Affiliate Events - SOF Week

Event Listing

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. For more information on how to apply, please view the website below:

WAG Information

Please see the list of events below, submitted in conjunction with SOF Week.

Monday, 18 May Events

SOF Week Welcome Reception

WAG Approval: Pending

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 p.m.
WHERE: Sparkman Wharf, Downtown Tampa

Learn More

Tuesday, 19 May Events

A Night for NOORI

Shoulder-to-Shoulder: Celebrating 25 Years of Partnership

We invite you to an exclusive viewing of the premiere of “A Night for Noori,” honoring the unbreakable bond between U.S. and Afghan Special Operations Forces while exploring the deeply personal journey of rebuilding a life after war. Join us for an evening of camaraderie, purpose, and impact.

WHEN: Tuesday, 19 May, 5:30 p.m.
5:00 to 5:30 pm: Arrival
5:30 to 5:35 pm: Welcome Remarks
5:35 to 6:05 pm: Screening
6:05 to 6:30 pm: Q&A with Cast
6:30 to 8:00 pm: Reception
WHERE: JW Marriott Tampa Water Street
Tampa Bay Ballroom | Level 4

Wednesday, 20 May Events

SOF WEEK Exhibition Athletic Training (SWEAT)

WAG Approval: Pending

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 a.m.

Thursday, 8 May Events

USSOCOM Awards Ceremony & Dinner

The closing USSOCOM Awards Ceremony and Dinner takes place on the evening of Thursday, 21 MAY.

WHEN: Thursday, 21 MAY from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

WHERE: Marriott Water Street, Grand Ballroom

Learn More

Widely Attended 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.

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

Interested in Applying?

To have your event considered for a WAG, please complete the form linked below and submit it to Triana Militello by April 10, 2026.

Once submitted, your event will be reviewed to determine if it meets the WAG criteria. If you choose to have it listed on this webpage, it may be included and identified as a pending or approved WAG. Notification of approval will be sent prior to April 17, 2026.

If you opt to have your event listed on this webpage, it will be marked as an approved WAG once it has been approved.

WAG Form

Please reach out to Triana Militello, TMilitello@gsof.org, with any additional questions!

Request Assistance