SOF Week Staff Page

Jump to: Tuesday – Wednesday – Thursday – Parking – Access

Send people to: go.fiu.edu/sofweek

Talking Points

  • We are a department of Florida International University, which is in Miami, but our offices are just across the bridge in Largo
  • We were founded as a not-for profit in 1995 to train laboratory personnel and law enforcement
  • We’ve provided forensic science training and services to SOF enablers since 2007
  • We stood up the first EAC labs in 2009, deployed around the world
  • Some of our partners are 5-Eyes, NATO, DIH-TRA, FBI, and Homeland Security / Border Patrol
  • We cover CEE-BERN, DNA, explosives detection, SSE (site exploitation), EYE-2 (identity intelligence and biometrics), and MEDEX / CELLEX

POC: Becky Carter 727-692-1977

5Ws

  • WHAT: SOF Week booth 717
  • WHEN: May 19-21, 2026
  • WHO: BOOTH STAFF Becky, Nicole, Chris, Kirk, Tony; other attendees Clint, Tracy, Billy
  • WHERE: Tampa Convention Center (TCC), 333 S Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602
  • WHY: we will be meeting customers and potential partners in the international SOF industry to build business opportunities and represent our services. Represent FIU, answer visitor questions, collect contact information, handout referrals.

Good-To-Know

  • DRESS CODE: business slacks or skirt, FIU polo -OR- plain polo with FIU pin -OR- button-down shirt with FIU pin, comfortable closed-toe shoes. NO jeans, shorts, sandals.
  • BRING WITH YOU: laptop & charger, phone, business cards, at least 1 pen, beverage, snacks / lunch (no refrigeration)
  • DO NOT BRING WITH YOU: weapons, weapon-shaped objects, restraints of any kind, noisemakers / speakers, large bags
  • Photography on the exhibit hall floors is RESTRICTED
  • TAs are due 14-APR for transportation; DOWNLOAD HERE prefilled with charge code and destination
  • Event agenda with dates and times for TA: DOWNLOAD
  • Traffic and parking is a nightmare; recommend Uber / Lift / taxi. Evening rides leaving TCC can be $80+
  • You must clear security including bag checks and body scanner every time you enter TCC. Biometric (facial scanner) technology may be in use. Uniform and plainclothes law enforcement, military security, and K9 units will be present.
  • You must pick up your badge, with a government ID, at TCC Level 2 Mezzanine and wear it visibly at all times on-site
  • Link to full event exhibit space plans ->
  • Link to TCC Level 3 plan -> we are booth 717
  • 1 Member of booth staff other than Becky is required to be in the booth at all times
  • ALL booth staff must be present during busy times, noted in the agenda below
  • You are free to roam the exhibit spaces during slow times
  • On-site lunch options are busy, limited, and hella expensive
  • Team Defence Australia (booth 721 right next door) typically hosts a free barista and it’s AMAZING
  • Upload photos to N:\Training\Shared_CREATIVE\SOF Week\2026

Agenda & Tasking

Tue 19-MAY

  • 7:00 am Badge printing open TCC, Mezzanine (Level 2)
  • 8:30 am Becky (latest expected)
  • 10:00 am Nicole, Chris
  • 11:45 am-1:30 pm ALCON sessions break; exhibit hall open; FULL staff presence required at booth 717
  • 5:00 pm DISMISSED Exhibit hall closes; thank you for your time

Wed 20-MAY

  • 7:30 am Badge printing open TCC, Mezzanine (Level 2)
  • 8:30 am Becky (latest expected)
  • 10:00 am Nicole, Kirk
  • 11:45 am-1:30 pm ALCON sessions break; exhibit hall open; FULL staff presence required at booth 717
  • 3:30-5:00 pm ALCON exhibit hall reception; FULL staff presence required at booth 717
  • 5:00 pm DISMISSED exhibit hall closes; thank you for your time

Thu 21-MAY

  • 8:00 am Badge printing open TCC, Mezzanine (Level 2)
  • 8:30 am Becky (latest expected)
  • 10:00 am Nicole, Tony
  • 11:45 am-1:30 pm ALCON sessions break; exhibit hall open; FULL staff presence required at booth 717
  • 3:00 pm DISMISSED exhibit hall closes; thank you for your time

Parking

Expect the TCC garage to be CLOSED for the duration. The closest garages will fill by 7:30 am each day. I recommend driving as a last resort. https://www.tampa.gov/tcc/parking

Access

Badges – on site only, Mezzanine (Level 2); no at-home badge printing

✪ Tampa Convention Center security screening entrances

Third floor exhibit hall, Booth 717