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:
Please see the list of events below, submitted in conjunction with SOF Week.
Sunday, 17 May Events
Veterans, Guns & Cigars Tampa
WHEN: 17 May 2026 1000-1700
WHERE: Pinellas Outdoor Shooting Range,
3700 126th Ave N, Clearwater, FL 33762

Monday, 18 May Events
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 Events
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, 0700-0900
WHERE: Harpoon Harry’s 225 S Franklin St,
Tampa, FL 33602

Warriors Ethos American Victory Boat Fundraiser

WHERE: American Victory ship, Tampa, Florida

Wednesday, 20 May Events
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, 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
Widely Attended Gatherings (WAG)
Interested in Applying?
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.
Please reach out to Triana Militello, TMilitello@gsof.org, with any additional questions!