Event Experiences
The Perfect Balance of Learning and Enjoyment
Data Center World masterfully blends serious professional development with a genuinely enjoyable atmosphere. You'll leave feeling both professionally enriched and personally energized—proof that industry events can be both valuable and fun.
Networking That Doesn't Feel Like Work! Forget stiff, formal networking events. Data Center World fosters organic connections over shared challenges, mutual interests, and common goals. You'll find yourself in engaging conversations that flow naturally—from technical deep-dives to industry war stories that have everyone laughing. And puppies! Don't forget the puppies!
2025 Event Experiences Recap
There's something electric about being surrounded by hundreds of passionate professionals who genuinely love what they do. The enthusiasm for innovation, problem-solving, and technological breakthroughs creates an atmosphere that's both inspiring and genuinely fun. What's even better is spending time networking with those same people. Whether it be at a networking reception, taking some golf swings in the expo hall, getting a tattoo (yes, really!), having a blast at the conference party, or catching the Rack & Stack competition in action, there is so much to do. While we wait for the announcement of our 2026 event experiences, enjoy a recap of our 2025 lineup!
Omdia Analyst Summit
Analyst insight into how AI computing will change the data center out to 2030
Popular opinion on AI computing was split between those who perceived the ramping investment as a bubble, and those who were convinced by the technological advancements, therefore risking underinvestment. In this session, the Omdia analyst team showed data-backed AI adoption and technology development projections.
The session explored key themes on how computing was increasingly being planned at the rack level, with multiple parallel development efforts driving different facility requirements for data center operators. Powering and cooling AI computing was increasingly becoming application or even end-user-specific. Omdia brought experts from technology innovators for two industry panels to provide a range of views on this.
Women in the Data Center Networking Reception
When: Monday, April 14, 2025 | 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Location: 3rd Level, Ballroom Foyer
All were welcome to join the Women in the Data Center Reception to meet and network with other industry professionals. Data Center World believed it was vital to foster the careers of women in the Data Center. Attendees joined the conversation immediately following the Women in the Data Center Workshop. This event included beverages and light hors d'oeuvres.
Sponsored by:
Expo Hall Welcome Reception
When: Tuesday, April 15, 2025 | 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Location: Expo Hall Floor
We welcomed attendees to the highly anticipated Expo Hall Opening Reception, where the energy was palpable as industry professionals gathered to mix, mingle, and reconnect after months of anticipation. The event marked the official launch of the expo experience, creating the perfect atmosphere for meaningful connections and exciting discoveries.
Sponsored by:
Rack & Stack Challenge
When: Tuesday, April 15 | 4:15 pm - 5:25 pm
Location: DCW Theatre
The Rack and Stack Competition took place at Data Center World, April 14-17, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. The main competition occurred at the Expo Hall Theatre on April 15, and the finals took place on April 17. After teams submitted their information, organizers contacted them during the week of April 7 with details regarding their participation. Members of the winning team each received a $250 gift card, and the runner-up team members each received a $100 gift card.
2025 Winner: Introl
2025 Runner-Up: Silverback Data Center Solutions
This competition wouldn’t be possible without the generous donations from our incredible sponsors:
- Martin International Enclosures – Server Racks
- nVent - System Protection – In-Rack PDUs
- ZONIT – Power Cords
- Revalize Software – Network Cables
- OceanTech IT Asset Disposition – Servers & Switches
- Securis – SAN Arrays
Recharge Lounge
When: Expo Hall Hours
Location: Concourse Outside Expo Hall
Attendees found the perfect opportunity to recharge both their devices and themselves in the dedicated mobile device charging lounge, which became a popular gathering spot throughout the event.
Conveniently located in the Concourse Outside Expo Hall, the charging lounge was easily accessible from all major event areas, making it a natural stopping point between sessions, meetings, and expo floor visits.
Sponsored by:
Golf Simulator Experience
When: Expo Hall Hours
Location: Expo Hall
An absolutely thrilling Golf Simulator Experience had attendees lining up with excitement at space #695, proudly sponsored by Avail Infrastructure Solutions. The buzz around this interactive attraction was infectious, as data center professionals discovered their hidden golf talents while taking a well-deserved break from the technical sessions.
The state-of-the-art setup featured cutting-edge TRACKMAN ball flight tracker technology—the exact same system used to analyze every swing at PGA Tour events—paired with premium Callaway golf clubs that made every participant feel like a pro. The precision of the technology amazed attendees as they watched their virtual ball flights arc across stunning digital golf courses.
Sponsored by:
Innovation Challenge
When: Wednesday, April 16 | 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Location: DCW Theatre
Be sure to join us for the ‘Shark Tank’ of the Data Center industry! This 4th annual tech startup competition showcases promising solution providers who are developing or selling a technology or service that directly impacts the data center or data center professionals.
Judged by a panel of experts, the Finalists will brief on their go-to-market approach, financial progress, and ‘proof of concept’ support they’ve driven to date. Presenters will have 10 minutes to share their story and judges will have 5 minutes to ask searing questions and provide quick insights on their strengths and weaknesses. Winners across categories will be announced at Wednesday night’s Conference Party.
Data Center World Conference Party
When: Wednesday, April 16 | 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Location: 3rd Level, Atrium Foyer
The data center community proved they knew how to party at Wednesday night's unforgettable conference celebration! Everyone came together to celebrate the industry's incredible growth in true Jersey Shore style. The 'Jersey Shore Boardwalk' theme was a total hit! Attendees went wild for the classic skee ball tournaments, indulged in sweet cotton candy, and danced the night away to the DJ's killer Bon Jovi playlist. "Livin' on a Prayer" had the entire crowd singing along! Premium cocktails flowed while everyone enjoyed delicious finger foods throughout the night.
Sponsored by:
Data Centers: Your Career Transition for Armed Forces & Federal Workers
When: Thursday, April 17 | 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Location: Room 102 A/B on the 1st level of the Convention Center.
AFCOM's Data Center World was proud to partner with iMasons to host an important data center community event that helped those in the Armed Forces and Federal Government who were seeking new career opportunities.
Attendees heard from industry experts about how their skills applied to the booming local industry. They learned what opportunities were available for them, networked with hiring managers across digital infrastructure, and became part of where the internet lives.
Event overview:
- Industry overview
- Pannel on key jobs and what skills translate
- Job Matching Portal overview
- Training available
- Local events and networking
- Lunch with Hiring Managers plus Expo floor tour
Supporting Industry Partners:
Passport to Prizes
When: Thursday, April 17 | 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Data Center World Headquarters, Booth #577
The excitement was palpable as attendees picked up their passports at the Data Center World Headquarters, Booth 577, and embarked on their prize-hunting adventure across the expo floor. The passport program created a thrilling treasure hunt atmosphere as participants eagerly visited exhibitors, collecting stamps and entries for their chance to win some truly incredible prizes.
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