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Join Us In-Person on May 20 at 4:30 PM EDT
Special Operations Forces have long depended on judgment, initiative, and adaptability to succeed in uncertain environments. But the character of conflict is shifting quickly. Autonomous systems, AI enabled sensing, robotic platforms, and contested communications are reshaping what it means to operate at the tactical edge. The future operator must not only execute missions, but manage machines, interpret algorithmic recommendations, and act when disconnected from traditional command structures.
In our next installment of the cocktails and conversations series, Defense One’s Patrick Tucker will convene operators and technologists for a discussion focused on people rather than platforms. Speakers will discuss how training pipelines are evolving, how units build trust in autonomy through repetition and experimentation, and how mission rehearsal is adapting to machine accelerated decision cycles. The conversation centers on how operators are being prepared to fight alongside autonomous systems rather than simply employ them.
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Featured Speakers
Gen. Francis Donovan
Commander
U.S. SOUTHCOM
Gen. Francis Donovan
Commander
U.S. SOUTHCOM
General Francis L. Donovan currently serves as Commander, United States Southern Command. An infantry, reconnaissance, and special operations officer, General Donovan has led Marines and Sailors in all three Marine Expeditionary Forces to include commanding a Force Reconnaissance Platoon, Battalion Landing Team, Marine Expeditionary Unit, Marine Expeditionary Brigade, and a Marine Division. He also commanded a Naval Task Force in 5th Fleet (CTF 51) and 6th Fleet (CTF 61). He has served in combat, contingency, and expeditionary operations at sea, from the sea, and ashore.
Other command assignments include a Marine Corps Security Forces Detachment in Crete, Greece; a Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team (FAST) platoon; and a Recruiting Station in Eastern Pennsylvania. He also was Officer in Charge of a Special Operations Training Group; Executive Officer for Marine Corps Special Operations Command, Detachment One; and Director of the Expeditionary Warfare School.
Joint tours include service as the J35, United States Special Operations Command; Branch Chief, Joint Staff, J-5 Trans-regional Threats Coordination Center (T2C2); Assisting Commanding General, Joint Special Operations Command; and most recently as the Vice Commander, United States Special Operations Command.
General Donovan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from Towson University, a Master of Military Studies from the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, and a Master of Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College. He completed the Advanced Management Program (AMP) at Harvard Business School. General Donovan and his wife Kim, a former Navy Officer, have two children who are both active-duty United States Marines.
Event Details
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 | 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM EST
Malio's
400 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
Valet: Available on-site.
Garage Parking: The Rivergate Tower has an adjacent garage.
Alternative Options: Nearby paid parking includes the Bank of America Plaza Garage (156 E Washington St.) or the Tampa Lot (127 N Tampa St.).
Street Parking: On-street parking in the downtown area is generally $4 per hour, with enforcement from 8 am to midnight.
Registration opens at 4:30 PM ET for badge pick up.
Enjoy networking with your peers until the program starts at 5:00 PM ET.
COST
Government / Military: Free*
Private Sector, Government Contractors, and Retirees: $149
*Must provide a .gov or .mil email address
ATTIRE
Business Casual
AGENDA
Thank You to Our Sponsors
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