SAWS 2026 – Special Air Warfare Symposium
The 2026 Special Air Warfare Symposium (SAWS) will be held from February 10-12, 2026, in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, near the hub of the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC).
With 1,556 attendees in 2025, the symposium is a key gathering for aviation-focused Special Operations Forces (SOF), bringing together military, government, and industry professionals for discussion and professional development related to special air warfare capabilities.
Image credit: SAWS 2025
Hosted by the Global Special Operations Forces Foundation (GSOF) and co-sponsored by AFSOC, SAWS includes symposium sessions, networking opportunities, an exhibit hall, and support programming such as the SOF for Life Transition Seminar.
When is the Event?
SAWS is taking place February 10–12, 2026
What’s On?
SAWS 2026 includes:
- Symposium sessions on February 11 and 12
- SOF for Life Transition Seminar on February 10
- Exhibit hall access with dedicated networking receptions
- Committee meetings, including the GSOF Aviation & ISR Committee
- Evening social events, including a Welcome Reception and a No-Host Social at The Gulf
Meals are provided on Wednesday and Thursday for full conference registrants. Additional add-ons are available during registration.
Classified AFSOC Requirements Briefing
A classified session will take place on February 10, from 1500–1700, at the Destin–Fort Walton Beach Convention Center. The briefing provides eligible U.S. industry attendees an opportunity to hear directly from AFSOC regarding current and emerging capability gaps.
Eligibility and Requirements:
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Must hold a U.S. Secret clearance
- Must select the Classified AFSOC Requirements Briefing add-on during event registration
- Clearance information must be submitted by January 12, 2026
- Attendance limited to 150 participants, one per company
Approved attendees will be notified two weeks before the event.
Photo credit: SAWS 2025
Themes
SAWS 2026 will address topics relevant to special operations aviation, including:
- Capability gaps in air platforms
- Support for transitioning SOF personnel
- Industry and government coordination
- Operational experimentation in SOF air, UAS, and counter-UAS
Speakers
Confirmed and invited speakers include:
- Lieutenant General Michael Conley, Commander, U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command
- Colonel Justin T. Bronder, PEO Fixed Wing, U.S. Special Operations Command
- Brigadier General Craig D. Prather, Director of Strategic Plans, AFSOC
- Colonel Roger P. Waleski Jr., Commander, U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command
- Mr. Peter Bergen, Vice President, New America; Professor, Arizona State University; CNN National Security Analyst
- Dr. Kerry Chávez, U.S. Air Force Academy
- Mr. Ed Calderon, Security Consultant
- Dr. Michael Hochberg, President, Periplous, LLC
- Mr. Edward Spenceley, Senior Vice President, Bank of America
Other speakers from U.S. and allied defense organizations, policy institutions, and industry are also invited.
Ticket & Participation Information
Full conference registration includes access to symposium sessions, the exhibit hall, and receptions. Some events and sessions, including the classified briefing and committee meetings, require registration add-ons. Dress codes vary by event, ranging from business casual to military uniform of the day.
Photo credit: SAWS 2025
Media attendance is limited to accredited press. Ground rules will be published one month before the event.
On-site registration and badge pickup will be available daily at the Convention Center.
Accommodation, Travel & Logistics
Host Hotel:
The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach
1500 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
Complimentary shuttles typically operate between the host hotel and the convention center during peak morning and afternoon hours. Final schedule details will be available in the mobile app and on-site.
The nearest airport is Destin Executive Airport (DSI), 5.2 miles from the venue. Other nearby airports include:
- Valparaiso (VPS): 6.6 miles
- Pensacola (PNS): 34.8 miles
- Panama City (ECP): 49.2 miles
Attendees are responsible for arranging their own ground transportation. Local rideshare services and car rentals are available.
The Convention Center is ADA accessible, and all attendees must wear badges at all times. Security checks may apply for select sessions.
Where is the Event?
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center
1250 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
To learn more about SAWS 2026 – Special Air Warfare Symposium, to register to attend or exhibit, please click below .
