6th 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: TBD

Where: Waterfront, Pier 2 Parking Lot, Naval Base San Diego
When: September 10-11, 2025
Theme: TBD

No one under the age of 18 allowed

Advance Registration

Registration will open in early July 2025

We highly encourage pre-registration as lunch option is not guaranteed if you sign up onsite. 

To obtain follow-up information on base access, or any additional events held in conjunction with the event 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 9 September 2025.

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.

Golf Tournament

The RADM James G. Prout II Memorial Golf Tournament co-hosted by the SNA San Diego chapter benefits Surface Warrior dependents. Will be held on Friday, 12 September 2025. More information to follow shortly.

Small Business Showcase - Submission Deadline 31 July

The Surface Navy Association invites small businesses to submit their innovative products, services or ideas for a chance to present at the Surface Navy Small Business Showcase, over lunch on Thursday, 11 September 2025. This event aims to provide a platform for small businesses to demonstrate cutting-edge solutions, foster innovation and collaboration, and connect small businesses with experts across the industry.

Eligibility:
Small businesses, as defined by the Small Business Administration, are eligible to apply.

Submission Process:
1. Express your interest by completing this form: https://airtable.com/appOqb56yTYROrLkA/pagKVZcVFCYQgtTIv/form
All submissions must be made by 31 July 2025.

2. Submissions will be reviewed and selected companies will be contacted and invited to present their ideas to a panel of experts and audience during the event.
 
This is an exceptional opportunity to showcase your solutions to a wide audience of Surface Navy attendees including industry leaders, and potential partners. Take advantage of this platform to share your vision, demonstrate your expertise, and make lasting connections that can propel your business forward. There is no fee to participate.
 
Important Notes:
1. Participation in this event does not guarantee any business opportunity, award, contract, commitment, or endorsement from the Department of the Navy.

2. This event is open to the public. Therefore, please do not disclose any confidential or proprietary information during the presentation.

Cancellation Policy

Attendee: Cancellations must be received on or before 1 September 2025 a refund. A 10% cancellation fee will be charged on all refunds submitted on or before August 31, 2025. All notifications on or after September 1, 2025 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, 2025, the Association will refund 50% of the invoiced amount, minus any fees, if requested. After July 12, 2025, the sponsor will forfeit the entire invoiced sum.