The safety and security of our attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, partners, and staff is our top priority at SOF Week. While much of our security infrastructure operates behind the scenes in collaboration with the Tampa Convention Center, USSOCOM, and local authorities, we continuously assess and enhance our procedures to ensure a secure and safe environment for all participants.
Stay Vigilant & Report Concerns Immediately
SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING:
PHONE: (813) 419-3824
EMAIL: SOFWEEKREPORT@SOCOM.MIL
Security Measures in Place:
To safeguard all attendees, we have implemented the following security measures and operational plans:
- Badge Verification: Entry requires a valid SOF Week badge at all times.
- Uniformed & Plainclothes Security Personnel: A combination of visible and covert security teams will be present.
- Crowd Management Protocols: Signage, barriers, and controlled access points will be utilized as needed.
How You Can Help Maintain a Safe Environment
We encourage all attendees to remain vigilant and follow these best practices to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience at SOF Week:
1. Remove Your Badge When Leaving the Event
Badges are required for entry and must be worn outside clothes but should be removed once you exit the event space. On the final day, designated receptacles will be available for safe badge disposal.
2. Stay Alert & Aware of Your Surroundings
Remain aware of your environment, particularly in crowded areas. Trust your instincts—if something seems off, take note. If you see something, say something by reporting any suspicious activity to event staff or security personnel.
SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING:
Phone Number: (813) 419-3824
Email: SOFWeekreport@socom.mil
3. Secure Your Belongings
Keep valuables with you at all times, and do not leave bags unattended. When possible, store important items in your hotel room or a locked location.
4. Use Secure Payment Methods
Carry only the cash you need, and prioritize credit card or electronic transactions to minimize risk. Always keep your ID with you.
5. Look Out for Each Other & Socialize Responsibly
Be mindful of alcohol consumption, especially in new or unfamiliar settings. Stay within your limits and watch out for fellow attendees. If going out at night, use the buddy system and avoid traveling alone.
By working together, we can ensure a safe and secure SOF Week for all participants. If you have any security concerns, please contact event staff or onsite security personnel immediately.
FAQ
Your safety is our top priority. In the event of a fire alarm or evacuation, clear announcements will be made, and event staff will direct you to the nearest safe exit.
Please follow the evacuation procedures below to ensure a safe and orderly exit:
1. Remain calm, attentive, and follow instructions from event staff.
2. Immediately evacuate the area, following the posted evacuation plans.
3. Use stairs and designated exit doors—do not use elevators or escalators.
For any emergency concerns, alert event staff or security personnel immediately. Your cooperation helps ensure a safe experience for all attendees.
In an emergency, our trained response team will act swiftly to ensure your safety. Notifications will be sent via event announcements and mobile app alerts, providing clear instructions on what to do.
- Evacuation routes are clearly marked, and event staff will be stationed throughout the venue to assist.
- Follow all official instructions and remain calm.
- If you need immediate assistance, notify event staff or security personnel right away.
Your safety is our priority—stay alert and follow guidance to ensure a secure environment for all attendees.
If you’ve lost an item, please visit the Information Desk on the Mezzanine, Level 2 of the Tampa Convention Center. For items lost in the Marriott properties, please return them to Meeting Room 2 in the Marriott Water Street. At the end of each day, unclaimed items will be collected by security and stored securely in the Tampa Convention Center Security Office.
If you need assistance at any time, don’t hesitate to reach out to the nearest staff member or security personnel.
The list of prohibited items are:
- Any firearm or any article having the appearance of being a firearm, whether capable of being discharged or not.
- Any explosive or article manufactured or adapted (in whatever form) so as to have the appearance of being an explosive, whether it is capable of providing practical effect by explosion or not, including any article marked or labelled to indicate it is or contains explosives.
- Any article made or adapted for the use of causing injury to or incapacitating a person, for example, knives, handcuffs, martial arts equipment, noxious substances etc. Any ‘hoax’ device or item which has been assembled to give the appearance of a genuine device that may introduce concerns.
- Any item that may give cause for concern that the person may wish to disrupt the event, such as hunting horns, klaxons, whistles, ropes, placards, paint, flares or banners that clearly signal an intent to demonstrate within the event.
While a comprehensive list of prohibited items cannot be provided, items generally considered restricted—such as chef’s knives or trade tools—may be permitted in secure areas when a clear, work-related need is demonstrated.
The organizers reserve the right to exclude or remove anyone from SOF Week who does not comply with this policy or who they reasonably consider likely to be non-compliant with this policy.
For the SOF Week Admission Policies, please view the webpage below:
For Global SOF’s Event Code of Conduct, please view the webpage here: