Event Experiences

When: Monday, April 20, 2026 | 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Location: TBA

The Trillion Dollar AIDC Boom: From Megaclusters and Microgrids to the Moon
Analyst insight into AIDC opportunities, breakthroughs and bottlenecks.

As data center investments surpass $1 trillion in 2026, the Omdia Analyst Summit at Data Center World 2026 is your opportunity to explore how AI is transforming the industry. From installing increasingly bigger GPU clusters to meet the growing demand for AI, to the rise of microgrid projects addressing power challenges, Omdia analysts will provide you with independent data-driven insights into the full technology stack powering today's data centers. Attend this session to see why industry giants like AWS, Google, and Citibank rely on Omdia for a data-driven, technical perspective.

When: Monday, April 20, 2026 | 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Location: 3rd Level, Ballroom Foyer

Everyone is invited to the Women in the Data Center Reception—a perfect opportunity to connect and network with fellow industry professionals in a welcoming and supportive environment. At Data Center World, empowering and advancing the careers of women in the data center industry is a top priority. Attendees join the lively conversation right after the Women in the Data Center Workshop, enjoying beverages and light hors d'oeuvres as they share ideas and build meaningful connections.

Data Center World 2026 offers expanded Expo Hall Hours to give you more time to meet with the impressive lineup of Solution Providers, listen to informative Solution Spotlights, take in our event experiences (puppies, anyone?), and much more!

Tuesday, April 21, 2026
2:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Wednesday, April 22, 2026
10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Thursday, April 23, 2026
10:00 am - 1:00 pm

When: Tuesday, April 21, 2026 | 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Location: Expo Hall Floor

Join us for the highly anticipated Expo Hall Opening Reception. We will mix, mingle, and reconnect after being apart for months. The event marks the official launch of the expo hall experience. Meet with 450+ solution providers, take in multiple interactive event experiences, attend Solution Spotlights, and much more.

When: Expo Hall Hours
Location: Expo Hall, Booth 1870

Experience the thrill of the Golf Simulator on the expo floor at booth #1870, proudly sponsored by Voltaris Power. This exciting attraction features TRACKMAN ball flight tracker technology—the same cutting-edge system used at PGA Tour events—and Callaway golf clubs. Test your skills in the longest drive and closest-to-the-pin challenges or take your shot at the golden ball shootout competition for a chance to win the daily Grand Prize of $10,000 with a hole-in-one!

While waiting for your turn at the Tee-box, be sure to speak with the team at Voltaris Power. Voltaris Power designs and delivers custom electrical power systems built around your needs — not the other way around. Powered by legacy companies Jefferson Electric and PCEP, Voltaris creates infrastructure that doesn’t blink. From data centers to critical facilities, their custom systems — including Integrated Power Centers and PDU Transformers — deliver reliability, precision, and uninterrupted uptime.

When: Tuesday, April 21 | 4:15 pm - 6:00 pm
Location: Expo Hall – The Uptime Stage

Anyone can fill a rack. But doing it right, balancing weight distribution, optimizing airflow, managing power and cabling, and ensuring clean maintenance access, that's where real expertise shows. The Rack & Stack Championship celebrates the craft behind great data center operations. This live, single-elimination bracket-style tournament puts those skills on full display as two-person teams go head-to-head in a race against the clock to build the cleanest, smartest, and fastest rack.

Proper rack and stack work prevents overheating, reduces downtime, and drives operational efficiency. It's the backbone of reliable infrastructure, and now it's time to give it the spotlight it deserves. Whether you're a seasoned operations pro or someone who thrives on a good challenge, this is your chance to step onto the Uptime Stage, compete in front of your peers, and prove your skills against the best in the industry

Prizes

• Champions: $250 gift card per team member + ultimate bragging rights
• Runner-Up: $100 gift card per team member
• All Competitors: Walk away with a legendary story to tell back at the office

Ready to compete? Email Sean.Tolliver@informa.com with your team’s name and each member's full name and on-site contact info. Rack and Stack registration closes April 7th, and spots are limited. We'll send you competition details on April 10th.

Participants must be registered Data Center World attendees to compete.

This year, 24 selected startups will have the opportunity to pitch directly to venture capitalists, accelerators, utilities, hyperscalers and ABB executives, gaining valuable exposure to key decision-makers across the data center ecosystem.

The Data Center World Innovation Challenge, powered by ABB, will showcase the most exciting and impactful data center technologies currently on the market. Discover startups driving transformation, explore breakthrough solutions, and connect with the ecosystem shaping the future of data centers.

New for 2026!

• Innovation Alley: Start-ups will showcase their solutions to thousands of data center professionals via our dedicated exhibit space.
• Innovation Challenge: Pitch your solution to a panel of esteemed judges, with a chance for data center glory!
• Dedicated Networking Reception: Mix and mingle with the movers and shakers in the industry.
• Keynote Level Exposure: Winners will be announced at the Thursday DCW keynote.

When: Wednesday, April 22, 2026 | 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Location: Expo Hall Floor

Participating Booths:
Babcock Power, 1959
Digital Shovel, 612

When: Wednesday, April 22, 2026 | 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Third Level - Ballroom C

Dust off your cowboy boots and grab your bandana—Data Center World is gearing up for an unforgettable night of country-themed fun! As we set our sights on Nashville in 2027, this year’s Conference Party will bring the heart and soul of the South straight to you with a lively hoedown you won’t want to miss.

Enjoy live country music, line dancing, authentic down-home cookin’, lasso rope demonstrations and Southern-inspired libations. This is more than just a party—it’s the ultimate networking event where connections are made, ideas are shared, and memories are created.

So, are you ready to two-step your way to new opportunities? Don’t miss this must-attend celebration of the data center community!