| Tuesday, August 26, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM | Continental Breakfast with Exhibitors | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM | Details coming soon!  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9:45 AM - 10:45 AM | Details coming soon!
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | The rapid expansion of the data center industry—driven by hyperscale and AI workloads—has placed unprecedented stress on the power supply chain. Data center developers are actively seeking available power to meet demand, and the solution lies in stronger, more proactive collaboration to optimize energy planning and unlock new sources of power. This panel will provide a practical roadmap for overcoming power constraints before they derail AI-driven data center growth. In this high-impact discussion, energy industry leaders and data center providers will tackle the biggest power challenges facing the sector today. From aligning development timelines and improving transparency in energy procurement to exploring new models such as co-location with generation assets, panelists will share actionable strategies to accelerate power delivery and ensure the long-term sustainability of AI-driven infrastructure.       Buddy Rizer, Loudoun County Bob Kinscherf, Constellation Stan Blackwell (invited), Dominion Energy Joel Jansen, American Electric Power Jeff Barber (invited), Bloom Energy David McCall, QTS Data Centers | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Networking Lunch Break with Exhibitors | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM | As AI-driven demand for GPUs surges, data center operators face mounting challenges in power availability, deployment speed, and sustainability. This panel will explore two critical strategies for overcoming these obstacles: adaptive reuse and low-carbon power collocation. The discussion will examine how repurposing existing buildings can dramatically shorten time-to-revenue for GPU infrastructure while reducing carbon impact. Industry leaders will share insights into identifying viable properties, retrofitting for high-density liquid-cooled workloads, and overcoming engineering and regulatory hurdles. Additionally, panelists will assess the potential of emerging geographies for AI infrastructure, including collocating data centers with existing power facilities to bridge energy supply gaps while advancing sustainability commitments. Simon Tusha will offer a deep dive into TECfusions' innovative approach to on-site power generation, including natural gas-powered microgrids, energy independence strategies, and community energy contributions. His insights will highlight how these emerging models can enhance operational resilience, reduce reliance on the grid, and create new investment opportunities in AI-ready data center infrastructure. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of the risks and rewards associated with these approaches, including best practices for risk assessment, project feasibility, and the development of a Project Risk Register—a critical tool for guiding investment decisions from site selection through operations.    Sean Farney (invited), Jones, Lang, LaSalle (JLL) Tony Grayson, Compass Datacenters, Seattle Bill Mazzetti (invited), Rosendin Lori Carter, Geosytnec Consultants, Inc. Mark Hamilton (invited), TECfusions Jeff Moerdler (invited), Mintz | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM | Details coming soon!
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3:15 PM - 3:45 PM | Networking Break with Exhibitors | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM | The digital landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the relentless growth of data-intensive applications, the oncoming proliferation of edge computing, and the imperative for seamless, low-latency connectivity. This panel brings together a dynamic group of industry leaders to explore the evolving architecture of data centers and the critical role of interconnection in shaping the future of digital experiences. Moderated by Scott Bergs, CEO of DF&I, this session features a diverse panel of executives from leading edge data center and interconnection providers. Scott Willis, CEO of DartPoints, will share insights into the development and deployment of regional edge infrastructure, highlighting the critical role of localized data processing in supporting latency-sensitive applications. Bill Severn, President and CEO of 1623 Farnam, will delve into the complexities of high-capacity interconnection and the strategic importance of network hubs in facilitating data exchange. Derek Gillespie, Chief Revenue Officer of 365 Data Centers, will address the evolving needs of businesses seeking agile and scalable data center solutions, emphasizing the importance of hybrid infrastructure and seamless connectivity. Doug Recker, President and Founder of Duos Edge AI, will contribute his expertise on the convergence of edge computing and artificial intelligence, exploring the transformative potential of distributed AI applications. Jim Buie, CEO of ValorC3 Data Centers, will expand on the topic of data center development and operations, and how it relates to the changing demands of connectivity.     Scott Bergs, Dark Fiber and Infrastructure, LLC Scott Willis, DartPoints Bill Severn, 1623 Farnam, LLC Derek Gillespie, 365 Data Centers Doug Recker, Duos Edge AI, Inc. Jim Buie (invited), ValorC3 Data Centers | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4:45 PM - 5:45 PM | Networking Break with Exhibitors | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wednesday, August 27, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM | Details coming soon!  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM | AI is no longer just a trend—it’s the new normal. And we’re going to have to get used to that. Every data center is becoming an AI data center. The only question is: how fast can you get there?
As artificial intelligence transforms industries and drives unprecedented demand for compute, the rise of the AI Factory—high-density, GPU-powered infrastructure purpose-built for machine learning and generative AI—is reshaping the digital infrastructure landscape. Traditional facilities simply weren’t designed for the extreme power, cooling, and network bandwidth demands of AI workloads.
This panel brings together leaders building and operating real AI factories to explore what it really takes to deploy at scale. From advanced liquid cooling and high-density power strategies, to GPU-optimized infrastructure, next-gen network fabrics, and strategic site selection, you'll get a first-hand look at how these operators are designing for performance, scalability, and real ROI.
We'll also cover the evolving role of real estate in AI infrastructure decisions, the business models behind AI-as-a-Service, and how to translate infrastructure investment into revenue-generating AI services.
If you’re in digital infrastructure, this session is your blueprint for surviving—and thriving—in the AI-first era.   Bill Kleyman, Apolo.us Wes Cummins, Applied Digital Kenneth Moreano, Scott Data Patrick Pedroso, Equus Compute Solutions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9:45 AM - 10:45 AM | Details coming soon!
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Join us for this forward-looking discussion on the new realities of data center site selection and investment in an era of rapid digital expansion. The data center landscape is in the midst of a transformation. Power constraints, land scarcity, and increasing community scrutiny are redefining where and how digital infrastructure is developed. The traditional site selection playbook is evolving as developers, investors, and policymakers navigate new challenges and opportunities. This panel brings together top industry leaders to discuss the key factors influencing data center growth, from financing strategies and power procurement to regulatory roadblocks and emerging market opportunities. Learn how developers are balancing infrastructure demands with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations, and gain insights into the evolving dynamics of local and national policy.     Ed Socia (invited), datacenterHawk Denitza Arguirova, Provident Data Centers Karen Petersburg, PowerHouse Data Centers Brian Winterhalter, DLA Piper | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Networking Lunch Break with Exhibitors | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM | Details coming soon!
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM | The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has ignited an unprecedented surge in data center power demand, pushing the limits of traditional energy infrastructure. As utilities struggle with grid constraints and multi-year interconnection delays, operators must rethink how they source and deploy power to keep pace with AI-driven workloads. This panel will explore a crucial shift: the move from grid dependence to onsite and behind-the-meter power solutions that offer speed, resilience, and sustainability. Industry pioneers will discuss the cutting-edge technologies shaping this transition—including hydrogen fuel cells, microgrids, small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs), aeroderivative turbines, and advanced natural gas solutions. Our expert panel will examine the real-world challenges and opportunities of deploying onsite power, from cost considerations and regulatory landscapes to integration with renewables and long-term energy strategies. Attendees will gain actionable insights into how data centers can secure scalable, reliable, and low-carbon power—without waiting on an overburdened grid.    Fengrong Li, FTI Consulting Yuval Bachar (invited), ECL Wes Swenson (invited), Novva Data Centers Brian Gitt, Oklo Jamie Smith (invited), RPower Steve Halford, GE Vernova | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3:15 PM - 3:45 PM | Networking Break with Exhibitors | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM | Details coming soon!
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Roundtables are opportunities to sit with your peers and discuss specific topics and themes important to you. These moderated discussions will provide both insights and new connections that will better inform your decision-making. Click on each topic for more details. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Thursday, August 28, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM | Details coming soon!  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM | Details coming soon!
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9:45 AM - 10:45 AM | Details coming soon!
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | What if the next big leap in data center innovation isn’t just an evolution—but a revolution? In the data center industry, a "moonshot" represents an ambitious, game-changing idea or technology with the potential to redefine the sector’s future. These projects often push the boundaries of efficiency, sustainability, or computing power—whether through advances in AI-driven automation, next-generation cooling solutions, or breakthrough energy strategies. Historically at Data Center Frontier, we’ve tracked these transformative efforts, analyzing their real-world viability, investment impact, and long-term implications for data center operators, hyperscalers, and the broader digital infrastructure ecosystem.
In this fast-paced, high-stakes panel, six visionary leaders will present groundbreaking "moonshot" ideas that could redefine digital infrastructure. From superconducting power transmission and solid-state transformers to lunar data resiliency and AI-driven sustainability, each concept represents a bold new frontier in efficiency, scalability, and energy transformation. This session brings together our panelists to pitch their most audacious solutions in a high-energy, Shark Tank-style format. Each panelist has just seven minutes to make their case, outlining the technology, its real-world impact, and the path to adoption. Expect bold ideas, deep technical insights, and a glimpse into what’s next for the industry.
Following the presentations, the moderator will lead a dynamic discussion on feasibility, funding, and industry adoption challenges—culminating in a live audience vote to determine the most promising idea as presented for the data center industry. The winning Moonshot panelist will be awarded an interview for an upcoming episode of the DCF Show Podcast.      Ryan Mallory, Flexential Honghai Song, Canyon Magnet Energy Ralph Benko, F1R3FLY Industries, Inc. Mauricio Esguerra, MAGMENT GmbH Ed Nichols, Expanse Energy Corporation Matt Morris, Blue Dream | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
