mandatory security vetting process.
If you have any questions, please contact gsofweek@jade.mcievents.com.
Unfortunately, SOF Week does not offer refunds for tickets once registration has been made.
Security & Safety
PLEASE NOTE: Knives or bladed articles of any size are strictly prohibited.
Exhibitors are subject to restrictions on weapons or ITAR-controlled items displayed at their booths. Display of weapons must comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
For more information regarding the SOF Week prohibited items policy, please view the following webpage: https://sofweek.org/weapons-policy-2/.
If you see something suspicious, but it’s not an emergency, you can report it by calling the “See Something, Say Something” phone number: +1 (813) 826 – 8755. You can also email sofweekreport@socom.mil.
Events & Schedule
The SOF Week Welcome Reception is at 6:00 PM on Monday, 18 May at Sparkman Wharf. Please note that a separate ticket is required.
For more information, visit this page https://sofweek.org/welcome-reception/.
The SOF Community Corridor Networking Reception is on Wednesday, 20 May, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
View more Networking Events here https://sofweek.org/networking-events/.
The USSOCOM Capabilities Demonstration is an hour-long demonstration at SOF Week 2026. It will take place on May 20, 2026. For more information, visit: https://sofweek.org/ussocom-capabilitiesdemonstration/.
If you are inquiring about Industry Demonstrations, more information can be found on this webpage: https://sofweek.org/live-demonstrations-at-sof-week/.
The SOF Community Corridor is Tuesday through Thursday during normal Exhibit Hall hours.
Accelerator Alley showcases emerging innovators developing technologies with direct application to Special Operations. In 2026, we are hosting 44 emerging companies selected through an application process.
It is located in the Marriott Water Street, Level 2, Grand Ballroom and Foyer.
The Expo Hall hours for the Tampa Convention Center, JW Marriott, and Westin Waterside are:
Monday, 18 May: The Exhibition Halls are closed to attendees on Monday
Tuesday, 19 May: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday, 20 May: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday, 21 May: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
The Expo Hall hours for the Marriott Water Street are:
Monday, 18 May: The Exhibition Halls are closed to attendees on Monday
Tuesday, 19 May: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday, 20 May: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
There will be no classified sessions at SOF Week 2026.
Please note that tickets for the USSOCOM Annual Awards Ceremony and Dinner are not included with standard registration.
Tickets are now sold out for this event.
To learn more about this dinner visit https://sofweek.org/ussocom-awards-ceremony-and-dinner/.
The USSOCOM Annual Awards Ceremony & Dinner ticket price is $125 per person. Tickets are not included in the general registration and must be purchased separately.
Tickets are sold out for this event.
To learn more about this dinner, visit https://sofweek.org/ussocom-awards-ceremony-and-dinner/.
Exhibitor Resources
Booth sales for 2026 have closed.
However, we invite you to explore several other ways to engage with the SOF Week community, including:
SOF AT&L 1:1 Meetings: Competitive, 20-minute application-based sessions located on “PEO Row,” allowing companies to pitch solutions directly to USSOCOM’s senior acquisition leadership and decision-makers. Applications closed in April for registered SOF Week attendees.
Govmates Matchmaking: A structured networking program that utilizes data-driven introductions to facilitate one-on-one meetings between attendees, driving collaborative innovation and targeted business development. Registration will open soon via the GovMates website.
SOF Week Meeting Hub: A centralized, high-capacity venue at the Marriott Water Street featuring reservable tabletops for coordinating with government customers or industry partners via the SOF Week mobile app.
Sponsored Meeting Space: Beyond traditional booth spaces, SOF Week offers diverse meeting options designed to facilitate productive discussions and networking. If you are interested in learning more about the available opportunities, please let us know, and we are happy to put you in touch with our sales team.
Demonstrations: The SOF Week campus is uniquely suited to support land, air, maritime, and technological demonstrations that highlight capabilities aligned with SOF mission requirements.
To learn more about demonstrations at SOF Week, please visit our webpage here https://sofweek.org/live-demonstrations-at-sof-week/.
Please note, this opportunity closed on 30 April 2026.
Sponsorship: SOF Week offers traditional and innovative ways to showcase your brand in front of defense leaders and key decision-makers through various sponsorship opportunities.
Here is a link to our webpage to explore more options https://sofweek.org/sponsorship-opportunities/.
To exhibit at SOF Week 2026, the following process was implemented due to the high demand for space:
Booth Selection:
Early selection for Global SOF Corporate Partners.
A lottery selection process for non-Corporate Partners to fill remaining spaces.
Additional lottery entries for companies offering technologies or capabilities sought by USSOCOM.
Exhibitor Resource Center:
Use this portal to manage your participation. It provides details about booth assignments, required forms, and deadlines.
Compliance:
Adhere to Exhibit Booth Rules and Guidelines, which include construction regulations and safety rules.
For detailed information on purchasing an exhibitor booth or accessing resources, visit this page https://sofweek.org/2026-exhibitor-resources/.
Be on the lookout for SOF Week 2027 options.
To explore sponsorship opportunities, complete the “Contact Us” inquiry form on the SOF Week website, https://sofweek.org/contact-us/. Once submitted, a team member will contact you to discuss availability, benefits, and create a suitable package for your goals.
Applications are closed for 2026.
You can find the exhibitor list on the SOF Week website here: https://sofw26.mapyourshow.com/8_0/explore/exhibitor-gallery.cfm?featured=false.
Show management is aware of fire extinguisher locations and works with the venue to relocate them at no expense to the exhibitor.
You are allowed to serve food and beverages at your booth, but these must be ordered through the venue’s approved caterers. No outside food is allowed. If you want to serve food and drinks, you will need to coordinate through the caterer at the venue.
If you need assistance ordering or determining the venue caterer, please reach out to our team at exhibitops@us.wearemci.com.
Booth dismantling (tear-down) must adhere to the schedules provided in the Exhibitor Manual. Early dismantling is typically not permitted as it can disrupt the event and other exhibitors.
Please note that early dismantling may impact your organization’s ability to participate in future renditions of SOF Week.
Specific guidelines will be outlined in the Exhibitor Resource Center; be sure to check there for detailed instructions, and contact the exhibit operations team if necessary.
Lead Capture is offered exclusively through MCI. Exhibitors may order it through their Exhibitor Registration portals in the Exhibitor Resource Center.
Contact us here leads@jade.mcievents.com.
About the Campus and Venues
The floor plan for the Tampa Convention Center can be viewed online at the SOF Week website https://sofw26.mapyourshow.com/8_0/floorplan/?hallID=B&level=1.
SOF Week takes place across several venues in downtown Tampa, with activity spread throughout the area.
Locations include:
- Tampa Convention Center
- JW Marriott Water Street
- Marriott Water Street
- Westin Tampa Waterside
- Embassy Suites Downtown
- The Outpost at Peter O. Knight Airport
- Cotanchobee Park
- Sparkman Wharf
To see the list of locations and what activations to expect visit https://sofweek.org/sof-week-campus/.
Accelerator Alley is located at the Marriott Water Street venue during SOF Week 2026.
Learn more at https://sofweek.org/visit-accelerator-alley/
Peter O. Knight is a small municipal airport located approximately 15 minutes from the Tampa Convention Center. Branded the SOF Week Outpost, it is home to large outdoor exhibitions, static displays, and live demonstrations. This space allows companies to showcase aircraft, vehicles, and other large-scale capabilities.
Attendees can access the airport through a free shuttle or water taxi service from the Tampa Convention Center.
For more information about transportation to The Outpost, visit https://sofweek.org/visit-the-sof-week-outpost/#Plan.
To learn more about The Outpost, visit this page: https://sofweek.org/visit-the-sof-week-outpost/.
Parking is expected to fill up early each day, so it’s advisable to review other transportation options before deciding to drive and park.
For more information regarding transportation options, please visit this webpage: https://sofweek.org/travel/#parking.
Yes, free shuttles and boat ferries are provided for attendees to access Peter O. Knight Airport, known as “The Outpost,” which is approximately a 15-minute ride from the Convention Center.
For more information about transportation to The Outpost, visit https://sofweek.org/visit-the-sof-week-outpost/#Plan.
Policies, Guidelines, and General Information
SOF Week is an annual conference and exhibition held in Tampa, Florida, bringing together the international Special Operations Forces (SOF) community. It is co-sponsored by the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and the Global SOF Foundation (GSOF). The event includes thousands of participants and serves as a platform for learning, networking, and honoring members of the SOF community. It focuses on fostering collaboration, innovation, and showcasing cutting-edge capabilities and strategies in modern special operations.
“The Outpost” at SOF Week is located at the Peter O. Knight Airport on Davis Islands in Tampa. It features static displays and industry demonstrations as part of the event. This site is an extension of the Special Air Warfare zone, and will offer live demonstration opportunities.
For more information about transportation to The Outpost visit https://sofweek.org/visit-the-sof-week-outpost/#Plan.
To learn more about The Outpost, visit this page: https://sofweek.org/visit-the-sof-week-outpost/.
The SOF Community Corridor is one of the most meaningful areas of the SOF Week exhibition, bringing together dozens of non-profit organizations dedicated to supporting the Special Operations Forces community.
Located in the lower level of the Tampa Convention Center, this space highlights organizations working every day to serve SOF operators, veterans, and their families through programs focused on health, transition, education, family support, and community engagement.
Learn more about the SOF Community Corridor here https://sofweek.org/attend-the-sof-community-corridor/.
The purpose of the GSOF CNECT (pronounced “connect”) is to link government acquisition representatives (both US and Partner Nation) with industry partners to discuss potential solutions to fill capability gaps for SOF warfighters around the world.
Learn more about CNECT here https://sofweek.org/government-meeting-opportunities/#CNECT.
Individuals under the age of 18 are not allowed to attend SOF Week.
Cancellation requests will be honored; however, no refunds will be provided. Please contact Customer Solutions at gsofweek@jade.mcievents.com to initiate a cancellation.
Food is available for purchase at various vendors inside the event venues, food trucks outside the Tampa Convention Center, and nearby hotels and restaurants.
Have any additional questions? Please contact Jade.
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