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BOMA Calgary, the Western Canada Data Centre Alliance, and the Southern Alberta Chapter of ASHRAE (SAC-ASHRAE) are excited to co-host a full-day conference that brings together key contributors to the future of the data centre industry in the province and beyond. From hyperscale developers to policy-makers, commercial real estate professionals and investors to utilities and engineers - all under one roof to help pave a path forward.
Alberta has the opportunity to become a global data centre powerhouse. With the Alberta Electric System Operator’s latest announcement confirming interim capacity for 1.2GW of new grid-connected data centre projects within the next few years, in addition to onsite generation potential in various areas throughout the province, the window of opportunity has never been wider — or more urgent. But bold growth requires smart planning, and maximizing the benefit to Alberta requires deliberate effort. Alberta’s success in this space is not a given – in addition to strong competition from other North American jurisdictions there are a number of key steps to be determined on the path to AI and hyperscale different criteria and requirements – so clearly defining the various paths, opportunities (and potential roadblocks) is essential. While data centres need significant amounts of power – their list of requirements extends significantly beyond just that. This requires understanding and responding to how data centres make location decisions, and how this could overlap with various opportunities in Alberta. In order to succeed, we need to create a roadmap, together. Join a curated lineup of speakers and panels that will unpack the province’s progress, pinpoint what's still needed, and draw insights and best practices from world-leading data centre markets and companies. Together, we’ll map a shared strategy to accelerate Alberta’s rise as a world-class digital infrastructure hub, and tackle the nuanced challenges of capitalizing on a multi-billion dollar generational opportunity. We got the world’s attention – now let’s show them we can get things done. Conference Schedule: 7:30 AM – Registration & Breakfast Open 8:15 AM – Opening Remarks & Indigenous Acknowledgement 8:35 AM – Conference Introduction
8:40 AM- Morning Panel Sessions Begin 10:35-10:55 - Morning Break 11:50 AM – 12:45 PM – Lunch 12:45 PM Keynote Speech: Honourable Minister Nathan Neudorf, Minister of Affordability and Utilities
1:00 PM - Afternoon Panel Sessions Resume 2:50 PM -3:10 PM - Afternoon Break 4:45 PM – Conference Concludes 4:50 PM – 6:00 PM – Post-Conference Reception Coffee, tea, and water will be available all day via table service and in the foyer. Agenda: Conference Introduction: Vlad Oujegov, Executive Director, Western Canada Data Centre Alliance & Power Systems Data Centre Lead, Schneider Electric Data Centre Industry Analysis
Presented by: Jeremy Burleton, Analyst, Orennia
The Hyperscale/AI Boom: A Changing Blueprint Learn how developers and hyperscalers think, and how Alberta can compete on the global stage
Moderator: Graeme Harrison, Managing Partner, Augur VC
Panel Speakers: Sanjeevan Srikrishnan, Director, Global Technical Sales, Canada & CASE region, Equinix Taylor Briggs, Principal Public Policy, AWS Jim Tsaknis, Vice President, Colliers Josh Schertzer, CEO, Beacon AI Data Centers Angela Adam, SVP Sales and Marketing, eStruxture
Solving for Power - Utilizing Various Pathways
Moderator: Beth Valiaho, CEO, RETI Data Centres
Panel Speakers: Todd Dettling, Vice President Stakeholder Engagement, Fortis Lillian Kasa, Head of PPA & Energy Origination, Metlen Melanie Bayley, CEO & Managing Partner, Energex Partners Matthew Swinamer, Technical Sales Engineer, Collicutt Energy Services Tyler Poffenroth, Director, Construction, Stack Infrastructure Data Centres' Economic and Workforce Development: Impacts and Opportunities
Moderator: Tyler Poffenroth, Director, Construction, Stack Infrastructure
Panel Speakers: Darin Dumontier, Director Innovation, PowerHouse Data Centre Group Debjyoti Sen, Director, Centres for Manufacturing and Ennergy Innovation, Red Deer Polytechnic Bill Black, President, Calgary Construction Association Kyle Reiling, Executive Director, Greenview Industrial Gateway
Sovereign Compute - Canada's Generational Investment
Presented by: Stephen Wu, Director, Partnerships, Digital Research Alliance of Canada
Keynote Address
Honourable Nathan Neudorf, Minister of Affordability and Utilities
An Overview of Common Industry Pitfalls
Presented by: Michel Chartier, Data Center National Lead, WSP
The Future of Cooling and Operations: What It Could Mean for Alberta Explore current and new technology and how these initiatives can support increasing efficiency at a time of record-setting growth and demand.
Moderator: Pavan Bharteey, Associate Director, Carrier
Panel Speakers: Dietmar Bloedorn, Engineering Manager, PowerHouse Data Centre Group Nick Labonte, Mechanical Engineer, Stantec Benjamin Sutton, Product Marketing Manager, CoolIT Brian Weed, Vice President, GDI Integrated Facility Services
Developments in Policy, Permitting, & Planning Pathways Explore what’s working, and what’s missing, in Alberta’s current regulatory environment for data centres. This panel will highlight local initiatives, leadership, and best practices, while fostering discussion around how to create a competitive, forward-thinking framework that supports industry growth. Learn how Alberta can meet rising demands and maximize the economic and technological benefits of data centres for the province and its people.
Moderator: Lisa Sweet, Interim CEO, Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism
Panel Speakers: Sean Murphy, ADM and CIO, Government of Alberta, Ministry of Technology and Innovation Mark Morrissey, Director, Economic Innovation and Growth, Sturgeon County Aaron Latimer, Manager Economic Development, Rocky View County
Peter Bryan, Partner, BLG
Data Centre Construction and Supply Chain
Presented by: Robert Macchi, Wesco
Partnerships and Financing the Data Centre Infrastructure of the Future
Moderator: Graeme Edge, Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Energy Disruptors
Panel Speakers: Jon Horsman, CFO, Sovereign Digital Shafak Sajid, Senior Manager, Indigenous Engagement, Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation Patrick Hibbits, Senior Investment Asset Manager, Fort McKay Landing LP
Local Innovation and Compute: A Made-in-Alberta/Canada Solution Moderator:
Sunny Sarpal, CEO, Havenz Smart Communities/AHI Panel Speakers: Marc Kronewit, Executive Officer, Business Development, Denvr Dataworks Stan Gorbanov, SeniorSolutions Architect, Datframe
Rex McNally, COO, Turning Stone Group Geoff Lester, Lionstooth Energy
Key Information for Conference Registration and Attendance: - Your registration includes breakfast, lunch, and access to the post-conference networking reception.
Western Canada Data Centre Alliance members, please contact Vlad Oujegov for your Member discount before registering. Westin Room Block Discount Link -A room block rate is available for stays from September 29 to October 1. To access this discounted rate, please use the provided link when booking. Please note: The discount code will expire at 5:00 PM (MST) on Friday, September 12 — Bookings must be made before this time to receive the reduced rate.
 Disclaimer By attending the event you consent to and authorize the use of any and all photography and/or videography that has been taken for any purpose, without compensation. All digital image and/or video files are wholly owned by BOMA Calgary and Astra Group, who reserve the right to use these images and/ or video for publications and social media. If you do not feel comfortable with your image being captured and used, please contact the BOMA Office before the event. Cancellation Policy A refund will be available prior to 12:00 (noon) on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. No refunds will be issued after 12:00 (noon) on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.
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