In September, we attended DCAC Live 2025 in Austin, Texas, celebrating its 10th anniversary. Over 1,600 attendees gathered, representing a broad spectrum of the data centre ecosystem: developers, hyperscalers, contractors, PMCs and tech providers. The overarching theme, “The Dawn of the Data Centre Gold Rush,” set the tone for a week defined by urgency, opportunity, and the critical need for collaboration. Here’s a summary of the key messages:
The phrase “a point in time” resonated throughout the event and is central to understanding the current data centre landscape. Across multiple sessions and informal conversations, speakers and attendees alike emphasised that the sector is experiencing an unprecedented surge in demand driven by AI, hyperscale cloud growth, and global digital expansion. The term encapsulates both the urgency and the uniqueness of the moment: the market is expanding at a scale rarely seen before, yet it is constrained by bottlenecks in supply chain, power, and land availability.
This “point in time” is a critical lens for businesses like DataScope. Project delays, cost overruns, and fierce competition for resources are ever-present challenges. Acting with speed and decisiveness is essential, while hesitation may risk missing out on a market poised for rapid evolution.
Alongside urgency, the conference highlighted speed and predictability as the sector’s overriding priorities. Data centre developers and hyperscalers are under pressure to deliver rapidly, reliably, and without surprises. Across presentations and discussions during the event, it became clear that fast, predictable delivery is the baseline expectation.
From our perspective at DataScope, this validates the value proposition of solutions like DataTouch and Collaborative Planning, which address the industry’s biggest pain points: coordinating teams, tracking progress, and mitigating risks. Speed alone is insufficient; stakeholders need predictable outcomes that allow them to plan confidently and secure resources in a competitive market. Technology that supports both acceleration and reliability is the differentiator in today’s environment.
One recurring insight was that success can be facilitated by software that create the right environment and processes for projects to succeed. Add to this, culture, and alignment across all phases of development – from design and build to commission and operate – we have the optimum playbook for success. It was repeatedly emphasised that high-performing teams and strong collaboration, aligned to the right tools are central to delivering speed and predictability at scale.
The event’s focus on teamwork reinforced another key insight: no single actor can drive success in isolation. The data centre ecosystem thrives when collaboration occurs across the five pillars of development: develop, design, build, commission, and operate. Informal discussions, particularly sessions led by Doug Mouton and Mike Sarraille, highlighted that team culture and alignment directly influence the ability to move quickly while maintaining predictability.
From a strategic perspective, this directly reflects how DataScope engage in this market. While one representative can gather insights, scaling opportunities requires a joined-up team approach, demonstrating that we are not just a vendor, but a partner capable of guiding clients through complex projects. This approach positions DataScope to capture both immediate and long-term opportunities during this critical “point in time.”
DataScope’s VP of Mission Critical, Joe Desormeaux shared his thoughts from the event:
“DCAC Live was a reflection of the condition of the data centre market today. From the energy of the sessions it was clear that this is a golden era for growth, speed, and predictability, and only those prepared to act with focus and agility will thrive. For DataScope, the insights gathered are already shaping strategy—both in terms of team engagement and solution positioning—as we aim to help our clients capitalise on this unprecedented “point in time.”
In essence, DCAC Live 2025 crystallised a few critical truths:
The urgency of the moment cannot be overstated – We are operating at a unique “point in time” where opportunities abound, but hesitation carries risk.
Speed and predictability define success – The industry expects rapid, reliable delivery, and solutions that facilitate both are indispensable.
Teamwork and environment matter – Technology alone does not drive results; collaboration, culture, and process alignment are equally vital.