Exhibitor Resource Center

 Global Special Operations Forces Foundation maintains a strict security posture to safeguard all personnel, attendees, and assets during the Indo-Pacific Irregular Warfare Symposium at the Mid-Pacific Conference Center. This policy establishes mandatory requirements governing the exhibition, handling, and control of firearms, edged weapons, ammunition, weapon components, and related equipment within all contracted event spaces. Compliance with this policy is a condition of participation. 

The Global SOF Foundation and the Hilton Hawaiian Village enforce a zero-tolerance policy for any unauthorized weapons, restricted items, or prohibited materials. Only items expressly approved in advance and properly declared through event management may be brought into the facility for display purposes. 

Exhibitors bear full responsibility for ensuring that all displayed items comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including but not limited to export-control statutes and licensing requirements. Exhibitors must coordinate with their internal compliance personnel or legal counsel prior to shipping, transporting, or displaying any regulated items. 2 

Failure to comply with this policy will result in immediate enforcement action, including removal from the event, revocation of exhibition privileges, and referral to the Honolulu Police Department or other appropriate authorities, as warranted. 

PROHIBITED ITEMS POLICY 

The following items are not permitted for display, possession, transport, or promotion at any time during the event: 

• Live or operable firearms (all display weapons must be inert, and the firing pin must be removed). All weapons, whether functional, deactivated, or replicas, are subject to inspection and approval prior to display. Blaze-orange muzzle marking is mandatory for imitation or non-functional firearms. 
• Ammunition (live or inert) unless prior written approval is granted 
• Explosives or pyrotechnics (including inert replicas) 
• Weapon components intended for operational use (e.g., bolts, barrels, firing pins, detonators) 
• Improvised weapons or devices 
• Riot control agents and devices (e.g., pepper spray, CS gas, tasers) 
• Restraints designed for human application (e.g., leg irons, thumb cuffs, stun belts) 
• Unmanned aerial systems (UAS/drones), unless explicitly approved in advance 
• Propaganda or materials promoting illegal or sanctioned activities 
• Any classified material or export-controlled items not previously cleared for public exhibition 
• Concealed carry of firearms by exhibitors or attendees, regardless of permit status 

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EXHIBITOR WEAPONS DISPLAY POLICY 

Purpose 

This policy defines the mandatory procedures for exhibitors displaying firearms or items resembling firearms at the Indo-Pacific Irregular Warfare Symposium (IPIW). These measures ensure compliance with all venue and Global SOF Foundation security protocols. 

Applicability 

This policy applies to all exhibitors displaying any firearm, replica, mock-up, or non-functional weapon system within the Conference Center during the event dates 18–20 August 2026. 

Mandatory Requirements 

A. Firearm Registration 

• Each firearm must be individually registered BEFORE July 18th, 2026. Required details include make, model, serial number, caliber, and color. Documentation must be submitted to the GSOF Director of Security and the GSOF Sales Manager at: smahabir@globalsoffoundation.org and tburnett@globalsoffoundation.org 

B. Display Controls 

• Each firearm must be secured to the booth with approved tethering or locking hardware to prevent removal or unauthorized handling. 
• Firearms may not be pointed toward attendees or used in demonstrations outside preauthorized activities. 
• Only the legal owner or designated representative may register a firearm. Event personnel cannot register firearms on behalf of exhibitors. 

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C. Firearm Condition 

• All firearms must be unloaded, fully inert, and incapable of mechanical operation. 
• Firing pins must be removed or a chamber lock installed 
• Ammunition is prohibited at the booth under all circumstances unless explicitly approved in writing. 

D. Inspections 

GSOF Security and/or the Honolulu Police Department may inspect any displayed firearm at any time. Exhibitors must provide immediate access upon request. Noncompliance will result in the removal from the event and may lead to law enforcement action. 

E. Storage 

• All firearms displayed on the exhibition floor must remain securely tethered to the vendor’s booth throughout public display hours. 
• No centralized Arms Room or secure storage area will be available after hours. 
• Although there might be overnight security provided by GSOF, vendors with firearm or edged weapon displays are responsible for the storage of exhibits. 

F. Enforcement and Penalties 

Non-compliance with this policy will result in corrective measures, which may include: 

• Immediate removal of firearms and/or edged weapons from the event floor. 
• Revocation of exhibitor credentials. 
• Fines and potential referral to law enforcement. 
• Permanent restriction from future GSOF events. 

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Exhibitor Obligations: 

• Firearm and edged weapon registration email submitted 30 days prior to event start date 
• Ensure all serial numbers are accurately recorded for each firearm 
• Firearms unloaded and rendered inoperable 
• Maintain full accountability for all display items throughout the event 
• Blaze-orange muzzle marking is mandatory for imitation or non-functional firearms. 

Liability Waiver and Indemnification 

By participating as an exhibitor and displaying firearms at the Indo-Pacific Irregular Warfare Symposium, the exhibitor acknowledges and agrees that: 

• Assumption of Risk – The exhibitor voluntarily assumes all risks associated with the transport, handling, and display of firearms, including any risks to their personnel, property, and third parties. 
• Indemnification – The exhibitor shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Global Special Operations Forces Foundation, its officers, directors, employees, contractors, and affiliates from and against all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including attorney’s fees) arising out of or related to: ○ The exhibitor’s possession, transport, or display of firearms; Any violation of federal, state, or local laws. 
• Any breach of this Firearm Exhibits Policy; or 
• Any negligent, reckless, or intentional act or omission by the exhibitor, its employees, contractors, or representatives. 

• Responsibility for Compliance – The exhibitor bears sole responsibility for securing all legal approvals, permits, and documentation required to possess, transport, and display firearms at the event. GSOF assumes no responsibility for obtaining or verifying such documentation. 

• Waiver of Claims – The exhibitor waives all claims against GSOF for losses or damages arising from enforcement of this policy, including removal from the event or seizure of firearms in violation of applicable laws. 

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Exhibitor Acknowledgment 

By signing the GSOF Event Contract and initially the Terms and Conditions, exhibitors acknowledge receipt and acceptance of these policies. 

Questions or Concerns 

If you wish to make a complaint about anything listed in this policy, or how any violations have been handled, you have the right to lodge a complaint directly with the GSOF supervisory authorities. Contact Name:	Stuart Bradin	Sean Mahabir
Address line 1:	3690 W Gandy Blvd.	3690 W Gandy Blvd.
Address line 2:	#140	#140
Address line 3:	Tampa	Tampa
Address line 4:	FL	FL
Address line 5:	33611	33611
Email:	sbradin@globalsoffoundation.org	smahabir@globalsoffoundation.org