About the forum
American Data Centers Forum
(From Building to Powering)
April 23-24, 2026, Houston
ALJ Group proudly presents the American Data Centers Forum 2026, taking place in April 2026 in Houston. This premier data center industry event brings together top leaders, investors, engineers, and innovators shaping the future of data center infrastructure, power systems, and sustainable compute technologies.
As the demand for data centers, cloud infrastructure, and high-performance computing (HPC) accelerates, the American Data Centers Forum will explore how the industry is evolving — from building to powering data centers for next-generation digital workloads.
Held in Houston, a central hub for AI advancements and data center facilities, the conference will foster collaboration among key stakeholders driving innovation in AI infrastructure.
This AI summit is an unmissable opportunity for professionals looking to stay ahead in the AI event landscape in 2025. Join us to shape the future of AI-powered data centers and position your organization at the forefront of the artificial intelligence revolution.
Reasons to attend
1. Discover Data Center Industry Trends
Stay informed on the latest developments in data center infrastructure, AI integration, and powering sustainable compute shared by global and national experts.
2. Explore the Future of Data Center Technology
Experience groundbreaking advancements in cloud infrastructure, edge data centers, data storage solutions, and AI-powered compute environments transforming the industry.
3.Network with Industry Leaders
Meet and collaborate with data center investors, infrastructure engineers, cloud providers, and technology pioneers driving innovation across the U.S.
4. Position Your Brand as a Market Leader
Showcase your expertise and solutions in data center services, power and cooling systems, and sustainable infrastructure, and position your organization at the forefront of the industry.
5. Shape the Future of Sustainable Power and Infrastructure
Engage in in-depth discussions tackling energy challenges, design strategies, and innovations that ensure reliability, efficiency, and sustainability in tomorrow’s data centers.
6. Prestigious and Influential
Venue Houston, a leading hub for data center and AI innovation, provides a dynamic backdrop for the conference. Experience a city known for its strategic role in advanced computing and its history of driving technological breakthroughs.
Forum Agenda & Topics
The American Data Centers Forum will explore the latest innovations in data center design, power, and infrastructure. Attendees will hear from industry leaders in keynotes and panels covering energy efficiency, sustainable power solutions, cooling technologies, and operational best practices.
Networking opportunities connect participants with data center experts, engineers, and decision-makers, fostering collaboration and actionable insights to optimize performance, reduce costs, and advance the future of reliable, high-performing data centers.
Topics
1
Powering the Data Center of Tomorrow
Designing Energy-Resilient Data Centers Across U.S. Markets: How operators are adapting to grid constraints, regulatory challenges, and climate extremes in regions like ERCOT, PJM, and beyond.
Hydrogen, SMRs, and Emerging Clean Power Solutions: Exploring the role of hydrogen, small modular reactors, and other low-carbon innovations in sustainable data center operations.
Hydrogen in Practice: Real-world deployments and pilot projects using hydrogen as a core or backup energy source — lessons learned, scalability, and regulatory insights.
Decarbonization and CCUS: Practical pathways for carbon capture, utilization, and storage to drive net-zero data center operations.
On-site Generation vs. the Grid: Finding the right mix between local generation and grid dependence to optimize resilience and uptime.
Microgrids, Solar, and Energy Storage: Case studies of operators successfully integrating renewables and storage at scale.
AI + Energy Optimization: Using AI to intelligently manage load, forecast demand, and reduce energy waste across distributed facilities.
Innovative Power Contracts: How PPAs, green tariffs, and new financial models are redefining the way data centers procure clean energy.
2
Cooling & Sustainability
Next-Gen Cooling Systems: From liquid immersion to direct-to-chip and hybrid models, meeting the demands of AI and HPC workloads.
Climate-Adaptive Design: Building facilities that perform efficiently under extreme heat, drought, and unpredictable weather.
Water Efficiency & Stewardship: Smarter strategies for cooling in water-stressed regions and improving total water reuse.
Circular & Low-Carbon Construction: Reducing embodied carbon through sustainable materials and modular reuse.
Heat Recovery & Energy Reuse: Turning waste heat into a valuable energy resource.
Sustainability Metrics & Reporting: How operators are tracking emissions, efficiency, and CCUS contributions to net-zero goals.
3
Construction & Infrastructure
Modular & Prefabricated Builds: Accelerating deployment while improving quality and cost efficiency.
Designing for AI & High-Density Loads: Power, cooling, and spatial planning for tomorrow’s workloads.
Smart Site Selection: Balancing grid access, renewable potential, and policy incentives in site decisions.
Building for Resilience: Construction practices that safeguard against climate risk and natural disasters.
Sustainable Materials & Methods: How low-carbon concrete, recycled steel, and other innovations are reducing emissions from the ground up.
4
Connectivity That Matters
High-Bandwidth Fabrics for AI: Managing massive data flows across compute-intensive clusters.
Edge Deployments: Extending capacity closer to users for IoT, AR/VR, and low-latency applications.
Neutral Interconnection & Exchanges: Optimizing connectivity in colocation and hyperscale environments.
Global Backbone & Subsea Cables: Ensuring resilience and scalability in international data flows.
Network Resilience & Redundancy: Designing multi-layered networks for continuous uptime and security.
5
Resilience & Operations
Mission-Critical Operations: Proven practices that make uptime non-negotiable.
Predictive Maintenance & Digital Twins: Leveraging AI and real-time analytics to anticipate issues before they occur.
Extreme Weather Preparedness: Designing for hurricanes, wildfires, and other climate-driven threats.
Cyber-Physical Security: Safeguarding infrastructure against both digital and physical risks.
Automation & Operational Efficiency: How robotics, AI, and automation are reshaping day-to-day operations.
6
Investment & Strategy
Financing the Future: From green bonds and REITs to private equity and infrastructure funds.
ROI from Energy & Cooling Innovation: Turning sustainability gains into measurable business outcomes.
Policy, ESG & Regulation: Understanding how new permitting, interconnection, and decarbonization policies impact growth.
M&A and Market Dynamics: Insights into consolidation, regional expansion, and competitive strategy.
Business Models for AI & Edge: Evolving colocation, leasing, and partnership models in an AI-first world.
Connect with
Industry Leaders at the American Data Centers Forum
Discover opportunities to engage as a speaker, sponsor, partner, or attendee at the American Data Centers Forum. For more information on participation, please reach out to our team at info@alj-group.com.
