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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.