FAQ

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General Information | Travel & Logistics | Attendance & Participation | Agenda, App & WiFi | Contacts | Social Media

General Information

What are the event dates?

10 – 12 February 2026

What organizations host this event?

This event is hosted by Global Special Operations Forces (SOF), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that aims to build and grow an international network of military, government, commercial, and educational stakeholders in order to advance SOF capabilities and partnerships to confront global and networked threats.

The event is co-sponsored by U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). Co-sponsorship of this event does not imply endorsement of GSOF, its services, or its products by the United States Government, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command..

Travel and Logistics

Where is the Symposium/Expo venue?

Destin – Ft. Walton Beach Convention Center
1250 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548

What is the host hotel for this event?

The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach, 1500 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548

More information available here.

How far away are the venues from the airport?

The nearest airport to Fort Walton Beach is Destin (DSI) Airport which is 5.2 miles away. Other nearby airports include Valparaiso (VPS) (6.6 miles), Pensacola (PNS) (34.8 miles) and Panama City (ECP) (49.2 miles).

Is transportation provided from the airport?

No, attendees are responsible for arranging their own ground transportation.

What are my options for getting to/from the airport?

  • The local airports offer a variety of car rental options.
  • Rideshare services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Destin – Fort Walton area.
  • Local taxi companies can be researched here.

Is there an event shuttle?

Complimentary shuttles typically run between the host hotel and the Convention Center during peak morning and afternoon hours. Final routes and departure times will be published in the mobile app and onsite signage.

Attendance and Participation

What is the recommended dress/uniform?

Special Air Warfare Symposium: Civilian Business Casual or Combat Uniform of the Day
Welcome Reception: Business Casual or Casual
Closing Reception: Casual

Networking Receptions

Expect a variety of evening networking receptions, including a Welcome Reception, an Exhibit Hall Networking Reception, and a final Farewell. A No-Host Social may also be announced. All receptions are included with Full Conference registration unless otherwise noted.

Meals & Catering

Breakfast and lunch are served on Wednesday and Thursday in the Exhibit Hall. U.S. military attendees may purchase a Meal Package to participate in the catered options. Dietary restrictions can be noted during registration.

How do I become a Sponsor/Exhibitor?

Contact Remi Eriksen, GSOF Sales Manager at reriksen@gsof.org for more information.

Where can I pick up my event badge?

On-site registration and badge pickup will be available at the Convention Center lobby. Hours will be posted soon.

Do I need to wear my badge at all times?

Yes — for security reasons, attendees must wear their event badge at all times while in event space.


Who can attend SAWS?

The Symposium includes content for both government/military and industry participants. Certain sessions may be restricted to certain registration types.


Will Media be able to attend?

Accredited and Registered members of the media are permitted to attend many Symposium Sessions. Approximately one month before the event start, Media Ground Rules will be available here.


What is the Exhibitor Schedule?

Exhibitor move-in is scheduled for Monday (Feb 9), with move-out on Thursday (Feb 12) after the exhibit hall closes. For more information please check out the Exhibitor Resource Page (coming soon).


Is the venue ADA Accessible & will there be security checks?

The Convention Center is ADA accessible. For specific accommodations, contact the Global SOF events team in advance.
Security checks may apply to certain sessions. Badges must be visible at all times.


Agenda, Mobile App & WiFi

Where is the most up-to-date schedule?

For the latest schedule, always refer to the live Agenda on the event website or in the Global SOF Mobile App.

Do I need the Mobile App?

The App is strongly recommended to view sessions, speakers, maps, and networking opportunities. Scan the QR code on site or search “Global SOF” in your app store to download.

Where do I submit my interest to be a speaker?

While the agenda for this event is already finalized, we encourage prospective speakers to submit their interest for future GSOF events via the Speaker Interest Form — this helps us curate and align upcoming symposium content with community expertise.

Does the event have WiFi?

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the Convention Center.
Network Name: Destin Fort Walton Beach CC
Password: Not required

As always, we recommend the use of a VPN when using an open WiFi network.

Contact Us

Who should I contact about Corporate Partnership?

Jennifer Brooks, GSOF Vice President of Partner Relations, at jbrooks@gsof.org.

Who should I contact about GSOF Marketing Opportunities?

Chelsea Hamashin, GSOF Vice President of Marketing and Events, at chamashin@gsof.org.

Who do I contact if I have a question on registration?

John Mickley, Registration and Data Specialist, at jmickley@gsof.org.

Who do I contact about Speaker participation?

Margaret Howland, GSOF Senior Speaker Manager, at mhowland@gsof.org,

Who do I contact if I have any other urgent questions?

Kaitlyn Geercken, GSOF Events Manager, at kgeercken@gsof.org.

Social Media

Event Hashtag: #saws2026

Join the online conversation on the following platforms: