As AI reshapes industries, data centres have never been more critical – or more complex. The surge in AI-driven workloads is transforming design, demanding higher-density compute power, innovative cooling, and sustainable infrastructure. Hyperscalers and enterprises must navigate evolving real estate strategies, power constraints, and automation to stay ahead. Beyond Sydney and Melbourne, new data centre ecosystems are emerging to support ultra-low-latency processing and edge computing, accelerated by AI, IoT, and 5G. This keynote will explore how AI is redefining data centre scale, investment, and technology roadmaps, and what it takes to build, operate, and invest in the next generation of AI-driven infrastructure.

Angus Baron, Head of Engineering & Customer Development, NEXTDC

In a world being rapidly reshaped by artificial intelligence and digital transformation, data centres have become the backbone of progress. Join Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) for an exclusive deep dive into the Top Data Centre Trends defining the next decade. From the AI GPUs arms race to the rise of regional edge hubs, from innovation in Data Centre design and construction to their financial returns, this keynote will unpack what’s driving growth and what investors, operators and DC service providers need to know now.

Drawing from A&M’s latest market intelligence across the U.S. and Australia, we’ll spotlight why data centres are not just infrastructure—they’re strategic assets. Expect insights on hybrid asset evolution, sovereign data pressures, and how AI is rewriting the rulebook on compute and capacity. Whether you’re investing in digital infrastructure or navigating operational complexity, this session is your essential map to what’s next.

John Sanger, Managing Director, Alvarez & Marsal

The data centre market is continuing to evolve at a rapid pace. Demand for cloud capacity continues to increase whilst generative AI is revolutionising the design, scale and thus the required level of investment into the data centre space.

Driving the growth of the market are tech giants and hyperscalers as they rapidly upscale. Thus the makeup of the market is now being defined by hyperscalers as they look to increase both the number and size of data centres in Australia and across the globe. Australia remains an attractive base for data centre development against the backdrop of the APAC market and thus the opportunity to capitalise on national and global demand is huge.

In the race to meet such an unprecedent level of demand, data centre stakeholders face a number of industry defining challenges that must be overcome. Join this panel to uncover:

• Demand drivers: How AI, cloud computing, and IoT are fuelling exponential growth in the sector
• Development hurdles: Can Australia provide the access to power and water required for data centre development & how are planning requirements influencing the rate of development
• Geographic market analysis: The dominance of Sydney and Melbourne and the rise of Perth and Brisbane as new data centre hubs
• Growth trajectories and projections: Key factors influencing the market’s short- and long-term growth in Australia against growth in APAC
• Investment & development opportunities: Emerging trends and untapped opportunities for stakeholders in the data centre real estate market

Panellists include:

Laura Caspari, Chief Renewables Officer, ENGIE Au

Andrew Green, Associate Director Data Centres, Datacom

Ben Crowe, Associate Director - Colo & Cloud, Vertiv

Moderated by:

Paul Dwyer, Chief Development Officer, Data Centres, ESR

In this fireside chat, NEXTDC, Kapitol Group, and WT Partnership share insights from their six-year collaboration delivering over 200MW of data centre capacity. They’ll explore how the data centre landscape has evolved—marked by unprecedented scale, tighter procurement environments, longer lead times, and growing complexity. Drawing on real project experience, the panel will highlight how early strategic alliances between clients, contractors, and consultants can de-risk procurement, improve price surety, and accelerate speed to market. With a focus on transparency, shared risk, and the integration of tools like VDC and AI, this session unpacks the blueprint for scalable, efficient delivery.

Graeme Shannon, Managing Director, Riello UPS

Alex Lamond, National Data Centres Sector Lead, WT Australia

Angus Baron, Head of Engineering & Customer Development, NEXTDC

Facilitated by

Adam Gangi, Director, Base Services Group

Join industry leaders and innovators as we tackle some of the most pressing challenges and exciting opportunities facing the industry today. In this interactive session, you can choose a focus group that aligns with your interests, allowing for deeper engagement on topics that matter most to you. Each roundtable will be led by a prominent voice in the industry, guiding discussions that will empower you to address your greatest challenges and uncover new possibilities. Don’t miss this chance to connect, collaborate, and innovate with peers in a supportive environment!

Round Table 1: What’s driving the use of AI in Australia and how can we support it?

Moderated by: Beth Gentle, National Services Manager, Australian IT Services

Round Table 2: Developing next generation data centres

Moderated by: Alex Lamond, National Data Centres Sector Lead, WT Australia & Tim Trimble, Construction Manager – Data Centres, Kapitol Group

Round Table 3: Cooling strategies for AI-driven data centres

Moderated by: Mark Deguara, General Manager Data Centres, Schneider Electric

Round Table 4: Meeting the stringent safety requirements for static control for protection of data centre assets

Moderated by: Raj Kumar, Technical Manager – South Asia, Polyflor

Round Table 5: Investment Trends in the Data Centre Sector

Moderated by: Fraser Bentley, Director, Bentley Valuations & Advisory

Round Table 6: Engineering Reliable Power: Grid Limitations, Redundancy Design, and Execution Strategies

Moderated by: Graeme Shannon, Managing Director, Riello UPS

Round Table 7: Optimising Data Centre Operations Across Borders: Lessons from Managing ANZ Portfolios

Moderated by: Andrew Green, Associate Director Data Centres, Datacom

Round Table 8: Delivering complex data centre projects within tight timelines

Moderated by: Andrew Rampton, Industry Transformation Lead, Procore

Round Table 9: Grid Connection Challenges and Solutions for New Data Centre Developments

Moderated by: Keith Middleton, Managing Director, Middleton Group

Round Table 10: Leveraging Procurement Strategies to Accelerate AI-Driven Data Centre Innovation in Australia

Moderated by: Richard Morrison, Industry Director – Technology Advisory, AECOM

Moderators

Beth Gentle, Sydney Chapter Secretary, AFCOM

Alex Lamond, National Data Centres Sector Lead, WT Australia

Graeme Shannon, Managing Director, Riello UPS

Mark Deguara, General Manager, Data Centres, Schneider Electric

Raj Kumar, Technical Manager – South Asia, Polyflor

Fraser Bentley, Director, Bentley Valuations & Advisory

Graeme Shannon, Managing Director, Riello UPS

Andrew Green, Associate Director Data Centres, Datacom

Andrew Rampton, Industry Transformation Lead, Procore

Keith Middleton, Managing Director, Middleton Group

Richard Morrison, Industry Director - Technology Advisory, AECOM

Data Centres are both real estate and digital infrastructure. In this session we will explore the legal issues that need to be navigated in developing or acquiring a Data Centre including the following:

• Acquisition structuring including MIT treatment
• Navigating FIRB requirements and conditions
• Due diligence matters on acquisitions
• Managing construction contracts and pre-leasing; and
• Common planning issues

Sebastian Busa, Partner, Baker McKenzie

As the digital economy expands, data centres play a critical role in powering cloud services, AI, and global connectivity. However, this rapid growth raises pressing questions about their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impact. From energy consumption and water usage to carbon emissions and ethical governance, the data centre sector is grappling with how to balance operational demands with sustainability goals.

This session will explore how to better balance the environmental and social trade-offs of hyperscale computing. A panel of data centre stakeholders including investors, owners, operators, and occupiers will share strategies to mitigate ESG risks while unlocking their benefits.

• What are the critical ESG risks and opportunities for data centres?
• How can supply chain collaboration drive sustainable outcomes?
• What innovative approaches should we prioritize in the short and long term?
• With the evolution of Deep Space, will the energy demands of DC’s decline and foster a more sustainable model?

Marcel Zalloua, CEO, ResetData

Kavickumar Muruganathan, ESG Policy & Planning Director APAC, Microsoft

Rasika Mohan, Convener, Bhumi

Moderated by

Sheridan Ware, Board Director, Sustainable Digitalisation Project and former CIO, Charter Hall

AI and High-Performance Computing (HPC) drive higher rack densities, introducing new power and cooling challenges for IT infrastructure. This underscores the need for seamless collaboration in the design, construction, and operation of critical data center infrastructure.

• Strategies for managing increased power demands and heat generation in AI-driven data centres
• The role of liquid cooling and other emerging technologies in maintaining energy efficiency
• Collaborative approaches between operators, engineers, and technology providers to future-proof data centre infrastructure

LuLu Shiraz, Senior Director - Sales, Vertiv Australia and New Zealand

This session provides a deep dive into the financial landscape of the data centre real estate sector, uncovering the growing interest from private equity firms, real estate investment trusts and institutional investors. This panel will bring together leading fund managers, financial analysts and capital markets specialists to discuss the dynamics shaping capital flows and corporate transactions. Whether you are an established investor or new to the sector, this session will equip you with the knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of data centre real estate investment.

• Private Equity and REIT involvement: The role of institutional investors in funding and shaping the data centre landscape
• Structuring Investments for Long-Term Returns: Strategies to align financial models with market trends and operational demands
• ROI Evaluation: Key metrics and considerations for assessing the profitability of data centre real estate investments

Panellists include:

Michael Gold, General Manager Data Centre Investments, Macquarie Technology Group

Ian Holmes, Partner, Denison Partners

John Sanger, Managing Director, Alvarez & Marsal

Moderated by:

Alex Moffat, Australian Head of APAC Data Centre Capital Markets, Cushman & Wakefield

The rapid growth of data centres is reshaping Australia’s digital infrastructure, but accelerated development faces significant hurdles, particularly in planning approvals. Local zoning laws, environmental considerations, and resource challenges—especially in states like NSW with complex local government regulations—can hinder progress. This panel will bring together experts in design, policy, and sustainability to discuss strategies for streamlining approvals, managing environmental impacts, and aligning development with regulatory and community expectations.

• Zoning and site selection: Examining how local zoning laws and infrastructure requirements shape site selection and strategies to ensure connectivity and alignment with resource needs
• Environmental sustainability: Tackling the challenges of energy and water consumption with innovative solutions, such as renewable energy integration, cooling system advancements, and waste heat management
• Streamlining approval processes: Navigating complex planning regulations, including the SEARs process and local council requirements, with insights from recent successful projects
• Balancing stakeholder demands: Addressing the expectations of communities, policymakers, and environmental authorities to ensure responsible and efficient development

Moderated by:

Jennifer Cooper, Director, Urbis

Panellists include:

Sumit Mukhija, CEO, DCI Data Centers

Barnaby Bennett, Senior Design Advisor, Government Architect NSW

Baz Tarhini, Project Director (Data Centres), Hickory

Join some of the most innovative thinkers in the data centre sector as they explore how cutting-edge technology, design, and services are shaping the future of the industry.

In this dynamic rapid-fire session, five forward-thinking companies will showcase their groundbreaking approaches to developing and operating data centres, offering valuable insights into the latest trends and solutions.

• Innovation Talk 1: High-Performance Sustainable Facades: Strategies for Energy Efficiency and Environmental Impact Reduction

Led by: John Joseph, Director, Aambianz Pty

• Innovation Talk 2: Maximising data centre cooling

Led by: Xenos Mouskos, Applied Lead Sales Manager, Johnson Controls

• Innovation Talk 3 : Leveraging digital twin technology for the entire life cycle

Gerben Tiekstra, Team Lead Solutions Engineering, Siemens

Moderated by:

Beth Gentle, National Services Manager, Australian IT Services

John Joseph, Director, Aambianz Pty

Xenos Mouskos, Applied Lead Sales Manager, Johnson Controls

Gerben Tiekstra, Team Lead Solutions Engineering, Siemens

Moderated by:

Beth Gentle, Sydney Chapter Secretary, AFCOM

As AI and High-Performance Computing (HPC) drive unprecedented power and cooling demands, data centre operators must rethink traditional infrastructure strategies. Energy efficiency, resilience, and sustainability are no longer optional—they are mission-critical. This session, led by experts from Schneider Electric, will explore how innovative power and cooling solutions are shaping the future of data centre real estate. Attendees will gain actionable insights into next-gen energy management, liquid cooling innovations, and automation-driven efficiency to future-proof their operations.

• Managing the energy demands of AI & HPC: How AI workloads are reshaping power consumption and grid requirements
• Next-Gen cooling technologies: The role of liquid cooling, immersion cooling, and AI-driven thermal management in tackling rising heat densities
• Sustainability & renewable integration: How data centres can incorporate microgrids, battery storage, and renewable energy sources for efficiency and ESG compliance
• Automation & real-time energy optimisation: Leveraging AI-powered Data Centre Infrastructure Management (DCIM) to enhance operational efficiency

Mark Deguara, General Manager, Data Centres, Schneider Electric

The increasing demand for data infrastructure has created a strong case for repurposing legacy commercial and industrial properties. Industrial buildings can benefit from large footprints, high ceilings, and reliable access to power and water, all critical elements for data centre operations. Furthermore, the strategic locations of many commercial buildings in urban centres provide huge advantages for connectivity and latency reduction. Despite the appeal, repurposing industrial and office spaces into data centres presents several challenges, including the need for substantial retrofitting, environmental considerations, and regulatory hurdles. In this case study we examine immersion cooling technology; providing a sustainable, high density data centre solution that requires a much smaller footprint. We will discuss ResetData’s current plans to activate under-utilised real estate space to deploy liquid immersion cooled “Edge” Data Centres.

• Liquid Immersion Cooling Technology – The opportunity to provide a more sustainable and accessible data centre network

• Edge Data Centre Opportunities in Office Spaces: Assessing the viability of converting vacant offices into data centres

Marcel Zalloua, CEO, ResetData

As data centres grow in scale and density, they are becoming a cornerstone of the global digital economy and a major consumer of electricity. In Australia, this rapid expansion raises critical questions about the resilience and capacity of the power grid to meet surging energy demands.

This panel will delve into strategies for balancing the energy needs of data centres with the broader goals of grid stability and sustainability. Industry leaders will share insights into how data centres can participate in energy markets, adopt innovative technologies, and collaborate with utilities to create a more resilient energy ecosystem.

• Capacity and connection challenges: Addressing the availability of capacity at network connection points and navigating regulatory processes for timely approvals
• Energy efficiency and market participation: Exploring innovations in energy efficiency and how data centres can actively engage in energy trading, demand response, and renewable energy integration
• Managing impacts on the grid: Mitigating network impacts such as harmonic disturbance and system strength while ensuring grid stability
• Stakeholder collaboration: Fostering partnerships with energy providers, policymakers, and communities to balance development needs with environmental, cultural, and social considerations

Panellists include:

Richard Pawlik, General Manager Infrastructure Investment, AusNet

Keith Middleton, Managing Director, Middleton Group

Matthew Porteous, General Manager, Ausconnex

Laura Caspari, Chief Renewables Officer, ENGIE Au

Moderated by:

Robb Van Toledo, Load Connections Manager, AusNet