It’s been a week since our incredible experience at DCD>Connect NYC 2026 in the heart of Times Square, and the JSA team is still buzzing! From the iconic Marriott Marquis venue to the surrounding buzz of the Big Apple, we are still talking about the electric energy, the high-level expertise and the pivotal conversations that took place across the two-day event.

Record-Breaking Attendance and Networking at DCD> Connect NY

The energy was completely off the charts this year. With 4,500+ senior data center professionals in attendance, the event felt like a massive reunion for the digital infrastructure industry. The show floor was a constant hive of activity, featuring 150+ exhibitors showcasing the latest mission-critical technology.

Beyond the show floor, the social side of the event was equally impactful. We kicked things off at the legendary Icebreaker Party, which set the tone for impactful networking. For those looking for a morning jumpstart, the 5K run through the streets of the city that never sleeps proves that our industry has as much stamina as the facilities it builds!

Community & Culture: Veterans and Women Leading the Narrative

This year’s event focused heavily on the people behind the infrastructure.

Honoring Our Heroes: The Armed Forces Breakfast

The Armed Forces Data Center Community Breakfast, hosted by FlexGen and iMasons Armed Forces,  provided a dedicated space for service members, veterans and industry supporters to connect. It was inspiring to see how military-aligned skills, such as precision, leadership, and crisis management, are being directly funneled into the data center ecosystem through these vital networking pathways.

iMasons Women’s Welcome Lunch: Building Trust in the AI Age

Another standout session was the iMasons Women’s Welcome Lunch, featuring a high-impact session: “Women Leading the Narrative: Data Centers, AI & Community Trust.” The discussion tackled the growing “NIMBY” opposition to data center development.

The panel explored how women leaders are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between complex technical infrastructure and local community concerns. Key takeaways included:

• How to proactively engage communities before projects reach the permitting stage.
• The role of STEM education in turning local skepticism into workforce opportunities.
• Regional differences in community pushback, from dense urban markets to environmentally sensitive areas

The AI Revolution: Balancing Growth with Sustainability

If one topic dominated the chatter on JSA TV, it was the explosive demand for Artificial Intelligence. With over 300 expert speakers across the agenda, the sessions tackled the very real tension between the race to build AI infrastructure and the physical limits of our resources.

We heard fascinating debates on:

• The Economics of Speed-to-Power: How to deploy at lightning speed while navigating grid congestion.
• Behind the Meter vs. In Front of the Meter: A huge talking point this year, as developers look for ways to bypass long interconnection queues.
• Responsible Scaling: Ensuring rapid growth doesn’t sacrifice sustainability or community trust.

From Air to Liquid: The Evolution of Data Center Cooling

With AI computing density heating up, cooling was more than just a talking point—it was the star of the show. It’s officially clear: liquid cooling is no longer a niche concept; it is an absolute necessity.

Our JSA TV team conducted nearly 30 LIVE interviews with thought leaders who discussed the industry’s pivot from air-cooled systems to advanced two-phase immersion technologies and more. Whether it’s expanding existing footprints or launching new private cloud platforms, JSA TV covered all the latest news, stories and trends across the event. 

Capital and Capacity: The DCD Investment Forum

Reflecting the scale of the data center economy, the co-located DCD>Investment Forum, held in the Marquis Ballroom,brought together the heavy hitters of the financial world. These private, senior-level sessions centered on shifting commercial models, moving from traditional CapEx to more flexible, consumption-based OpEx models to fund the massive power requirements of the AI age.

We particularly loved the focus on hybrid power models and battery storage, as well as the industry’s commitment to delivering real community perks like heat reuse and local job creation.

Looking Ahead to the Future of Infrastructure

DCD>Connect New York 2026 was a whirlwind event that left us energized and optimistic. As we look back on the interviews, the handshakes and the shared insights, one thing is certain: the data center industry is the backbone of the global economy, and the future is looking brighter (and faster) than ever.

Missed us in NYC? Keep an eye on our JSA TV channels for 30+ interviews from the show floor!

Frequently Asked Questions about DCD>Connect New York 2026

Where was DCD>Connect New York 2026 held?

The event took place at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square, New York City. It served as the central hub for all main-stage sessions, the show floor and networking events like the Icebreaker Party.

What were the main themes of DCD Connect NY 2026?

The 2026 conference focused heavily on the AI revolution, specifically tackling the challenges of grid congestion, the shift toward liquid cooling, and the debate between “behind the meter” vs. “in front of the meter” power strategies.

Where did the DCD Investment Forum take place?

The DCD>Investment Forum was co-located at the Marriott Marquis, held specifically in the Marquis Ballroom 9. It brought together senior executives and financial leaders to discuss data center OpEx models and infrastructure funding.

What networking events happened during DCD Connect NY?

Key highlights included the Icebreaker Party at the Marriott Marquis, the iMasons Women’s Breakfast focusing on workforce development, and the DCD 5K run through New York City.