Birmingham is a strategic Midlands technology centre, boasting extensive fibre networks and direct links to national internet exchanges. Its commitment to decarbonisation—backed by on-going investments in solar, biomass, and grid resilience—ensures reliable, sustainable power for data-centre operations. Anchored by world-class universities and a thriving digital cluster around Innovation Birmingham, the city offers a rich talent pool in engineering, software development, and cybersecurity. Combined with competitive real-estate rates and supportive regional development programmes, Birmingham provides the perfect environment for building scalable, energy-efficient, and future-proof data-centre facilities. Join us in Birmingham to connect with industry peers and explore the latest strategies driving digital-infrastructure innovation.
| Time | Session Details |
|---|---|
| 09:00 | Registration Opens Meet and greet, collect your badge, and connect with peers over coffee as we set the stage for a day of insight, networking, and strategic discussion. |
| 09:55 | Welcome Remarks Opening message from the event moderator with key information about the day’s schedule, delegate structure, and event format. |
| 10:00 |
Fireside Chat: The Power of the Midlands — Building the UK’s Next Digital Heartland At the centre of the UK’s power, manufacturing, and logistics networks, Birmingham is uniquely positioned to drive the next phase of data centre growth. In this fireside chat, a senior data centre executive explores how the Midlands can leverage its energy infrastructure, transport connectivity, and engineering excellence to become a national digital powerhouse. The discussion will examine how investment, regional planning, and collaboration can turn the Midlands into a model for scalable, sustainable, and strategically balanced digital development. |
| 10:30 |
Panel 1: Beyond Redundancy - Building True Resilience for the Next Decade Located at the heart of the UK’s transport and energy networks, Birmingham is strategically positioned to lead in data resilience. This panel explores how operators across the Midlands are future proofing against grid stress, cyber risk, and supply chain disruption. From distributed energy systems to integrated cyber-physical design and examine how the region can redefine operational resilience and ensure continuity for the UK’s expanding digital core. |
| 11:05 | Micro Insight Sessions Quickfire sponsor-led sessions sharing sharp, non-salesy insights in just five minutes each. Designed to educate and spark ideas ahead of the deeper roundtable discussions. |
| 11:15 | Networking Break & Refreshments Take a break, grab a coffee, and connect with fellow delegates and sponsors in a relaxed setting. |
| 11:45 |
Panel 2: Powering the Future - Innovation Across the Energy Ecosystem With major investment in energy transition and infrastructure, the Midlands offers a powerful platform for digital growth. This panel looks at how Birmingham’s utilities, developers, and operators are collaborating to unlock new capacity-through local generation, battery storage, and smart grid innovation. This panel will explore how these partnerships can address the region’s growing data demand and help Birmingham emerge as a model for clean, scalable digital energy. |
| 12:15 | Strategic Insight Roundtable Sessions (Part 1) Delegates break into small groups to rotate through focused, sponsor-led boardroom sessions. Expect practical discussions, real-world solutions, and collaborative problem-solving on topics that matter most. |
| 13:45 | Lunch & Informal Networking Enjoy a high-quality lunch while continuing conversations with fellow leaders, sponsors, and speakers. |
| 14:45 | Strategic Insight Roundtable Sessions (Part 2) The second round of focused discussions, ensuring every delegate gains exposure to all sponsors and themes. |
| 15:30 |
Panel 3: The Impact of Intelligent Infrastructure - Designing for AI, Quantum & Beyond As AI and advanced compute workloads surge, the Midlands’ manufacturing and engineering expertise make it an ideal testbed for intelligent data infrastructure. This panel examines how Birmingham operators are adopting next-generation design—advanced cooling, high-density racks, and AI-optimised systems-to deliver the performance, efficiency, and adaptability needed for future workloads. This panel will explore how this innovation can position Birmingham as a centre for high-performance digital engineering. |
| 16:00 |
Panel 4: Collaboration at the Core - Delivering Together at Speed and Scale Birmingham’s growth depends on collaboration—between developers, planners, utilities, and technology providers. This panel explores how the region’s joined-up approach to industrial development and regeneration can accelerate data infrastructure delivery. We’ll discuss how modular construction, workforce development, and cross-sector alignment can help Birmingham build capacity faster, embed sustainability, and strengthen its role as the UK’s next digital heartland. |
| 16:30 | Wrap-Up & Closing Insights A short summary of the day’s key insights, with thanks to our sponsors, speakers, and delegates. |
| 16:35 | Drinks Reception & Networking Unwind, connect further, and continue the conversation in an informal setting over drinks. |
| 17:35 | End of Event |
To be Confirmed
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The Data Centre Solutions Roadshow Series is an exclusive, invitation-only event programme uniting senior data-centre operators and IT service providers with leading technology vendors.
