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
WAG Approval: Pending
WHEN: Sunday, 17 May, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
WHERE: Pinellas Outdoor Shooting Range,
3700 126th Ave N, Clearwater, FL 33762
Monday, 18 May
SOF Week Welcome Reception
WAG Approval: Approved
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 PM
WHERE: Sparkman Wharf, Downtown Tampa
615 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
Tuesday, 19 May
Blue Cross Blue Shield SOF Week Breakfast
WAG Approval: Pending
Join Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) during SOF week for an exclusive breakfast that brings together members of the Special Operations community. This intimate gathering will feature distinguished BCBSA board members who have served in Special Operations Forces in different capacities:
- 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, 19 May, 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
WHERE: Harpoon Harry’s
225 S Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602
Ridgeline’s SOF Week Midday Mixer & Demo Viewing
WAG APPROVAL: Pending
Join Ridgeline for drinks, appetizers, and prime viewing of the Live Demo from the sixth-floor balcony of the JW Marriott.
WHEN: Wednesday, 20 MAY from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
WHERE: JW Marriott Tampa Water Street
SiX Tampa | Level 6
Shoulder-to-Shoulder: Celebrating 25 Years of Partnership
WAG: Approved
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 PM to 5:30 PM: Arrival
5:30 PM to 5:35 PM: Welcome Remarks
5:35 PM to 6:00 PM: Film Preview
6:00 PM to 6:30 PM: Q&A Panel
6:30 PM to 7:30 PM: Reception
WHERE: JW Marriott Tampa Water Street
Tampa Bay Ballroom | Level 4
Warriors Ethos American Victory Boat Fundraiser
WAG Approval: Pending
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!
WHEN: Tuesday, May 19, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
WHERE: American Victory Ship
705 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
Wednesday, 20 May
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 AM – 7:00 AM
WHERE: Cotanchobee Park
601 Water St, Tampa, FL 33602
Thursday, 21 May
Liberty Alliance SOF-TECH EXPO
WAG Approval: Pending
Join Liberty Alliance and industry leaders for an evening of technology showcases, networking, and discussions on the future of defense innovation.
WHEN: Thursday, 21 May, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
WHERE: The Florida Aquarium | Coral Reef Galleries
701 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
USSOCOM Awards Ceremony & Dinner
The closing USSOCOM Awards Ceremony and Dinner takes place on Thursday, 21 MAY.
WHEN: Thursday, 21 MAY from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
WHERE: Marriott Tampa Water Street
Grand Ballroom | Level 2
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 Will Close on 17 APR 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.
If you would like to submit a WAG application, please contact Triana Militello. The last day to submit your application is 17 April.
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.
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!