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April 20-23, 2026
Walter E. Washington Convention CenterWashington, D.C.

2026 Event Schedule

Data Center 101: A Modern Master Class for the AI and High-Density Era

Bill Kleyman  (Executive Chairman, DCW and Co-Founder, CEO, Apolo.us)
Location: Ballroom C
Date: Tuesday, April 21
Time: 10:00 am - 10:45 am
Pass Type: AFCOM Solution Provider, All Access Conference, Industry Conference, Standard Conference - Get your pass now!
Track: Colocation, Hyperscale & Cloud Innovation
Session Type: Conference Session
Vault Recording: TBD
Audience Level: All Audiences

The data center industry is changing faster than at any point in its history. Record-breaking demand from AI, unprecedented rack densities, new power constraints, and a global race to build capacity have completely rewritten what “Data Center 101” means in 2025 and 2026. This session brings newcomers and seasoned pros into the same room for a hands-on masterclass where we will design a modern data center together and unpack the fundamentals through the lens of today’s reality.

We will break down the core components of digital infrastructure while exploring the forces reshaping everything from site selection to cooling strategy. Expect to dive into AI clusters, liquid cooling, next-generation GPUs, new sources of power like hydrogen and nuclear, and the operational challenges that come with running facilities that routinely push past 50 to 100 kW per rack.

If you want a practical, engaging, and future-focused guide to building and operating data centers in the AI era, this is it. Come ready to learn, collaborate, and rethink what a “standard” data center looks like in a world that refuses to slow down.