Lessons from the World's #1 Largest Data Center Cluster (Loudon County, USA): How can Alberta build digital infrastructure and its AI economy?

Over the past 20 years, Loudoun County, Virginia has become the Data Centre Capital of the World. It is home to nearly 200 data centres and responsible for moving up to 70% of global internet traffic. It also holds the title of the wealthiest county in USA. In his white paper, “A Strategy for a Changing Paradigm,” Mike Turner from Loudon County outlines what Loudoun learned and what comes next: Surging compute demand major pressure on energy systems, and the need for faster permitting, modernized infrastructure, and tighter industry and government alignment. To contrast to Alberta... Alberta has the land, energy, and workforce to build a leading AI and digital infrastructure hub and AI-enabled economy. The question now is whether Alberta can unify all its stakeholders towards a common vision, align policy, grid planning, investment, and industry the way Loudoun did to turn opportunity into long term economic growth. Join this ONLINE event with Mike Turner for a fireside chat on how Loudoun scaled, the pressures it faced, and the future it’s preparing for. A fireside chat will be followed by an Alberta focused panel discussion with: 1) Nicole Janssen (AltaML) who will discuss how AI can be applied throughout the economy by supporting organizations, startups, and businesses 2) Melanie Bayley (Energex) who will discuss the grid and energy readiness required for large scale compute, and how Alberta can prepare for that future. Hosted by moderator Colin Knoll (Founder of the Build Better Business Co.), this session distills the essential lessons Alberta can use right now to build a competitive, and future focused AI ready economy.