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:
Please see the list of events below, submitted in conjunction with SOF Week.
Sunday, 17 May
Veterans, Guns & Cigars Tampa
WHEN: Sunday, 17 May, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
WHERE: Pinellas Outdoor Shooting Range,
3700 126th Ave N, Clearwater, FL 33762
Monday, 18 May
SOF Week Welcome Reception
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
Tuesday, 19 May
Shoulder-to-Shoulder: Celebrating 25 Years of Partnership
The program includes a 25-minute preview from the documentary NOORI followed by a panel with the cast and filmmakers. We’ll conclude with an hour-long, celebratory networking reception.
WHEN: Tuesday, 19 May
5:00 to 5:30 pm: Arrival
5:30 to 5:35 pm: Welcome Remarks
5:35 to 6:00 pm: Film Preview
6:00 to 6:30 pm: Q&A Panel
6:30 to 7:30 pm: Reception
WHERE: JW Marriott Tampa Water Street
Tampa Bay Ballroom | Level 4
Blue Cross Blue Shield SOF Week Breakfast
- Ramon ‘CZ’ Colon-Lopez, 4th SEAC
- Robert Abernethy, Senior Enlisted Leader, CSM of U.S. European Command (Retired)
- Scott H Stalker, MGySgt, Command Senior Enlisted Leader, U.S. Space Command (Retired)
This breakfast is designed to foster relationships and create space for candid dialogue in a relaxed, collegial setting
WHEN: Tuesday, May 19, 7:00-9:00 a.m.
WHERE: Harpoon Harry’s 225 S Franklin St,
Tampa, FL 33602
Warriors Ethos American Victory Boat Fundraiser
WHEN: Tuesday, May 19, 7-11 p.m.
WHERE: American Victory ship, Tampa, Florida
Join us for an evening of fun and camaraderie while supporting transitioning service members. Your ticket provides unlimited cocktails, food by Mission BBQ, live music by the Black Honkey band, cigars, and more!
Wednesday, 20 May
SOF WEEK Exhibition Athletic Training (SWEAT)
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, 21 May
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
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.
WAG Applications Closed on 31 MAR 2026:
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 in a formal capacity.
We can still post Affiliate Events on the SOF Week website without a WAG Approval. If you would still like your Affiliate Event posted on our website, please reach out to the email listed below.
NOTE: An incorrect date in April was originally posted as the deadline for WAG Approvals; however, the deadline was pushed to 31 MAR to ensure our compliance with the SOF Week Memorandum of Agreement. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Please reach out to Triana Militello, TMilitello@gsof.org, with any additional questions!
Looking to host a dinner or event during SOF Week? Click the button below to see a list of potential locations to host your event at!