As DataCloud USA 2026 and Metro Connect Fall prepare to bring the digital infrastructure industry together in Austin, Texas, JSA CEO Jaymie Scotto Cutaia sat down with Josh Lloyd-Braden, Head of Product for DataCloud USA and Metro Connect, to discuss what attendees can expect from this year’s co-located conference.
Taking place September 2-3, the event brings together leaders from across the digital infrastructure ecosystem, including data center developers and operators, hyperscalers, fiber providers, energy companies, investors and AI infrastructure stakeholders. Lloyd-Braden described this year’s defining theme as convergence, creating a single forum where conversations around land, power, fiber, finance and community come together.
Among the biggest topics this year are community engagement and power infrastructure. Lloyd-Braden emphasized the growing importance of building trust with local communities while also addressing the energy demands of AI through dedicated sessions on power and “bring your own power” strategies.
The addition of Metro Connect Fall expands those discussions by bringing fiber and connectivity into the conversation. By bringing together data center operators, hyperscalers, neocloud providers, fiber operators and construction partners, attendees can explore the connectivity challenges driven by AI while collaborating across the entire digital infrastructure value chain. Lloyd-Braden also noted that having these audiences together in one event allows executives to maximize their time by engaging with stakeholders across multiple sectors in a single location.
To get the most out of the conference, Lloyd-Braden recommends participating in both the executive forums and the public conference sessions. Attendees can expect discussions covering AI, power, connectivity, data center construction, cooling, community engagement and investment, with opportunities for both private executive conversations and broader industry education.
JSA TV will also be broadcasting live from DataCloud USA 2026 and Metro Connect Fall, featuring exclusive interviews with industry leaders throughout the event.
Watch the Full DataCloud USA 2026 Interview
This article highlights the key takeaways from our conversation with Josh Lloyd-Braden, but there’s even more to explore. Watch the full Know Before You Go episode for additional insights into DataCloud USA 2026, Metro Connect Fall, AI infrastructure, power, connectivity and the trends shaping the digital infrastructure industry.
