From The Editor | April 17, 2023

SOF Week 2023 – What To Expect

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By John Oncea, Editor

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For more than a decade, U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) has partnered with industry to host an annual Conference in Tampa that has been traditionally known as USSOCOM's annual industry-focused conference. In 2021, USSOCOM decided to expand the event to a broader convention for the entire SOF Community, akin to an “AUSA National Meeting” for the U.S. Army or the “AFA National Convention” for the U.S. Air Force. Thus, SOF Week was born, and the first rendition of this modified format will take place May 8 – 11 at the Tampa Convention Center. Key highlights of this enhanced event include:

  • A multi-floor exhibition hall, organized by USSOCOM PEO areas
  • Extensive programming, to include tracks focused on SOF Spouses and families, transitioning SOF, international SOF, non-profits, and more!
  • A “SOF Week Campus” in downtown Tampa
  • Advanced physical and digital security measures

The event is co-sponsored by the Global SOF Foundation, a nonprofit that aims to build and grow an international network of military, government, commercial, and educational stakeholders to advance SOF capabilities and partnerships to confront global and networked threats. “We are extremely excited USSOCOM selected GSOF to co-sponsor its newly envisioned ‘SOF Week’ in 2023,” said Stuart Bradin, President and CEO, GSOF. “SOF Week will be a national convention for U.S. SOF and include a more diverse program slate, including professional development sessions, operator-driven discussions, and family-focused conversations.”

SOF Week features four days of general sessions, an Industry Track, a SOF for Life Transition Track, and GSOF Breakouts, as well as networking opportunities, receptions, and award ceremonies. There is also the SOF Week Exhibition Hall which will span multiple floors and areas in the Tampa Convention Center.

“SOF Week presents an opportunity for the SOF community from around the world to come to Tampa to discuss matters crucial to the special operations profession,” said SOCOM Acquisition Executive Jim Smith. “GSOF has attracted more than 600 exhibitors this year, making SOF Week an outstanding chance to collaborate with and educate industry on SOF’s requirements to support the National Defense Strategy.”

SOF community members and stakeholders will hear the USSOCOM Commander, General Bryan Fenton, discuss his priorities of People, Win, and Transform. Attendees will also hear from Smith and many more defense leaders on USSOCOM’s acquisition priorities and requirements. Discussions will also cover emergent technologies, critical capabilities, military transition from active duty, warfighter health and wellness issues, and strategies for the current and future fight.

The Global SOF Team has put together a short video that covers some of the highlights for the week to help our attendees make the most of their participation.