2026 Event Schedule
Winning Over the "Not In My Backyard" Crowd
Join Parker Slaybaugh and Tim Alborg for an inside look at how the data center industry is reintroducing itself to communities through trust-based, human-centered public affairs. This session weaves together two landmark efforts: Virginia Connects—the largest public affairs campaign ever developed solely to educate the public on the need for and benefits of data centers—and Rowan Digital Infrastructure’s community engagement strategy for Maryland’s first hyperscale campus.
Over the past two years, LINK Public Affairs has helped transform a highly technical, often misunderstood industry into a relatable, community-focused story. Through creative storytelling, emotional connection, and high-impact media and digital campaigns, Virginia Connects centered on the people, jobs, and essential services enabled by data centers—moving the conversation beyond infrastructure to impact.
The session also dives into a ground-level case study of how those principles were applied at hyperscale. Attendees will learn how Rowan Digital Infrastructure approached community engagement for a 600+ MW campus, not as a regulatory checkbox, but as a strategic priority. The team will share practical tactics for designing and executing open houses that attracted more than 75 attendees each, maximizing turnout through direct mail, civic outreach, and media partnerships, and preparing subject matter experts to address concerns around noise, water use, and visual impact.
Together, these case studies offer a replicable model for developers and advocates seeking to build not just critical infrastructure, but lasting community relationships at scale.