6:45 am Check-In & Networking

7:30 am Chair’s Opening Remarks

Building the Data Centers of Tomorrow

7:40 am Panel: Exploring the Future of Data Center Construction in 2025 & Beyond

Synopsis

  • Discussing the future applications and wide spread development of edge data centers
  • Overcoming roadblocks to implementing self-generated power solutions
  • Considering AI’s continued impact on the data center industry to stay equipped for future developments

8:20 am Case Study: Establishing Training & Mentorship Programs to Bridge the Knowledge & Skill Gaps of New Employees

  • Matt Malburg Vice President of Operations, Aldridge Electric Inc.
  • Mike Kazmirak Divisional Manager of Mission Critical, Aldridge Electric Inc.

Synopsis

  • Highlighting the importance of consolidated industry efforts to train incoming workforce
  • Developing targeted training programs for specialized scopes of work
  • Facilitating knowledge transfer by pairing experienced and inexperienced workers required for data center construction
  • Striking the balance between theoretical and hands-on training to best prepare the future workforce 

9:30 am Morning Refreshments & Networking

Track 1: Preconstruction & Market Strategy

Improving Upfront Planning

10:10 am Fostering Proactive Communication With End-Users to Kickstart Resource Planning & Service Customization

  • Sarah Forrest Chief Of Mission Critical Estimator, Hensel Phelps Construction Co

Synopsis

  • Evaluating the need for upfront communication with end-users
  • Initiating discussions with potential clients early, even before specific build-out needs are known
  • Ensuring regular touchpoints to anticipate future needs and potential RFQs

10:50 am Case Study: Onboarding MEPs During Schematic Design to Ensure Constructability

Synopsis

  • Encouraging trade influence on design and manufacturing decisions
  • Utilizing MEP expertise to enable scalable and modular construction
  • Keeping plans feasible by considering available trade labor resources

Track 2: Construction & Project Delivery

Fostering Collaborative Delivery

10:10 am Case Study: Embracing New Tools & Methodologies to Expedite Delivery as Project Complexity Rises

  • Nancy Novak Chief Innovation Officer, Compass Datacenters

Synopsis

  • Utilizing technology to establish direct communication channels between key individuals from different stakeholders
  • Exploring the applications of AI in streamlining workflows in operations teams
  • Implementing robust change management practices and alignment among stakeholders

10:50 am Case Study: Increasing Alignment between Owners & Operations Teams to Boost Cross-Functional Supp

  • Mike Kroeger Preconstruction Director, Mission Critical, Manhattan Construction Group

Synopsis

  • Assessing the impact of the owner’s internal structures on operations teams’ execution
  • Collaboratively developing structured processes for navigating project phases from procurement to contracting
  • Addressing the importance of timely contract issuance in reducing operational disruptions

12:00 pm Lunch Break & Networking

Track 1: Preconstruction & Market Strategy

Winning Work

1:00 pm Panel: Understanding Decision-Making Criteria for Contractor Selection to Expand Business Opportunities

  • Nishi Kapoor Director of Global Supply Chain, Enerfab
  • Greg Martin Vice President of Design & Construction, Iron Mountain Information Management
  • Gong Liu Vice President of Preconstruction, Mission Critical, McCarthy Building Companies Inc

Synopsis

  • Highlighting the key criteria owners look for in GCs to set your organization apart
  • Identifying key decision-makers within data center ownership and management to effectively engage in project discussions
  • Overcoming challenges associated with established GCowner relationships to prevent these becoming problems on your projects

1:40 pm Managing Onboarding Expectations to Secure Owner Commitment to Trade Partners

  • Tim Henry Senior Director of Mission Critical, Rogers Mechanical
  • Shehon Mootoo Senior Project Manager- Enterprise Data Center Group, Morgan Stanley

Synopsis

  • Specifying deliverables that trades can offer to secure early commitment from owners
  • Clarifying upfront the bid detail requirements for trades to allocate necessary resources
  • Increasing owner-trade transparency on timelines to manage expectations and minimize scope gaps

Track 2: Construction & Project Delivery

Enhancing Workforce Efficiency

1:00 pm Audience Breakout: Fostering a Positive Culture to Improve Productivity & Staff Retention

Synopsis

  • Exploring the components of a strong company culture, including safety, support and well-being initiatives
  • Implementing strategies to overcome worker fatigue and burnout in the field
  • Improving the dialogue on mental health to improve job satisfaction and reduce safety incidents caused by fatigue

1:40 pm Increasing Field Awareness of Industry Advancements to Facilitate Better Decision Making Timelines

  • David Mazzarelli Project Director, Mission Critical, McCarthy Building Companies Inc
  • Gary Lovewell Vice President, Project Executive, Southland Industries

Synopsis

  • Increasing project manager awareness of how changing power densities are impacting designs
  • Investigating training methodologies to effectively communicate industry advancements

Strengthening field teams’ ability to convey realistic timelines to owners

2:20 pm Afternoon Refreshments & Networking

Workforce Development

2:50 pm Developing Capacity With a Limited Labor Pool to Equip General Contractors & Trades With the Resources to Manage Increasing Data Center Demands

  • Charles McCarthy National Chief Operating Officer, Mission Critical, Suffolk Construction
  • Miriam Baig Director of People & Culture, Suffolk Construction

Synopsis

  • Discovering approaches to raising awareness of the data center industry as a viable career path
  • Targeting non-traditional labor pools to develop and maintain a skilled workforce
  • Partnering with local firms and stakeholders to supplement workforce and resource needs

3:30 pm Audience Breakout: Putting Theory into Practice

Synopsis

Discuss the most pressing industry advancements on the horizon and walk away with tangible actions to take to equip your facilities and workflows for the future.

4:10 pm Chair’s Closing Remarks

4:20 pm End of Conference