The PTC’26 conference once again claimed its position as the premier global conference for the digital infrastructure and telecom community. Held annually in Honolulu, PTC’26 brought together executives, innovators, and industry leaders from across the globe for a week defined by thought leadership, meaningful connections and unforgettable moments. And this year was the biggest and boldest PTC conference to date!
From keynote sessions and client-led experiences to exclusive networking events and live JSA TV media coverage, PTC’26 delivered on every level.
Keep scrolling for the standout highlights from PTC’26, as seen through the lens of our all-star JSA team.
Industry Leadership on the Main Stage at PTC’26
The sessions at PTC’26 tackled the most critical issues facing digital infrastructure today, including AI-driven growth, power and energy constraints, sustainability, and global connectivity.
A major highlight was Wes Cummins, CEO of Applied Digital, who took the keynote stage and helped set the tone for forward-looking digital infrastructure strategy. He joined leaders to discuss the rise of AI mega-campuses, increasing government involvement in managing power and water resources and the evolving capital landscape.
Across panels and presentations, JSA clients and partners played a visible role in shaping the conversations that defined PTC’26, including:
- Jack Backes, Principal Strategist, Provident Data Centers | “Not the Death Knell for Jobs: Why AI Will Serve as A Positive Co-Pilot in Our Future Careers”
- Tito Costa, CRO, Tecto | “Scaling Smarter: How Modular Design is Transforming Data Infrastructure”
- Peter Huang, Global President of Thermal Management, bp Castrol | “Turning Up the Heat, Keeping It Cool: Liquid Cooling for the AI Era”
- Jonathan Hatzor, CEO, Parametrix | “Managing and Transferring Risk from Construction to Stabilized Asset”
- Alessandro Lombardi, Chairman & President, Elea Data Centers | “Rio AI City: The Data Center City Dedicated to Artificial Intelligence, Connecting Ecosystems and Innovation”
- Karen Petersburg, Senior Vice President, Data Center Design & Engineering, PowerHouse Data Centers | “Mega Campuses, Mega Challenges: Land, Power & Partnerships”
- Paul Quigley, President, Airsys Cooling Technologies | “Turning Up the Heat, Keeping It Cool: Liquid Cooling for the AI Era”
- Matt Reed, VP of Business Development, 1623 Farnan | “Building the Next Connectivity Hub in the Midwest: Omaha’s Connectivity Advantage- Microsoft Edge, Google Cloud On-Ramp, and IX Connectivity”
- Bill Severn, CEO & President, 1623 Farnam | “Mapping the Market: U.S. Data Center Trends and Trajectories”
- James Trout, CEO, CleanArc | “Mega Campuses, Mega Challenges: Land, Power & Partnerships”
- Jose Miguel Vilela, CEO, Tecto | “Latin America Rising: Hyperscale and AI Infrastructure in Focus”
The First Annual JSA Mai Tai Mixer: A New Way to Connect at the PTC Conference
The JSA Mai Tai Mixer at PTC delivered exactly what the industry comes to Honolulu for: high-value connections in a relaxed, high-energy setting. Set at the Hideout at the Laylow in the heart of Waikiki, the event brought together energy, data center, subsea, and digital infrastructure leaders for candid conversations, meaningful introductions, and a chance to strengthen relationships away from the show floor.
With strong JSA client attendance, great momentum, and a room full of decision-makers and partners, the Mai Tai Mixer reinforced JSA’s role as a convener for the global digital infrastructure community and set the tone for a productive week at PTC.
The Events and Experiences That Defined the PTC’26 Conference
Beyond the official agenda, PTC’26 was filled with JSA client-hosted moments that created space for deeper relationships.
From NFL and NCAA watch parties to sunset cocktails and wave-watching to unique Ferrari-driven experiences, JSA Events helped our clients bring unparalleled creativity and energy to the week. These gatherings extended the impact of PTC’26 beyond the conference floor and created memorable touchpoints that blended business with networking experiences.
Top JSA Client-Led Events and Experiences Planned by JSA Events Included:
Rock n’ Rally by Data Center Results and Valor C3 Data Centers
This NCAA Championship watch party had over 300 attendees cheering for their favorite collegiate team at the Hard Rock Waikiki while sipping on craft cocktails and enjoying tailgate fare, along with a Halftime Show by 80s Cover Band PopRox. In addition, there was an interactive airbrush station and 360 degrees photo booth!
Forgent’s Sunset Soiree
Held at the elegant beachfront venue Azure at the iconic Royal Hawaiian, Forgent hosted a customer appreciation event that attendees will soon not forget. Behind a backdrop of ocean views and live music, Forgent customers experienced the stunning Hawaiian sunset while sipping handcrafted Mai-Tais by a legendary mixologist and enjoying gourmet fare and hand-rolled sushi. What’s more, each guest left with a pair of Ray-Bans that they were able to hand select – because who doesn’t like to wear sunglasses at night!
Foresight Velocity
More than 100 people packed the Ferrari Room at Velocity Honolulu to kick off PTC at the Foresight Executive Event. Surrounded by exotic cars, the Foresight team welcomed new and old friends to a rare tequila tasting, a raw bar and a quick review from Chris Dolan, Crusoe’s Chief Data Center Officer.
Light Source Communications’ Beach Blitz Bash
The NFL Playoffs Divisional Round was met with surfboards and beach balls at Tommy Bahama for LSC’s annual watch party. This year, guests were treated to a Maui Jim sunglass station and gourmet fare while cheering on their favorite team. The energy lit up the room as attendees huddled to watch down-to-the-wire games to determine who would eventually head to the Super Bowl.
Castrol’s Magical Moments
Espacio was the elite venue for an exclusive event hosting a select group of Castrol clients and partners. Greeted by champagne, guests were treated to the most breathtaking views of Waikiki atop Espacio’s rooftop, along with acoustic vibes by Honolulu’s Sierra Lynn. Following, attendees headed to Mugen, a Forbes 5-star culinary experience, for a custom-created tasting menu and libations.
To learn more about how JSA Events can create a memorable brand experience for your company, click here.
The PTC’26 Member Soirée: A Signature Tradition
The PTC’26 Member Soirée once again set the tone for the week as one of the conference’s most anticipated gatherings. As a proud PTC member, JSA joined several of our clients for this exclusive, members-only experience that officially kicked off PTC’26.
Bringing together leaders from across the global PTC community, the soirée embodied the collaborative spirit that defines the conference, reinforcing that, while technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, enduring relationships remain the foundation of the industry. Hosted atop the Hyatt’s rooftop with sweeping views of Waikiki Beach, the evening combined meaningful networking with live entertainment, cocktails and pupus, creating the perfect blend of connection, fun and unforgettable scenery.
Recognizing Excellence at the PTC’26 Awards
A big congrats to all of the winners honored at the PTC’26 Awards, which recognized the companies and individuals driving innovation and investment across the global digital infrastructure ecosystem. Special congratulations to our clients, Louis Liu of Rehlko, recipient of the Outstanding Young Leader Award (age 35 and under), and Alessandro Lombardi, CEO of Elea Data Centers, honored with the Outstanding Digital Infrastructure Investor Award, for their leadership, vision and industry impact.
JSA was also proud to support the PTC’26 Awards alongside several of our clients, including Applied Digital, AIRSYS, Elea Data Centers, Foresight Works LTD, and Zenlayer, whose sponsorship helped make the celebration possible.
Throughout the program, JSA’s Buffy Harakidas interviewed award recipients, capturing insights on leadership, growth and innovation. These conversations extended the awards beyond recognition, transforming achievement into lasting storytelling that reflects the people and ideas shaping the future of digital infrastructure.
The Lip Sync Contest: PTC’26 Fun at Full Volume
Making its debut at PTC’26, the Pau Hana: Happy Hour Lip Sync Competition brought a fresh, high-energy twist to the conference on Monday evening at the Tapa Bar. Designed as a relaxed, end-of-day gathering, the event gave attendees a chance to network, unwind, and enjoy Honolulu while offering a unique opportunity for team bonding for those willing to step into the spotlight.
That spirit came fully to life when our performing group representing JSA, Buffy, Dean, and Barb, took the stage with enthusiasm, confidence and a healthy dose of humor. Equal parts entertaining and humbling, the competition added levity to a packed week and highlighted the community-driven vitality that made PTC’26 more than just a conference.
Community, Connection, and Serendipitous Meetings
One of the defining elements of PTC’26 was the constant opportunity for meaningful, spontaneous connection — not just within sessions and panels, but through the special events woven throughout the week. From early morning sessions like PTC Women: Week of Laulima yoga to network‑building gatherings like the Zellennials Welcome Cocktail and Opening Reception, to high‑spirited activities like the PTC’26 Football/Soccer Match, PTC’26 created spaces where conversations could begin organically and spark collaboration.
An early‑morning highlight was the PTC’26 5K Charity Run/Walk, where attendees laced up to support a meaningful cause while enjoying a scenic route along the shores of Waikiki. Whether walking, jogging or running, this event offered another layer of shared experience, deepening connection and underscoring the community’s commitment to giving back.
Beyond organized events, PTC’26 was full of serendipitous moments — hallway exchanges that turned into strategic conversations and sunset meet‑ups overlooking the Pacific that strengthened professional relationships. These unscripted interactions reinforced the true value of the conference: a global community united not just by technology, but by trust, shared ambition and the richness that comes from connecting in person.
JSA TV Live From the PTC’26 Expo Floor
Throughout the entire week at PTC’26, JSA TV broadcast live from the show floor, a staple of the PTC conference experience. Front and center in the Coral Lounge, the JSA TV studio served as a hub for real-time conversations, capturing the energy, insights and headlines of the show as it unfolded.
Over the course of the event, more than 50 live interviews were hosted by Dean Perrine and Barb Mitchell, featuring industry leaders and several of the event’s top sponsors, including NOKIA and Larus. Broadcasting live added immediacy and authenticity, extending PTC’26’s reach far beyond Honolulu and creating content that continues to deliver value well after the conference concluded.
The JSA TV studio itself reflected the spirit of Honolulu, featuring a custom tropical backdrop, Honolulu Cookie Company treats, and, of course, the stellar JSA team, making it a natural gathering point and a must-visit destination throughout the week.
Final Takeaways: Why PTC’26 Mattered
Throughout PTC’26, JSA was embedded across the conference, supporting client sessions, attending events, capturing content and connecting leaders across the ecosystem. Whether behind the scenes or front and center, JSA’s presence reflected its role as a strategic partner deeply invested in the success and visibility of its clients at PTC’26.
PTC’26 was more than a conference; it was a reflection of where the digital infrastructure industry stands today and where it is heading next. From impactful sessions and client-driven experiences to exclusive networking, community traditions and live media coverage, PTC’26 reinforced the importance of leadership, visibility, and connection.
JSA was proud to play an active role throughout the week, amplifying voices, supporting clients and helping shape the conversations that will define the year ahead. Until PTC’27, Mahalo! 🌺
