5th Waterfront Symposium

About Event

This event has been a staple at the pier for over 30 years, leveraging San Diego’s vibrant maritime culture to boost participation and innovation in surface naval operations.
In collaboration with our U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and international partners, we are creating a platform for discussions that are both inclusive and groundbreaking. To enrich our community with diverse insights, active duty military personnel will receive complimentary access, bringing their invaluable perspectives to our discussions.

Special Features

• Pre-Event Tours: ALL TOURS ARE FULL Exclusive tours showcasing advanced naval training facilities. These include Mariners Skills Training Center (MSTC) and Mine Warfare Training Center (MWTC) that are at the unclassified level. The Combined Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) / Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Trainer (CIAT), LCS training Facility (LTF) and the ASW Tactical Employment Trainer (ATET) & ASW Virtual Operator Trainer (VOT) all require Secret clearances. Each tour is scheduled for an hour and those attending will need to have their own base access. Times and locations are shown on the agenda. Registration for the tours is now closed.
• Classified Briefing: NOT ACCEPTING ANY MORE REGISTRATIONS A special session requiring security clearances, offering in-depth insights into critical surface warfare topics. More information below.
• Surface Force Night: A dynamic evening event designed for networking and camaraderie among attendees. This event includes the Harbor Havoc Challenge.
• Harbor Havoc Challenge: A highlight of the symposium where participants face puzzles and challenges inspired by notable figures from the Surface Warfare Hall of Fame, including both Navy and Coast Guard personnel. This engaging and educational experience is designed as a fun event, open to all, with prizes awarded to participants.

Where: Waterfront, Pier 2 Parking Lot, Naval Base San Diego
When: August 14-15, 2024
Theme: Warriors and Warfighting

No one under the age of 18 allowed

Advance Registration

We highly encourage pre-registration as lunch option is not guaranteed if you sign up onsite. Base access is now closed.
To obtain follow-up information on base access, tours on Tuesday, or SMWDC sessions on Wednesday morning you must have completed the registration process, including submitting full payment before anything is sent. This includes security clearance submission directions if applicable.
We do require registration to be completed by 1000 pacific time on 12 August 2024.

Dress Code

Inside the tents as well as outside it can get quite hot. Due to this we recommend business casual for all our civilian attendees. Leave the jacket and tie at home! Casual button-down shirt or golf shirt and trousers. We are also recommending Uniform of the Day for our military attendees including speakers.

Classified Sessions on Wednesday Morning - Registration is now CLOSED

In conjunction with the SNA Waterfront Symposium, Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC) will present the 2024 Surface Requirements Group (SURFRG) Tactical Priorities (TPs), Wednesday, 14 August 2024. Additionally, SMWDC will be hosting a panel for interested parties to present potential solutions to 2024 SURFRG TPs. The panel will consist of SURFRG stakeholders such as OPNAV and PEO IWS representatives. Timeslots for the panel will be released at a later date. Both events will be conducted at the SECRET classification level. If you cannot meet this timeline, or were not offered a time slot to present, additional dates to present your solution will be announced during the classified session.
Please indicate your interest in attending the event while registering. The 2024 SURFRG TPs and panel will only be available to registered attendees with a valid SECRET clearance. Space is limited - priority will be given to industry participants.
Once you are a registered Waterfront participant, you will have to complete a special form that will be provided during the confirmation process. If your registration has been accepted, you will be contacted to submit your visit request via DISS.
Those interested in participating in the panel must submit your potential solution(s) in white paper format, NLT 31 July 2024 to Matthew Sharra via SIPR email: w\surfrg\us@navy.smil.mil. Once approved, you will be notified and given a 15-minute time slot to present it. If you did not attend SNA Waterfront East in May and have not seen the 2024 SURFRG TPs please reach out to Matthew Sharra via NIPR email: Surfrg_info@us.navy.mil.
Registration for this event is closed.

Golf Tournament

The RADM James G. Prout II Memorial Golf Tournament co-hosted by the SNA San Diego chapter benefits Surface Warrior dependents. The tournament will be held at Sea and Air Golf Course on Naval Air Station North Island on 16 August. Information

Cancellation Policy

Attendee: Cancellations must be received on or before 4 August 2024 for a refund. A 10% cancellation fee will be charged on all refunds submitted on or before August 3, 2024. All notifications on or after August 4, 2024 are non-refundable.
Exhibitor/Sponsor/Advertiser: Upon receiving an invoice, you enter into a binding agreement to participate. Tier pricing applies until each tier’s end date. If payment is not made within the 30-day grace period and a new tier level is reached, you will be invoiced at the updated rate. Before July 12, 2024, the Association will refund 50% of the invoiced amount, minus any fees, if requested. After July 12, 2024, the sponsor will forfeit the entire invoiced sum.