We're thrilled to announce our participation in SOF Week 2025, held from May 5-8 in Tampa, Florida. This premier gathering will bring together Special Operations Forces leaders, industry innovators, and international partners. Throughout the week, we'll provide real-time updates and deep dives into sessions on innovation, military technology, global security, and critical operational insights.

SOF Week 2025

As SOF Week 2025 kicked off this year, we were excited to provide a comprehensive overview of what to expect this year:

• Innovation and Technology: Explore sessions on SOFWERX, maritime advancements, and the latest in digital applications.
• Leadership and Strategy: Gain insights from high-level speakers, including General Bryan Fenton, senior USSOCOM leaders, and distinguished international partners.
• Specialized Sessions: Engage with topics on mental health, financial readiness, logistics in contested environments, and unmanned systems.

This week promised transformative discussions and networking opportunities that highlight the strategic role of SOF in global security. 

SOF Week 2025 - Overall Weekly Summary

SOF Week 2025 in Tampa proved to be an extraordinary gathering, drawing together Special Operations Forces leaders, innovators, and international partners to discuss and shape the future of SOF missions. The week featured prominent speakers including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, General Bryan P. Fenton, His Majesty the King of Jordan, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine, among others.

Throughout the event, attendees explored cutting-edge topics such as artificial intelligence integration, mental health and family readiness support, veteran entrepreneurship, global security cooperation, and advanced technological capabilities across air, maritime, digital, and information warfare domains. SOF Week reinforced strategic bonds, facilitated meaningful partnerships, and emphasized the continuous innovation necessary for SOF operational excellence and mission success.

Thank you to all participants, speakers, sponsors, and exhibitors for making SOF Week 2025 an impactful and inspiring event. We look forward to continuing these critical conversations and collaborations!

SOF Week 2025 - Final Day Preview (May 8)

As we enter the final day of SOF Week 2025, attendees can expect a strong finish featuring insightful sessions, dynamic keynote addresses, and meaningful networking opportunities. Today's agenda covers innovative technological advances, strategic operations insights, veteran support, and environmental considerations in maritime capability development. Join us as we conclude this impactful week, reinforcing the bonds and strategic partnerships within the Special Operations community.

Final Day Agenda (May 8)

7:15 AM - 8:15 AM ET

• Friends of Bill W. Meeting
  Marriott Water Street: Florida Salon IV / Breakout Room 1

7:30 AM - 8:45 AM ET

• Networking Breakfast
  JW Marriott: Tampa Bay Ballroom Pre-Function

8:55 AM - 9:40 AM ET

• Opening Remarks | Keynote Address: Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict
  Speakers: Mr. Colby Jenkins, Dr. Lyla Kohistany
  JW Marriott: Tampa Bay Ballroom

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM ET

• PEO Deep Dive: Services
  Speaker: Mr. Pete Greany
  Tampa Convention Center: Room 118 - 119

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET

• Forum on Environmental Considerations for Maritime Capability Development
  Speaker: Colonel Naoto Kuwahara
  Tampa Convention Center: Room 120 - 121

9:45 AM - 10:45 AM ET

• Panel IV: Enhancing the SOF Ecosystem through Innovation
  Speakers: Dr. Seth Jones, Ms. Katherine Boyle
  JW Marriott: Tampa Bay Ballroom

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM ET

• Unlocking Success: Working with OASD(SO/LIC) Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate (IWTSD)
  Speaker: Mr. Gabriel Ramos
  Marriott Water Street: Florida Salon V - VI / Breakout Room 2

10:15 AM - 11:15 AM ET

• Silent Victories: Exploring Special Operations Over the Decades
  Speakers: Dr. Matthew Miller, Colonel (Ret.) James Dandridge
  Marriott Water Street: Florida Salon IV / Breakout Room 1

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM ET

• PEO Overview: Rotary Wing (RW)
  Speakers: Dr. Steven A. Smith, Colonel Mark Cleary
  Tampa Convention Center: Room 118 - 119

11:00 AM - 11:25 AM ET

• Keynote Address: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff | SOF Week Closing Remarks
  Speaker: General Dan Caine
  JW Marriott: Tampa Bay Ballroom

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM ET

• SOF and the Future of Unmanned Systems
  Speakers: Colonel Wesley Knight, Dr. Joe Register
  Marriott Water Street: Florida Salon IV / Breakout Room 1

12:00 PM - 4:00 PM ET

• Operations in the Information Environment (OIE) Symposium
  Speakers: Mr. Austin Branch, Major General Jason C. Slider
  Tampa Convention Center: Room 120 - 121

12:15 PM - 1:45 PM ET

• PEO Overview: Tactical Information Systems (TIS)
  Speaker: Mr. David Breede
  Tampa Convention Center: Room 118 - 119

Stay tuned for our final day recap highlighting the week's key insights and closing remarks!

SOF Week 2025 - Final Day Recap (May 8)

The final day of SOF Week 2025 concluded with impactful sessions, inspirational keynotes, and valuable discussions. Highlights included the keynote address from Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict, Colby Jenkins, and the strategic insights shared by General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, during his closing remarks.

Sessions such as the PEO Deep Dive into Services and Rotary Wing provided comprehensive updates and future outlooks on SOF capabilities. The Forum on Environmental Considerations for Maritime Capability Development highlighted essential strategies for sustainable operational readiness, while the discussions around unmanned systems showcased critical technological advancements shaping future missions.

Participants also engaged deeply with historical reflections in "Silent Victories" and explored collaboration pathways with the Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate (IWTSD). The Operations in the Information Environment Symposium delivered essential perspectives on information warfare, emphasizing strategic adaptability in evolving operational landscapes.

SOF Week 2025 - Day Three Preview (May 7)

As SOF Week 2025 continues into its third day, attendees can anticipate another day filled with engaging panels, critical insights, and unparalleled networking opportunities. Today's sessions are set to highlight the intersections of military innovation, mental health support, veteran entrepreneurship, and international cooperation. We look forward to another dynamic day exploring the cutting edge of Special Operations capabilities and global security initiatives.

Day Three Agenda (May 7)

6:00 AM - 7:00 AM ET

• SOF Week Exhibition Athletic Training S.W.E.A.T.
  Cotanchobee Park, Downtown Tampa

7:15 AM - 8:15 AM ET

• Friends of Bill W. Meeting
  Marriott Water Street: Florida Salon IV

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM ET

• Networking Breakfast
  JW Marriott: Tampa Bay Ballroom Pre-Function

8:30 AM - 10:00 AM ET

• PEO Overview: Maritime (M) Q&A
  Tampa Convention Center: Room 118 - 119

8:40 AM - 8:45 AM ET

• General Session Opening Remarks
  JW Marriott: Tampa Bay Ballroom

8:45 AM - 9:15 AM ET

• Fireside Chat: His Majesty the King of Jordan & General Fenton
  JW Marriott: Tampa Bay Ballroom

9:15 AM - 9:45 AM ET

• Networking Break

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM ET

• The Criticality of Mental Health Support for SOF Warriors
  Marriott Water Street: Florida Salon V - VI

• Treat Your Transition Like an Op: Proactive Planning for Success
  Marriott Water Street: Florida Salon IV

9:45 AM - 10:30 AM ET

• Fireside Chat: Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Integration in National Security
  JW Marriott: Tampa Bay Ballroom

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET

• Business to Business Matchmaking
  Marriott Water Street: Grand Ballroom Meeting Hub

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM ET

• PEO Overview: Services
  Tampa Convention Center: Room 118 - 119

• SBIR/STTR Transition Panel
  Tampa Convention Center: Room 120 - 121

10:45 AM - 11:45 AM ET

• Create Your Own Mission: Opportunities for Veteran-Owned Businesses and Startups
  Marriott Water Street: Florida Salon V - VI

10:45 AM - 12:45 PM ET

• Navigating the Veterans Benefits Administration Disability Claim Filing Process
  Marriott Water Street: Florida Salon IV

11:00 AM - 12:20 PM ET

• Panel III: The SOF Value Proposition in a Volatile World
  JW Marriott: Tampa Bay Ballroom

11:45 AM - 1:15 PM ET

• PEO Overview: Fixed Wing (FW)
  Tampa Convention Center: Room 120 - 121

12:00 PM - 4:00 PM ET

• Army xTech Pitch Competition Round 2
  JW Marriott: SOF Team Room

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM ET

• GSOF Gives Back Non-Profit Round Robin
  Tampa Convention Center: Room 118 - 119

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM ET

• Directorate Overview: Science and Technology (S&T) Session 2: Deep Dive
  Tampa Convention Center: Room 120 - 121

2:15 PM - 3:15 PM ET

• Moments that Matter: Lessons from Medal of Honor Recipients
  Marriott Water Street: Florida Salon V - VI

2:20 PM - 3:50 PM ET

• PEO Overview: SOF Digital Applications (SDA)
  JW Marriott: Tampa Bay Ballroom

2:45 PM - 3:45 PM ET

• SOCOM Ignite – Tech Savvy Officers and Operators
  Tampa Convention Center: Room 120 - 121

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM ET

• SOF Community Corridor Reception
  Tampa Convention Center Lower Level Foyer

3:15 PM - 4:15 PM ET

• Modernizing Logistics for the Contested Environment
  Tampa Convention Center: Room 118 - 119

3:30 PM - 5:00 PM ET

• Tampa Convention Center Exhibit Hall Networking Reception

4:00 PM - 5:30 PM ET

• PEO Overview: SOF Warrior (SW)
  JW Marriott: Tampa Bay Ballroom

4:30 PM - 5:00 PM ET

• U.S. Army xTech Pitch Competition Awards
  JW Marriott: SOF Team Room

SOF Week 2025 - Day Two (May 6) Overview

Day two of SOF Week 2025 promises another engaging lineup of events featuring keynote addresses, expert panels, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities. Today’s agenda highlights critical topics such as global threats, human performance optimization, SOF acquisition, technology, and logistics updates, and financial readiness for military retirement. Join us as we explore cutting-edge innovations, insights from senior military leaders, and practical guidance for career transitions.

Day Two Agenda (May 6)

7:15 AM - 8:15 AM ET

• Friends of Bill W. Meeting
  Marriott Water Street: Florida Salon IV / Breakout Room 1

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM ET

• Networking Breakfast
  JW Marriott: Tampa Bay Ballroom Pre-Function

8:25 AM - 8:45 AM ET

• General Session Opening Remarks & Proclamation from the Mayor of Tampa
  JW Marriott: Tampa Bay Ballroom

8:45 AM - 9:15 AM ET

• Keynote Address: The Honorable Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Defense, U.S. Department of Defense
  JW Marriott: Tampa Bay Ballroom

9:15 AM - 10:00 AM ET

• Keynote Address: U.S. Special Operations Command Team
  Speakers: General Bryan P. Fenton, Command Sergeant Major Shane Shorter
  JW Marriott: Tampa Bay Ballroom

10:15 AM - 11:00 AM ET

• Keynote Address: SOF AT&L Acquisition Executive
  Speaker: Ms. Melissa Johnson
  JW Marriott: Tampa Bay Ballroom

10:35 AM - 11:35 AM ET

• Financial Readiness for Military Retirement
  Speaker: Ms. Sarah P. Roder
  Marriott Water Street: Florida Salon IV / Breakout Room 1
• Warrior Care Program (WCP) and Preservation of the Force and Family (POTFF) Update
  Speaker: Sergeant Major Gregory Keller
  Marriott Water Street: Florida Salon V - VI / Breakout Room 2

10:45 AM - 12:15 PM ET

• Directorate Overview: Enterprise Information Systems (EIS)
  Speakers: Mr. Arthur Coon, Ms. Liliana Roman
  Tampa Convention Center: Room 120 - 121

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET

• Panel I: Deterrence through SOF Power
  Speaker: Mr. Peter Bergen
  JW Marriott: Tampa Bay Ballroom

12:15 PM - 1:45 PM ET

• PEO Overview: Special Operations Forces Support Activity (SOFSA)
  Speakers: Colonel Jesse Marsalis, Mr. Joel J. Fox
  Tampa Convention Center: Room 118 - 119

1:30 PM - 2:35 PM ET

• Panel II: Senior Insights on Global Threats | Closing Remarks
  Speakers: Mr. John Burnham, Lieutenant General (Ret.) Giovanni Tuck
  JW Marriott: Tampa Bay Ballroom

Stay tuned for our full Day Two recap highlighting key insights and takeaways!

SOF Week 2025 - Day Two Recap (May 6)

Day two of SOF Week 2025 delivered powerful sessions, impactful keynotes, and essential conversations on global security, military innovation, and SOF readiness. The day opened with welcoming remarks from the Mayor of Tampa and Global SOF, setting the tone for an insightful keynote by the U.S. Secretary of Defense, emphasizing critical developments in defense policy and strategic priorities.

General Bryan P. Fenton and Command Sergeant Major Shane Shorter from U.S. Special Operations Command provided key insights into SOF's evolving roles and future initiatives. Additionally, Melissa Johnson, the SOF AT&L Acquisition Executive, offered important updates on acquisition strategies and priorities shaping Special Operations capabilities.

Financial Readiness and Warrior Care sessions underscored practical strategies for enhancing military and family preparedness, emphasizing comprehensive support systems for service members transitioning from active duty. Panel discussions explored deterrence through SOF power, highlighting collaborative international approaches to addressing global threats.

The PEO overview on Special Operations Forces Support Activity (SOFSA) provided valuable insights into logistical support and strategic development efforts critical to SOF missions globally. Day two concluded with senior leaders sharing profound perspectives on managing contemporary global threats, reinforcing the importance of continuous innovation and strategic agility.

Stay tuned for further updates and insights as SOF Week 2025 continues!

SOF Week 2025 - Monday, May 5th Agenda (Day 1)

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM ET

• The Honor Foundation Transition Seminar (Pre-registration required)
  Location: Tampa Convention Center: Room 118-119
  Speakers: Jeff Pottinger (ReLAUNCH Advisors), Matt Stevens (The Honor Foundation)

9:55 AM - 11:00 AM ET

• Welcome Remarks & Introduction to SOF AT&L
  Location: JW Marriott: Tampa Bay Ballroom
  Speakers: William "Bill" Innes (USSOCOM), Meaghan Keeler (Global SOF Foundation)

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET

• Introduction to SOFWERX
  Location: JW Marriott: Tampa Bay Ballroom
  Speakers: Leslie Babich (SOFWERX), Glen Cullen (USSOCOM)

12:00 PM - 4:00 PM ET

• USSOCOM Visual Information Seminar
  Location: Tampa Convention Center: Room 120-121
  Speaker: Travis Owens (USSOCOM)

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET

• SOF AT&L Communications with Industry & RFP Process (Session 1) (Pre-registration required)
  Location: Marriott Water Street: Florida Salon V-VI

• SBIR Overview and Q&A
  Location: JW Marriott: Tampa Bay Ballroom
  Speaker: Lisa R. Sanders (USSOCOM)

2:15 PM - 3:15 PM ET

• USSOCOM Acquisition Executive Small Business Forum
  Location: JW Marriott: Tampa Bay Ballroom
  Speakers: Melissa Johnson, Colonel Clarence E. Burton, Jr. (USSOCOM)

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM ET

• SOF AT&L Communications with Industry & RFP Process (Session 2) (Pre-registration required)
  Location: Marriott Water Street: Florida Salon V-VI

6:00 PM - 10:00 PM ET

• SOF Week Welcome Reception (Ticketed Event)
  Location: Sparkman Wharf, 615 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL

Bookmark our site and follow #SOFWeek2025 for continuous updates!