Data Center Investing and Planning
Data Center Investing and Planning – May 13, 2026
Join top developers, designers, utilities, investors, and policy experts for a one-day summit focused on the future of U.S. data center expansion. The Summit will cover strategies and technologies for next-generation facilities—such as AI-optimized data centers—while addressing grid constraints and labor shortages.
Participants include: Open AI, ConEdison, Constellation, NYSIO, NYSERDA, National Grid, PSEG, Skidmore Owings and Merrill, Gensler, Marx|Okubo Associates, Inc., Prologis and many more.
Key topics include grid expansion and utility collaboration, Power Purchase Agreements, distributed energy, AI compute efficiency, onsite power generation (nuclear, solar, geothermal, wind, battery storage, liquid cooling), innovations in cooling and IT infrastructure, policy sessions, land and leasing trends, community relations, design/build strategies from firms like Gensler and SOM, evolving density and business models, the economic impact of data center growth, and modular solutions.
Confirmed Speakers:
Keith Heyde, Dir of Industrial Compute, OpenAI
Dr. Malio West, CFO, ECOPowerSource
Aundre Oldacre, Managing Partner, AoRa Development
Cameron Brooks, President, E9 Energy Insight
Dennis Garrett, CEO, Blue Lake Clean Energy
Hal Corin, Head of Development, Viridi
Amit Desai, Senior Assoc. , Marx|Okubo Associates, Inc.
Kelsyn Rooks, Dir. of Strategic Accounts, Cupix
Hal Corin, Head of Development, Viridi
Agenda Highlights:
8:00 AM: Registration & Networking
8:50 AM: Opening Remarks
9:00 AM: Policy to Balance Sustainability
9:20 AM: Data Center Investing & Strategic Planning -
9:40 AM: Impact of AI- Keith Heyde, Dir of Industrial Compute, OpenAI
10:00 AM: "Grid constraints and Powered-land due diligence"- Amit Desai, Senior Associate, Marx|Okubo Associates, Inc.
10:20 AM: Grid Resiliency & Demand Response (NYSERDA, ConEd, National Grid, PSEG)
10:40 AM: Embracing AI - Aundre Oldacre, Managing Partner, AoRa Development
11:00 AM: Nuclear Energy in Data Centers
11:20 AM: Protecting Ratepayers
11:40 AM: Technology Showcase
12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch & Networking
1:00–2:00 PM: Extended Networking, Demos & Roundtables
Key Topics:
Strengthening Data Center–Utility Collaboration
Insights from Constellation, ConEd, National Grid, Eversource, PSEG, and additional leading utilities
Strategies for improved partnerships and communication
Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and Distributed Energy
Exploring innovative PPAs
Distributed energy resources and opportunities for data centers
AI Compute and Efficiency Strategies
Leveraging AI to optimize data center performance and reduce operational costs
Onsite Power Generation Solutions
Nuclear, solar, geothermal, TENS, wind
Long-duration battery storage and liquid cooling advancements
Innovations in Infrastructure
Latest developments in cooling, security, networking, and IT infrastructure
Policy Innovation and Regulatory Updates
Sessions led by NYISO
Navigating evolving energy and grid policies
Land, Leasing, and Real Estate Models
Optimal site selection and leasing strategies
Approaches to land use and maximizing property value
Community Engagement and Resistance
Addressing local concerns and fostering positive community relationships
Design and Build Strategies
Perspectives from Gensler, HOK, SOM on modern data center design
Adapting to changing density and new business models (e.g., GPU hardware refresh cycles)
Economic Impact of Data Center Growth
Quantifying positive impacts: 144% direct income growth over six years
Modular Data Center Solutions
Scalable, flexible approaches for rapid deployment