Special Operations Forces (SOF) Week is an annual event that brings together the special operations community, active-duty military personnel, veterans, government agencies, nonprofits and defense industry partners to network, learn and advance special operations capabilities.
“Leaders from over 70 countries will attend in 2026, and we expect more than 24,000 attendees,” said SOF Week Chief Operating Officer Meghan Keeler. “The event has two main components: a conference and an exhibition.”
Keeler said the conference will feature senior keynote speakers, panel discussions and breakout sessions, while the exhibition will include more than 700 companies organized into zones such as maritime, special air warfare and space.
SOF Week is held annually in Tampa because of the region's large military presence and support. Keeler said the community has been supportive of both active duty members and veterans.
The U.S. Special Operations Command is also located at MacDill Air Force Base and is a co-sponsor of SOF Week.
"This is held every May in downtown Tampa, across multiple venues," Keeler said. "It brings over $19 million in economic impact to the region."
Waterfront demonstrations will take place May 20 from noon to 1 p.m. in and around the water basin near the Tampa Convention Center. The Riverwalk demonstrations will feature immersive showcases highlighting military technology and operational tools.
Spectators can watch the demonstration along the Riverwalk, along Bayshore Blvd. or through a live stream.
Franklin Street from Channelside Drive to Harbour Island will be closed during the demonstrations and boat traffic in the area will also be restricted.
“New this year is an expansion of the SOF Week campus to Peter O. Knight Airport,” Keeler said. “There will be static displays of aviation platforms and live demonstrations of unmanned aerial systems.”
There are over 40 nonprofits supporting the SOF community and the community corridor will donate over $50,000 to these organizations.
SOF Week begins May 18 and runs through May 21. Travelers should expect heavier-than-normal traffic around downtown Tampa, particularly near the convention center, along with restricted boat traffic in the surrounding waterways.