The upcoming event at the Renaissance Glendale Hotel & Spa introduces a significant structural change by co-locating with Microgrid Knowledge. By sharing an exhibit floor and select educational sessions, the two conferences aim to bridge the gap between digital infrastructure providers and the distributed energy community. While both events will maintain their individual editorial identities and programs, the partnership offers attendees a unified view of the power chain, ranging from grid interconnection to on-site generation and storage.

This shift reflects the growing strategic importance of the Southwest, where land availability and transmission access are driving massive investment. According to Matt Vincent, editor-in-chief of Data Center Frontier, the desert region has become a defining market where speed to energization dictates industry success. The call for speakers for the 2027 summit opens August 19, with general registration slated to begin in September 2026.