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Iowa Data Center Summit
October 2 @ 8:00 am - 12:15 pm
The Iowa Data Center Summit convenes industry leaders, policymakers, and community stakeholders for a timely discussion on the future of data centers in our state. As demand accelerates in the age of AI, this summit provides a platform to explore the opportunities, challenges, and long-term impact of data center growth—through the lens of infrastructure, energy, workforce, and economic development. Together, we’ll examine where Iowa stands today—and chart a path forward that supports innovation, strengthens our economy, and reflects our shared priorities.
Event Details:
🗓️ Thursday, October 2, 2025
🕗 8:00 AM – 12:15 PM
📍Toast, 1345 SW Park Square Dr, Ankeny, IA 50023
Agenda Overview:
8:00 AM – Check-in & Light Breakfast
8:30 AM – Opening Remarks with Lt. Governor Chris Cournoyer
8:45 AM – Opening Session
9:30 AM – Panel Session
10:40 AM – Fireside Chat Session
11:20 AM – Panel Session
12:15 PM – Wrap Up
Sessions:
📌 8:45 AM Session
Title:
State of the Data Center Industry
Description:
Kick off the summit with insights from the Data Center Coalition on the state of the U.S. data center industry and Iowa’s place within it. Explore how data centers are powering the digital economy, how operators are adapting to surging demand, and what the industry’s growth means for employment, GDP, and long-term competitiveness.
Speaker:
Khara Boender, Senior Manager, State Policy, Data Center Coalition
📌 9:30 AM Session
Title:
Infrastructure, Investment & Connectivity
Description:
MidAmerican has over 20 years of experience working with data centers, including colocators, hyperscalers, and co-developers. Energy is now considered the number one driver in site selection or expansion decisions. Our team of experienced experts works with both existing and new customers to expand and grow their energy needs, using a comprehensive approach to provide affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions, which is more important than ever. This session explores our economic development work to support customer growth, how we plan and forecast to support their needs, and deliver the generation needed during the next several years. Learn about the “what”, “why”, and “how” MidAmerican supports customers, community growth and is preparing for the future.
Moderator:
Kathryn M. Kunert, Vice President, Economic Connections and Integration, MidAmerican Energy
Speakers:
Adam Jablonski, Vice President of Project Development, MidAmerican Energy
Dehn Stevens, Vice President of Transmission Development, Planning and Compliance, MidAmerican Energy
📌 10:40 AM Session
Title:
Data Centers & Communities
Description:
This presentation will examine how data centers contribute to the communities in which they operate through partnerships with utilities, regulators, and local organizations. Speakers will explore innovative approaches, such as shared infrastructure models and community benefit agreements, that ensure growth is mutually beneficial.
Speakers:
Chad Quick, Economic Development Director, City of Altoona
Steve DelBianco, President & CEO, NetChoice
📌 11:20 AM Session
Title:
A Sustainable Digital Future
Description:
As demand for digital infrastructure rises, so does the urgency to address environmental impact. This panel will examine how data centers are driving sustainability by reducing energy and water consumption, investing in renewable energy sources, and prioritizing carbon neutrality. Gain perspective on how operators are balancing growth with responsibility in an increasingly resource-constrained world.
Moderator:
Tyler Wyngarden, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, TAI
Speakers:
Josh McKnight, Manager, Data Center Services, Alliant Energy
Gabriel Unruh, VP Product & Strategy, Ark Data Centers
Dan Harbeke, Public Policy and Government Affairs Manager, Google
Questions?
Contact events@technologyiowa.org
Registration
This event is sold out, but additional spots may open before the event. Join the waitlist below for your chance to attend:
TAI Iowa Data Center Summit is presented in partnership with:
Alliant Energy, ark data centers, Data Center Coalition, DataPowered.US, Google, Meta, Microsoft, MidAmerican Energy and QTS Data Centers
Limited sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Tyler Wyngarden, VP of Strategic Partnerships at tyler@technologyiowa.org
