Schedule
1:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.
Registration
6:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.
Welcome Reception
Sponsored in Part By:
Join us for a reception with open bar and buffet dinner accompanied by music. This is an excellent opportunity to dialogue with conference presenters, meet new people, network, welcome first-time attendees, renew old acquaintances, and meet the board members.
Sponsored in part by:
7:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Registration & Breakfast
Check in, pick up your name badge, conference materials and enjoy a hot buffet breakfast.
8:00 A.M. – 8:30 A.M.
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Bob Cassiliano, 7×24 Exchange chairman, will open the conference, provide an overview, review meeting logistics and address general housekeeping items.
8:30 A.M. – 9:30 A.M.
Conference Keynote:
The Great Progression: The Story of America & the World from 2025 to 2050
The can-do optimist Peter Leyden uses this talk to counter all the pervasive doom and gloom narratives and make what he calls a Positive Reframe of what’s actually been happening in recent decades and what’s likely to emerge in the decades to come. He tells the story of real progress in America and the world today and great progress that lies just ahead, based on his recent magazine piece, The Great Progression, 2025 to 2050. This talk places our current era in the broader context of American history and makes a compelling case that we’re heading into another period of great progress that will solve many of our greatest challenges.
Futurist, tech expert, strategic foresight advisor, former WIRED managing editor & serial entrepreneur
9:30 A.M. – 10:00 A.M.
Refreshment Break
10:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.
From Chip Design to Operations: Driving Sustainable Data Center Transformation with AI and Digital Twins
The presenters will review how the synergy of digital twin technology and AI is spearheading a sustainable revolution in data centers. This session will reveal how collaborative innovations are redefining efficiency and sustainability in the tech scene. The talk will dive into the connection of chip design and operational excellence and discover a future where technology champions sustainability. This presentation is a pathway to a resilient and green future, driven by a commitment to pioneering solutions for our planet. Join the journey towards setting new global standards, for a world where technology and sustainability converge.
Ciaran Flanagan (bio)
Global Head of Data Center Solutions
Siemens
Dion Harris (bio)
Director of Accelerated Data Center GTM
NVIDIA
11:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
Debunking Myths About Hydrogen-Powered Data Centers
In an era where sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity, the topic of hydrogen-powered data centers has sparked considerable debate. While hydrogen fuel cells are often seen as the technology of the future, many data center operators have significant misunderstandings about their viability and practicality. Hydrogen-powered data centers are not just a pipe dream; they are a reality and a viable, practical solution to some of the most pressing issues we face today in terms of energy consumption and environmental impact. Attendees will learn about advancements in hydrogen technology, as well as the long-term benefits and short-term challenges of implementation, from the only team that has brought an off-grid, sustainable, modular, built-to-suit data center with fully renewable power and zero emissions—purpose-built for AI—to market.
Yuval Bacher (bio)
CEO & Founder
EdgeCloudLink
Dean Nelson (bio)
CEO, Cato Digital and
Founder & Chairman, Infrastructure Masons
12:00 P.M. – 1:30 P.M.
Lunch and Networking
1:30 P.M. – 2:30 P.M.
WiMCO® Panel:
Unveiling the Future: Embracing Innovation in Modular Construction, Sustainability and Operations Efficiency
Join us for an enlightening session where industry leaders will delve into the cutting-edge realm of modular construction, sustainable solutions and operations. In this dynamic session, experts will explore the fusion of innovative modular construction, sustainable and operational best practices shaping the future landscape of data center infrastructure.
Moderator:
Juli Ierulli (bio)
Strategic Account Manager – Midwest
Environmental Air Systems and
Vice President
7×24 Exchange International
Panelists:
Casey Eldringhoff (bio)
Data Center Engineering Operations Cluster Manager
Amazon
Amy Marks (bio)
Executive Vice President Global Strategy
Symetri
Katie McGinty (bio)
VP Sustainability
Johnson Controls
2:30 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.
Refreshment Break
3:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Concurrent Breakout Sessions
Breakout A:
Mega Powers Reunite – Technology Deep Dive
Batteries are always a highly charged topic. An industry leading panel of battery manufacturers and OEM 39s are reuniting to field all the battery and technology questions attendees can think of related to lead lithium and nickel-zinc technologies. With this much power in one room this breakout will be electrifying!
Moderator:
Yigit Bulut (bio)
Sr. Technical Manager, Electrical Engineering, Mission Critical Facilities
EYP Mission Critical Facilities, Part of Ramboll
Panelists:
James Li (bio)
General Manager of UPS, Datacenters & Telecom
Ampace Lithium Batteries
Chuck Mathias (bio)
Senior Director – Sales
East Penn Manufacturing Co.
Jay Shipman (bio)
Product Manager
Vertiv
Brandon Smith (bio)
Director of Product Management
ZincFive
Breakout B:
The Impact of 5G and Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) Technology in Data Centers Infrastructure and Customers
The evolution of IoT technologies has reshaped the landscape of data centers, significantly expanding their operational capacities and data handling capabilities. Among these innovations, Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) stands out as a pivotal advancement, offering substantial advantages in terms of efficiency, deployment simplicity, and cost savings for both operations and installations. The presentation will explore how NB-IoT, standardized by 3GPP, is designed to provide efficient connectivity for a multitude of IoT devices over long distances. This technology drastically reduces power consumption and extends device battery life to over a decade in some cases. It will detail how such efficiency lowers operational costs associated with maintenance and energy consumption, enhancing the overall sustainability profile of data centers. This is particularly crucial in Edge data center applications, where efficiency and sustainability are paramount, and aligns with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives.
Luke Dalske (bio)
Co-Founder/COO
Radix IoT, LLC
Michael Skurla (bio)
Co-Founder/Digitization Consultant
Radix IoT, LLC
Breakout C:
BIM There, Done That: Merging Wisdom with New Technologies
Unlock the full potential of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in revolutionizing data center design and operations by merging proven expertise with innovative technology. This expert panel will delve into BIM’s strategic role at different design stages, highlighting stakeholder expectations and common pitfalls. Learn how to navigate the complexities of multi-party collaboration, balance real-time updates with fixed issuances, and transition models from design to construction and operations via Digital Twins. Investigate AI’s role in the future of BIM workflows, augmented experiences, and gain insight into the next generation of BIM and how we are shaping tomorrow’s built environments.
Moderator:
Leslie Dunkley (bio)
Partner
TLM Group
Panelists:
Rob LoBuono (bio)
Senior Associate, NE Critical Facilities Practice Area Leader
Gensler
Richard McFadden (bio)
Partner
Jaros, Baum & Bolles
Dustin Ridley (bio)
SW Region VDC Leader
DPR Construction
4:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.
WiMCO® Networking Reception
Join the National Women in Mission Critical Operations Committee for a networking reception.
SPONSORED BY:
6:30 P.M. – 9:30 P.M.
Marquis Plus+ Partner Showcase
Saddle Up – Vegas Meets the Wild West!
Y’all gather around for some great grub, the finest beverages and some good old gambling as our partners display their latest and greatest equipment, products and services available to assist you in your day-to-day data center operational needs
Click here for event details.
Special thanks to our Marquis Plus+ Partners as this event would not be possible without their support.
7:00 A.M. – 8:30 P.M.
Breakfast & Registration
8:30 A.M. – 9:00 A.M.
Opening Remarks
Bob Cassiliano will review day one highlights and give a 7×24 Exchange update.
Presentation of the Lifetime of Service Award
7×24 Exchange International will present the Lifetime of Service Award to Dennis Cronin, Founding Member of 7×24 Exchange International for his lifelong career and commitment to the mission critical industry. Bob Cassiliano, Chairman & CEO of 7×24 Exchange International will recognize Dennis for his leadership and extraordinary service to the mission critical industry.
Board Member, Mission Critical Global Alliance and
Founding Member, 7×24 Exchange International
9:00 A.M. – 10:00 A.M.
Keynote:
From Artificial Intelligence to Real Stupidity – Security in the 2020s
Taking a cynical look past the current obsession with AI, Kevin takes us down a journey of enlightenment as he takes a look at the sometimes-bizarre world of Information Security in the modern age. Covering topics such as “the largest IT outage in history” and some of the surprising ways that plain old stupidity still rules, Kevin’s talk is sure to fascinate and amuse.
10:00 A.M. – 10:30 A.M.
Refreshment Break
10:30 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.
Using a Sustainability Index to Align Targets and Increase Transparency in the Data Center Industry
The need for a standardized sustainability assessment tool for new data center builds is growing, driven by factors such as environmental concerns, regulatory compliance, corporate sustainability goals, operational efficiency, and technological advancements. With these factors converging, best practices are emerging to measure and standardize environmental considerations in construction. Utilizing a Sustainable Index establishes baseline measurements for data center aspects and aligns performance goals with the environment and communities they serve. The Index acts as a unifying mechanism for design teams, helping them stay organized and focused on their goals and the interrelationships between various aspects.
J.D. Lambert (bio)
Sustainable Design Leader Mission Critical
HKS
Elizabeth Larsen (bio)
Senor Sustainability Engineer
Bala Consulting Engineers
Karen Petersburg (bio)
Vice President, Data Center Development & Construction
PowerHouse Data Centers
11:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.
Panel:
Skills to Scale for Hyperscale – Strategies for Resolving Skill Shortages and Developing the Talent Pool
This session will focus on addressing skill shortages and developing a robust talent pool necessary for building hyperscale data centers. With projections indicating significant global data center growth, it’s crucial to cultivate a workforce adept in the latest technologies. Strategies will be discussed for upskilling current employees, attracting new talent, and implementing comprehensive training programs to meet the increasing demand, particularly in remote areas where industry presence and talent are limited. Panelists will explore innovative approaches to workforce development, ensuring a smart, efficient, and scalable operation to support the rapid expansion of data infrastructure globally.
Moderator:
Tashbeeb Shahid (bio)
Senior Director, Global Solutions
Black Box
Panelists:
Vince Hoover (bio)
Regional Director, South Central-Mountain
Corning Optical Communications
David Richards (bio)
President, BICSI and
Quality Training Manager for Global Department, Black Box
Buddy Rizer (bio)
Executive Director
Loudoun County Department of Economic Development
12:30 P.M. – 2:00 P.M.
Lunch and Networking
2:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.
Scaling Data Center Development Through Program Management
As the demand for data centers increases, developers face the challenge of rapid and scalable growth. The industry is expanding not only in the Mid-Atlantic but also across North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. To manage this growth effectively, developers should consider adopting a Program Management approach. This strategy ensures efficient site selection, thorough due diligence, and standardized design processes, allowing developers to manage multiple projects simultaneously, control costs, and accelerate speed-to-market. Partnering with program management experts enables developers to customize processes to their specific needs and achieve ambitious goals.
Christopher Kapper (bio)
VP of Development
QTS Data Centers
Michael O’Shaughnessy (bio)
Associate
Bohler
3:00 P.M. – 3:30 P.M.
Refreshment Break
3:30 P.M. – 4:30 P.M.
Concurrent Breakout Sessions
Breakout A:
Data Centers Coming to a Neighborhood Near You
Although nearly everyone in the world depends on data centers, very few people know what they are, how they operate, where they’re located, and why we need them to stay online. The mystery surrounding data centers has led communities to view them as unattractive, boxy buildings that displace open fields and drain city electric and water reserves. Data center experts in design and development will debunk common myths and separate fact from fiction, providing tips on engaging neighbors and the surrounding community to help them understand the value of a data center today.
Denitza Arguirova (bio)
Associate, Data Center Development
Provident Realty
Dutch Wickes (bio)
Principal and Global Mission Critical Practice Leader
Ci Design, Inc.
Breakout B:
Understanding the Latest and Greatest Data Center Construction Codes and Standards
This session will focus on the opportunities embedded in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Industry Applications Society (IAS) concerning construction codes and standards for data centers. Conference attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of how the IEEE IAS—particularly its Commercial Power Systems Department (CPSD) and the IEEE 3000 Standards—can be instrumental in navigating and implementing construction standards and recommended practices for data centers. Key areas covered in this session will include power system design, analysis, protection, and reliability. These and other areas are essential for constructing a highly reliable data center.
Dr. Qais Alsafasfeh (bio)
Engineering Leader, Schneider Electric &
Member, IEEE Datacenter Subcommittee
William Schaumann (bio)
Senior Associate Electrical Engineer, Burns McDonnell &
Secretary, IEEE IAS Datacenter Subcommittee
Breakout C:
Techniques in Minimizing Risk and Evading Fear of New Technologies
Emerging technologies for data centers, such as AI-driven automation and edge computing, present significant opportunities but also evoke concerns. Key issues include cybersecurity threats as connecting more devices for energy management and efficiency increases vulnerability to attacks and data privacy issues. Additionally, there are worries about the environmental impact due to increased energy consumption and electronic waste even with AI optimizing resource usage and improving efficiency. Emerging technologies in data centers must align with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria to ensure sustainable and responsible growth. Environmentally, this involves adopting energy-efficient hardware, utilizing renewable energy sources, and implementing advanced cooling systems to reduce carbon footprints and mitigate climate impact. Does ESG threaten digital transformation? Presenters will address these concerns and share a forward-looking mindset as new technologies come online.
Suzanne Bennett (bio)
Operations Manager
Source Blue/Turner Construction
Kevin Burke (bio)
Global Electrical Platform Manager Construction
Source Blue/Turner
6:30 P.M. – 9:30 P.M.
Sponsored Event
An Evening with Wally Palmar & Friends
Click here for event details.
Wally Palmar
Lead Singer and Co-Founder of The Romantics™
Talking in Your Sleep – What I Like About You, Member of The Empty Hearts and Ringo Starr’s ALL-STAR BAND
Alex Ligertwood
Former Lead Vocalist Santana ™ 1979-1994
All I Ever Wanted, Black Magic Woman, Winning and Hold On
Mike Reno
Lead Singer
Loverboy™
Everybody’s Working for the Weekend, Almost Paradise, Turn Me Loose
Click here for a list of partners that made this event possible.
8:30 A.M. – 8:45 A.M.
Opening Remarks
Bob Cassiliano will review highlights from day two and address housekeeping items of interest.
8:45 A.M. – 9:45 A.M.
Keynote:
Options to Address the Rising Challenge of Sustainability and Water
As temperatures rise and water scarcity and availability change under climate and population challenges, data center operators need to reassess their cooling strategies and water consumption profiles. Water is a local, facility-level issue with reputational and operational risks. This session explores low water use, water management strategies, and cooling system innovations to help operators navigate the sustainability and reliability implications associated with water use.
9:45 A.M. – 10:15 A.M.
Refreshment Break
10:15 A.M. – 11:15 A.M.
Years of Lessons Learned
With decades of experience, the presenters will share some of their most notable lessons learned covering data center incidents, their causes and analysis. This will include design caused issues, how to burn up a cooling tower, commissioning – disaster or salvation, and as many others as time allows covering all aspects of data center design, construction, commissioning and operations.
Dennis Cronin (bio)
Board Member, Mission Critical Global Alliance and
Founding Member, 7×24 Exchange International
Rich Garrison (bio)
Partner
AlfaTech
11:15 A.M. – 12:15 P.M.
How Tech and Energy Companies Can Work Together to Solve the Data Center Energy Challenge
Tech companies aggressively pursuing the advancement and proliferation of AI have hit a brick wall—insufficient power, especially green power. That brick wall is stereotypically slow-moving utilities and other energy companies. How can these two—often considered polar opposites in operations and culture—work together to respond to the challenge?
Colin Cagney (bio)
Director, Infrastructure, Capital Projects and Climate
KPMG
12:15 P.M.
Conference Adjourns
Conference Keynote
Conference Brochure
7×24 Exchange 2024 Fall Conference
(5MB PDF)
