Dates

    3–6 May 2027

    City / country

    Tampa, USA

    Venue

    Tampa Convention Center

    Time

    9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

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    Event overview

    Overview

    Special Operations Forces (SOF) Week is the annual convention for the entire SOF Community.

    SOF Week 2027 will take place from 3-6 May 2027, with exhibitions running from 4-6 May.

    TL;DR

    1. 1Event Dates: 3-6 May 2027
    2. 2Location: Tampa Convention Center, Tampa, USA
    3. 3Exhibitions: 4-6 May 2027
    4. 4Organised by U.S. Special Operations Command and Global SOF Foundation
    5. 5Annual convention for the SOF community

    Why visit

    Attendees will gain insights into the latest advancements in special operations, network with industry leaders, and explore new technologies and solutions tailored for the SOF community.

    Why exhibit

    Exhibitors will have the opportunity to showcase their products and services to a targeted audience of decision-makers and influencers within the SOF community, enhancing visibility and potential partnerships. SOF Week serves as a critical platform for collaboration and innovation within the Special Operations Forces community, bringing together key stakeholders to address current challenges and opportunities in defense and security.

    Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

    Who this event is for

    Visitor profile

    Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

    Military personnel from various branches
    Defense contractors and suppliers
    Government officials and policymakers
    Academics and researchers in defense studies
    Media representatives covering defense and security
    Industry leaders in technology and innovation

    Exhibitor profile

    Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

    Defense technology manufacturers
    Security solution providers
    Logistics and supply chain companies
    Training and simulation service providers
    Consultants in defense strategy
    Non-profit organizations supporting veterans

    Product categories

    Key solution areas showcased across the event.

    Advanced weapon systems and technologies
    Cybersecurity solutions for defense
    Logistics and supply chain management tools
    Training and simulation equipment
    Intelligence and surveillance technologies
    Medical support and evacuation solutions

    Location & Facilities

    Venue

    Open in Google Maps

    Halls & areas

    2
    Exhibition Hall AExhibition Hall B

    Tampa Convention Center

    333 S Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602, USA

    Entrances & gates

    Main Entrance

    Exhibition Hall AExhibition Hall B

    Floor plans & maps

    Floor plan (PDF)Official venue page

    Facilities

    Food options

    Cafeteria

    On-site dining

    Attend

    Entry & tickets

    Event days & opening times

    DayOpening hours
    9:00 AM –5:00 PM

    • General Admission

      Early Bird rates available until April 14

      $640.00
    Register

    Ticket info

    Registration deadline

    2027-04-30

    Build-up & tear-down

    Setup starts1 May 2027
    Setup ends2 May 2027
    Teardown starts7 May 2027
    Teardown ends8 May 2027

    Who runs the show

    Organisers

    U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM)

    Website

    Global SOF Foundation

    Website

    How the last edition performed

    Previous edition

    This edition

    2027

    Next edition

    Not announced yet

    Impact

    A bigger and stronger platform

    Special Operations Forces (SOF) Week is the annual convention for the entire SOF Community. SOF Week 2027 will take place from 3-6 May 2027, with exhibitions running from 4-6 May. SOF Week serves as a critical platform for collaboration and innovation within the Special Operations Forces community, bringing together key stakeholders to address current challenges and opportunities in defense and security. SOF Week 2027, Tampa, USA, 3-6 May 2027, a premier event.

    Audience quality

    High-value decision-makers

    Visitors typically include Military personnel from various branches, Defense contractors and suppliers, Government officials and policymakers, Academics and researchers in defense studies. Event Dates: 3-6 May 2027. Location: Tampa Convention Center, Tampa, USA. Exhibitions: 4-6 May 2027. Organised by U.S. Special Operations Command and Global SOF Foundation. SOF Week Exhibition attracts an audience aligned with the organiser's published visitor positioning.

    Exhibitor outcomes

    Real business growth

    Exhibitors will have the opportunity to showcase their products and services to a targeted audience of decision-makers and influencers within the SOF community, enhancing visibility and potential partnerships. SOF Week serves as a critical platform for collaboration and innovation within the Special Operations Forces community, bringing together key stakeholders to address current challenges and opportunities in defense and security. Exhibitor categories include Defense technology manufacturers, Security solution.

    Intelligence

    Market context

    Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

    Tampa Bay, Florida, USA — North American special operations and defense-industry cluster (home of USSOCOM and MacDill Air Force Base)

    Why it matters

    SOF Week is the flagship annual gathering of the US Special Operations Command and industry, co-hosted by USSOCOM and the Global SOF Foundation and staged in Tampa, where USSOCOM is headquartered. It combines a large defense exhibition with senior-leadership keynotes, program-office engagement and allied SOF participation, making it the primary once-a-year touchpoint for companies selling into special operations requirements. Attendance typically mixes primes, small innovative suppliers, government program offices and international delegations.

    Industry trends

    Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

    01

    SOF modernization and rapid acquisition

    02

    Small UAS and counter-UAS dominance

    03

    AI-enabled ISR and multi-domain command and control

    04

    Human performance, medical and sustainment

    05

    Allied interoperability and industrial-base resilience

    Plan your trip

    Travel & logistics

    Local currency · USD

    Arrival airports

    Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

    TPA

    Tampa International Airport

    Primary gateway for SOF Week and the only airport with frequent nonstops from US hubs plus limited international service. Rental car center is linked to the terminal by the SkyConnect train; rideshare pick-up is on the terminal curbside levels.

    8–10 mi (13–16 km)

    to venue

    15–25 min off-peak; 30–40 min in peak traffic

    by car

    MCO

    Orlando International Airport

    Largest alternative for long-haul international routings; only worth it when TPA connections are poor or fares are materially lower.

    ~85 mi (135 km)

    to venue

    90–110 min via I-4

    by car

    Hotel tiers

    A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

    Budget
    Downtown Tampa / Channelside District

    USD 130–200 / night

    Walkable or a 5–10 minute rideshare to the convention center; rates climb sharply during SOF Week, so book 3–6 months out.

    source
    Mid-range
    Downtown Tampa / Riverwalk

    USD 200–330 / night

    Best blend of price and walkability; the Embassy Suites is effectively adjacent to the convention center, ideal if you are working the show floor daily.

    source
    Premium
    Water Street / Channelside, connected to the convention center

    USD 330–550 / night

    Water Street hotels sell out first for SOF Week because of the direct convention-center link — reserve 4–6 months ahead.

    source

    Local transport

    Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

    taxi

    Estimated costUSD 25–35 metered estimate
    Best forTPA → Tampa Convention Center

    Taxi ranks operate at both TPA terminal curbsides; downtown is roughly 8–10 miles from the airport.

    airport_bus

    Estimated costUSD 2.00 one-way base fare; USD 4.00 day pass
    Best forHART Route 30 — TPA to downtown Tampa (Marion Transit Center)

    Cheapest option but slower (~45–60 min) with limited luggage space; downtown is then a short walk or streetcar ride to the convention center.

    streetcar

    Estimated costFree
    Best forTECO Line Streetcar — Ybor City ↔ Channelside ↔ downtown (Dick Greco Plaza, ~2-min walk to the venue)

    Runs every 15–20 minutes and links the convention center with downtown hotels, Channelside and Ybor City dining.

    rental_car

    Estimated costUSD 45–90 per day plus USD 20–35 per night downtown parking
    Best forTPA rental car center → downtown Tampa

    Rental center is connected to the terminal by the SkyConnect train; only worth it if you plan post-show trips.

    parking

    Estimated costUSD 10–25 per day (typical downtown garage estimate)
    Best forTampa Convention Center garage and downtown lots

    Event-day garages fill early; pre-book or use hotel valet during SOF Week.

    taxi

    Estimated costUSD 35–55 (taxi to OCCC)
    Best forOrlando International Airport (MCO) to Tampa Convention Center

    Lynx bus and rideshare serve International Drive corridor.

    taxi

    Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
    Best forTampa International Airport (TPA) to Tampa Convention Center

    taxi

    Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
    Best forSt. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE) to Tampa Convention Center

    Plan your trip

    Visa & entry documents

    Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

    Visa required
    ATA Carnet: check with organiser
    TypeWho needs itFeeProcessing
    Tourist VisaAll international attendees$160.002-4 weeks
    Official visa page

    Weather

    May is Tampa's transition into the rainy season: expect highs of roughly 86–88°F (30–31°C) and lows near 68–70°F (20–21°C), with about 2.5–3 in of rain spread over 8–12 days — usually short, intense afternoon thunderstorms. Humidity is high, so pack light breathable clothing, a compact umbrella and a light layer for air-conditioned halls.

    Plan for the climate

    Check temperatures and pack accordingly

    Venue connectivity

    Confirm mobile roaming or a local SIM for business visitors to the United States.

    Ride-hailing

    Taxis

    Public transit

    Car rentals

    Cultural notes

    Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

    Local cuisine and Ybor City

    Tampa's signature dishes are the Cuban sandwich, deviled crab and fresh grouper. Ybor City, the historic cigar district about 10 minutes from the convention center by free streetcar, is the best place to sample them.

    Tipping and service

    US norms apply: 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, USD 1–2 per bar drink, USD 2–5 per night for housekeeping and a few dollars for bell/valet staff. Taxi and rideshare drivers typically receive 10–15%.

    Dress and business etiquette

    Business or business-casual attire is standard at SOF Week, and many attendees are in uniform — a jacket is useful for evening receptions. Punctuality is expected and small talk is common before meetings.

    Practical guides

    Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

    Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

    Flights

    Destination: TPA

    Book flights to TPA (Tampa) when possible for the shortest transfer to the venue.

    Visa

    Visa required for international attendees.

    Estimated cost: $160

    Processing: 2-4 weeks

    Official

    Transport

    Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

    Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Tampa International Airport (TPA): 15–25 min off-peak; 30–40 min in peak traffic; St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE): 25–35 min; Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ): 60–75 min; Orlando International Airport (MCO): 90–110 min via I-4. Allow road or rail time to Tampa Convention Center; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.

    Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Tampa Convention Center: Downtown Tampa / Channelside District: Hampton Inn Tampa Downtown Channel District, Courtyard Tampa Downtown, Aloft Tampa Downtown; Downtown Tampa / Riverwalk: Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center, Hilton Tampa Downtown, Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk; Water Street / Channelside, connected to the convention center: Tampa Marriott Water Street (connected to the convention center), JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, The Westin Tampa Watersi

    Ride-hail: Ride-hailing and taxis serve Tampa; confirm local apps and ranks before travel.

    Public transit: Use local bus, tram, or metro routes serving Tampa Convention Center; check operator timetables.

    Parking: On-site or nearby parking is available at Tampa Convention Center; confirm rates and hall access on the venue site.

    Weather

    Plan and pack for the event climate.

    Month: May

    Temperature: 68–88°F (20–31°C), humid, with frequent short afternoon thunderstorms in May

    Seasonality: Possible rain showers

    Packing: Light clothing recommended

    Plan your trip

    Planning

    Best day to visit: May 4, 2027

    Most exhibitors and sessions available.

    1

    Confirm passport validity and US entry visa or ESTA eligibility — SOF Week 2027 runs May 3-6, 2027 at Tampa Convention Center. Apply for the US visa early (typically 2-4 weeks); verify current rules on travel.state.gov.

    2

    Book flights into Tampa International Airport (TPA) — TPA is about 10 miles / 20 minutes from Tampa Convention Center.

    3

    Reserve a Downtown Tampa hotel for May 2-7, 2027 — Recommended check-in 2027-05-02 and check-out 2027-05-07 so you are in place for the opening day.

    4

    Complete online visitor registration at sofweek.org/registration/ — Early bird registration rates are available until April 14.

    5

    Download the conference programme and exhibition hall plan — Shortlist keynotes, panel discussions and exhibitor stands you want to prioritize at the Tampa Convention Center.

    6

    Request B2B meetings with target exhibitors and defense suppliers — Pre-schedule meetings before travel to make the most of your time on the show floor.

    7

    Plan local transport between hotel and venue — Rideshare from TPA to the venue is around $20; Downtown Tampa hotels are walkable or a short ride to Tampa Convention Center.

    8

    Confirm badge collection details and accepted photo ID — Check the registration confirmation email for badge pickup location and required identification.

    9

    Pack for Tampa May weather — Expect 70-85F with possible rain showers; bring light business clothing and a compact rain layer.

    10

    Prepare meeting documents, capability briefs and business cards — Bring printed and digital copies for exhibitor and government meetings.

    11

    Arrange mobile connectivity for the United States — Confirm roaming plan or set up a US eSIM / local SIM before departure.

    12

    Final confirmations and Day 1 arrival — Reconfirm flights, hotel and registration, then collect your badge at Tampa Convention Center and plan your opening-day floor route.

    Sample visitor itinerary

    Route-optimised day
    8:00–9:30 AM

    Badge pickup, coffee and opening keynote / USSOCOM leadership session — use it to set the day's acquisition and requirement priorities

    Tampa Convention Center — main ballroom and registration
    9:30 AM–12:30 PM

    Exhibition floor deep dive: prim­ary contractors, program offices and small-UAS / counter-UAS suppliers while the aisles are still quiet

    West and East Exhibit Halls
    12:30–4:00 PM

    Lunch plus panel tracks (technology, human performance, SOF acquisition, international SOF) and capability demos

    Breakout rooms and GSOF Membership Lounge
    4:00–7:00 PM

    Industry receptions and informal meetings with primes and international delegations

    Tampa Riverwalk / Channelside district, 5–10 min walk from the venue

    Side trips

    3

    Ybor City Historic District

    Historic District / Dining & Nightlife

    ~2 mi (10 min) from the venue; free TECO Line Streetcar

    Tampa's cigar-era quarter with Cuban restaurants, breweries and live music — the easiest post-show evening out.

    Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

    Theme Park

    ~8 mi / 15–20 min from downtown Tampa

    Coasters and animal exhibits — the standard option if you are extending the trip with family.

    St. Pete Beach / Clearwater Beach

    Gulf Coast Beaches

    ~30–45 min west of downtown Tampa

    Gulf sunsets and seafood; best used on a half-day before an evening flight.

    Networking spots

    3

    GSOF Membership Lounge

    Networking lounge

    Global SOF Foundation member area — the most concentrated room for industry, allied SOF and government contacts.

    Exhibit hall B2B aisles and international pavilions

    Exhibition floor

    Program-office and prime contractor booths and international partner stands act as de facto meeting zones; best before 11 AM.

    Sparkman Wharf / Channelside

    Riverwalk dining and social district

    5–10 minute walk from the convention center and the usual venue for informal dinners and post-reception meetings.

    First-timer guide

    Follow-up playbook

    1. Send thank you emails to contacts made.

    Post-event follow-up for networking.

    Budget

    Costs & budget

    Shell scheme

    USD 200–400 / m²

    Raw space

    USD 150–300 / m²

    Standard booth

    10 m²

    Cost reference

    Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

    Booth Space

    exhibitor · Standard

    USD 1500–3000 / per booth

    officialAs of 2026-10-04

    visitor_ticket

    visitor · General Admission

    USD 640 / per person

    official

    booth_space

    exhibitor · raw space

    USD 150–300 / per sqm

    official

    booth_space

    exhibitor · shell scheme

    USD 200–400 / per sqm

    official

    exhibitor_stand

    exhibitor · Standard Booth

    USD 1500 / per stand

    official

    visa_fee

    visitor · Tourist Visa

    USD 160 / per application

    official

    exhibitor_insurance

    exhibitor · Mandatory liability

    USD 100 / per exhibitor

    estimate

    Decision

    Visit, exhibit, or skip?

    Should you go?

    Find out if you should attend, exhibit, or skip SOF Week.

    QUESTION 1 OF 6

    What is your primary role?

    Decision matrix

    Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

    visit

    You need access to USSOCOM program offices, primes and international SOF partners for networking, market intelligence or teaming.

    Best for

    Industry professionals, business development leads and government/military attendees evaluating SOF requirements

    Min. budget

    $1,850.00

    Timeline

    1–2 months (register early-bird; book flights and downtown hotel 3–6 months ahead)

    Risks

    Budget estimate from listing cost signals (USD 640 ticket + 3 nights mid-range hotel + per diem + visa) — confirm live rates.

    Downtown Tampa hotel rates spike during SOF Week; late booking can double accommodation cost.

    Popular panels and capability demos fill early — plan the agenda in advance.

    exhibit

    You have a SOF-relevant offering with a US or allied route to market and can staff the booth with technical and BD people for all show days.

    Best for

    Companies with demonstrated products or services for special operations (UAS, C-UAS, comms, medical, sustainment)

    Min. budget

    $3,850.00

    Timeline

    6–9 months (space contract, stand design and freight scheduling)

    Risks

    Budget estimate from listing cost signals (visit budget plus a 10 sqm shell-scheme stand at USD 200/sqm) — confirm live rates.

    Show services, drayage, freight and stand build routinely add 30–60% over shell-scheme pricing.

    Prime hall positions and premium island stands sell out first; late bookings get peripheral locations.

    Return on investment depends on securing program-office and prime meetings before the show — unscheduled floor traffic alone rarely justifies cost.

    skip

    Your products and services have no credible special operations or defense-security application this cycle.

    Best for

    Vendors with no defense/security relevance or no capacity to follow up on government and prime contacts

    Timeline

    N/A

    Risks

    No direct cost, but you forfeit a full year of access to USSOCOM program offices and prime-contractor engagement concentrated in one week.

    Competitors exhibiting will hold the relationship and visibility advantage for the next procurement cycle.

    Book with

    Partners

    Global SOF Foundation

    Co-Host

    A key partner in organizing SOF Week.

    Visit partner Confidence: high

    Recommended providers

    Visa

    US Department of State

    Assistance with visa applications.

    Hotels

    Connections Housing

    Official lodging partner for SOF Week.

    Flights

    Connections Housing

    Official travel partner for SOF Week.

    Freight & shipping

    XYZ Freight Services

    Official freight handler for exhibitors.

    Insurance

    Travel Insurance Co.

    Recommended insurance for travelers.

    Side trips

    Local Tours Inc.

    Recommended local tours for attendees.

    Lead capture

    LeadCapture Inc.

    Official lead capture service.

    FAQs & glossary

    Answers

    Frequently asked

    What are the dates for SOF Week 2027?
    SOF Week 2027 will take place from May 3 to May 6, 2027.
    Where is SOF Week 2027 held?
    The event will be held at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Florida.
    How can I register for SOF Week 2027?
    You can register for the event through the official website at https://sofweek.org/registration/
    What are the ticket prices for SOF Week 2027?
    Ticket prices vary based on the type of attendee, with early bird rates available until April 14.
    What is the venue for SOF Week 2027?
    The venue is the Tampa Convention Center, located at 333 S Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602.

    Glossary

    1
    SOF
    Special Operations Forces, a group of military units trained for special operations.
    2
    Exhibitor
    A company or organization that displays its products or services at a trade show.
    3
    Registration
    The process of signing up to attend an event.
    4
    Networking
    The act of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional contacts.
    5
    Keynote
    A main speech at an event, typically delivered by a prominent figure.
    6
    Panel Discussion
    A structured conversation on a specific topic among a group of experts.
    7
    Exhibition
    A public display of works of art or items of interest.
    8
    Sponsorship
    Financial support for an event in exchange for advertising and promotional opportunities.

    Trust footer

    Sources

    3

    References

    3

    Publishers

    0

    Date checked

    1

    SOF Week

    2

    U.S. Special Operations Command

    3

    Global SOF Foundation

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