Public Policy Forum
Data Center World Public Policy Forum In partnership with ITI
When: Thursday, April 23, 2026 | 10:15 am - 1:30 pm
Location: Ballroom C
Pass Type: All Access, Standard Industry Conference, or AFCOM Solution Provider
Presented in partnership with ITI, the leading global technology advocate, this one-day forum on April 23 will convene policymakers, data center executives, and community leaders to address the critical policy decisions at the federal, state, and local level that are shaping the industry’s future. The program will also explore how the industry is working with communities to address challenges and highlight the data center ecosystem’s role in driving employment and technical innovation.
Public Policy Forum: Arctic Advantage: Alaska’s Emerging Role in the Future of Digital Infrastructure
A Fireside Conversation with Governor Mike Dunleavy
Public Policy Forum Featured Keynote
As demand for AI, cloud, and digital services accelerates, the search for scalable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure has taken center stage. In this keynote conversation, Governor Mike Dunleavy joins Bill Kleyman to explore why Alaska is emerging as a compelling frontier for next-generation data center development.
From natural cooling and abundant energy resources to strategic geographic positioning and economic incentives, Alaska offers a unique combination of advantages that extend beyond traditional site selection criteria. This session will unpack how the state is positioning itself to support the future of digital infrastructure—from hyperscale deployments to AI-ready facilities.
Mike Dunleavy
Governor, State of Alaska
Governor Mike Dunleavy arrived in Alaska in 1983 as a young man looking for opportunity, and he found it. His first job was working in a logging camp in Southeast Alaska. Later on, Governor Dunleavy pursued his dream of becoming a teacher. He earned his teacher's certificate and then a Master of Education degree from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He spent nearly two decades in northwest Arctic communities working as a teacher, principal, and superintendent.
Public Policy Forum Sessions
A Congressional View on Data Center Policy and Politics
U.S. Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA) is at the forefront of data center, AI, energy, and technology issues that are critical to the data center industry. Rep. Obernolte will discuss why he advocates for tackling these data center and AI issues at the federal level, as well as how data centers will factor into this year’s public policy debates and elections. He’ll also explore initiatives he’s leading to focus AI research and investment, including his recent Cloud LAB Act to strengthen America’s AI-biotechnology capabilities.
Rep. Jay Obernolte
U.S. House of Representatives
Gordon Bitko
Executive Vice President
Information Technology Industry Council
Data Center Doubts: How the Industry’s Addressing Growing Community Concerns
As local scrutiny grows, successful data center deployment increasingly depends on proactive engagement, transparency, and delivering tangible community benefits. Experts discuss the top community concerns and how the industry can best address them.
John Stephenson
Vice President, Public Policy, Global
Vantage Data Centers
Ernest Popescu
Founder & CEO
Metrobloks
Buddy Rizer
Executive Director
Loudoun County Economic Development
Data Centers and Jobs: Understanding the Impact of the Data Center Ecosystem on Employment and Growth
This panel will examine the full economic footprint of AI infrastructure, including jobs across manufacturing, construction, and operations. It’ll explore why the supply chains and domestic manufacturing that support data centers are central to U.S. competitiveness and growth and discuss the policy framework needed to strengthen America’s leadership in the AI era.
Tiffany Kovaleski
Founder and CEO
The GOR Group
Martin Olsen
VP, Segment Strategy & Deployment, Data Centers
Vertiv
Donald Slaiman
Director of Community Relations
IBEW Local 26
Erica Thomas
Director of Government Relations
Vertiv
Maureen K. Russell
Acting Deputy Associate Administrator
Office of Policy Analysis and Development
National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA)
Permitting Reform for Next-Generation Digital Infrastructure
Improving digital infrastructure is a national economic and security imperative, but data center permitting decisions are local, addressing the concerns of each community. Here’s how two Congressional leaders on this issue, Rep. Scott Peters (D-CA) and Rep. Julie Fedorchak. (R-ND), are shaping public policy around permitting and working for national standards and guidelines.
Rep. Julie Fedorchak
U.S. House of Representatives
Rep. Scott Peters
U.S. House of Representatives
Who Should Attend:
- Government and Policymakers: Local, regional, and national government officials as well as representatives from regulatory bodies, energy commissions, and environmental agencies
- Data Center Operators and Owners: Leaders from hyperscale, colocation, and enterprise data centers
- Technology Providers and Vendors: Companies offering hardware, software, and energy solutions for data centers as well as cloud service providers and IT infrastructure companies
- Investors and Financial Institutions: Investors and analysts focused on data center development
- Energy Experts: Grid operators and energy consultants
- Academics and Researchers: Experts in data center innovation and energy efficiency
Interested in Sponsoring the Public Policy Forum?
Contact our sales team to learn how you can sponsor this exclusive forum and stand out as a key influencer in addressing challenges and highlighting the data center ecosystem’s role in driving employment and technical innovation.
Position your brand as the go-to partner for strategic stakeholders
Standout as a sponsor in a private, focused environment with 200+ senior professionals eager to learn and engage with industry experts
Showcase your expertise and innovation, demonstrating knowledge of critical policy decisions shaping the industry’s future
Demonstrate your commitment to policymakers, data center executives, and community leaders