Building Community Trust in the Data Center Era: Part Two
About the Event
The Arizona Data Center Alliance hosts Building Community Trust in the Data Center Era: Part Two, a half-day in-person forum on September 17, 2026 at ASU SkySong in Scottsdale, Arizona. The event runs from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with check-in and networking beginning at 9:30 AM. It is the second in a series following the June 25, 2026 inaugural forum. Event partners include the AFCOM Arizona Chapter, the Arizona Data Center Foundation, the 7x24 Exchange Arizona Chapter, and Infrastructure Masons.
The format combines keynote presentations, guest speaker panels, and collaborative workshop sessions. Attendance is open to industry operators, developers, utilities, contractors, community representatives, and policy stakeholders.
Programming Focus
- Transparency and community communication strategies for data center operators
- Sustainability, water use, and infrastructure impact disclosures
- Workforce development and local job creation pathways
- Long-term community partnership approaches
- Real-world case studies from Arizona markets
Featured Speakers
- Kelly Patton — Arizona Public Service (APS)
- Representative James Taylor
- Russell Smoldon — B3 Strategies
- Craig McFarland — Pinal Partnership
Who Should Attend
- Data center operators and developers active in Arizona
- Utility and grid planning professionals
- Local government and regulatory affairs staff
- Community leaders and advocates
- Workforce and education partners
Logistics
Venue: ASU SkySong, Synergy I & II, 1363 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85257. Event runs 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM; networking check-in at 9:30 AM. Registration details available through the event page.