David Watkins

Solutions Director

VIRTUS Data Centres

David Watkins is the solutions director at VIRTUS Data Centres, heading up the Solutions Team that works with customers to provide customised solutions. He has been at VIRTUS since 2009, where he has previously held the roles of service delivery director and head of operations. David has a technical and commercial background and can often be found speaking about sustainability at data centre industry events as well as authoring articles on the topic, which he is passionate and knowledgeable about. Prior to joining VIRTUS, David spent more than 15 years at Unisys. His last role with the company was head of data centres UKMEA.

Julia Carpenter

Co-founder and CEO

Apheros

Julia Carpenter is the cofounder and CEO of Apheros which was built to commercialize the metal foam heat exchangers she invented during her PhD. A material scientist by training, she was recently named on of MIT Technology Reviews 35 Innovators under 35. Under her leadership, Apheros has launched numerous partnerships in DLC and immersion cooling to design and manufacture metal foam-based heat exchangers and wicking structures . First commercial products are expected in early 2026.

Alistair Barnes

Head of Mechanical Engineering

Colt DCS

Speaker biography will be available soon.

Phil Alsop

Editor

Data Centre Solutions

Speaker biography will be available soon.

Alternative Energy Resources - On What Can Data Centres Rely?

22nd Jan 2025

This roundtable will address the growing need for data centres to adopt alternative energy sources to ensure sustainability and energy security. Participants will explore various renewable energy options, such as solar, wind, and hydro, as well as innovations in energy storage and grid independence. The roundtable will provide insights into the benefits, challenges, and implementation strategies of these alternatives. Data centre managers will learn how to reduce dependency on traditional energy sources, lower operating costs, and enhance their green credentials, making this an essential session for forward-thinking operators. Importance: Learn how to effectively integrate these alternative energy solutions to reduce carbon footprints, lower energy costs, and enhance operational resilience, positioning their data centres at the forefront of environmental stewardship and technological innovation.

Revolutionising Data Centre Power Management: Innovations and Best Practices

04th Mar 2025

This roundtable will focus on the latest advancements in data centre power management and the role of innovative technologies in enhancing energy efficiency and reliability. Topics will include modular power systems, smart grid integration, real-time power monitoring, and the impact of renewable energy sources on data centre operations. Huawei, as a leader in data centre power innovation, will provide insights into cutting-edge solutions and case studies demonstrating how these innovations can reduce energy costs, improve uptime, and support sustainable operations. Importance: Improving energy efficiency reduces operational costs and environmental impact, aligning data centre operations with sustainability goals and regulatory standards.

Data Centre Location - A Mission Critical Decision?

05th May 2025

This roundtable will explore the strategic importance of selecting the right location for data centres. Discussions will cover factors such as geographic stability, connectivity, energy availability, regulatory compliance, and proximity to end-users. Data centre managers will gain insights into how location impacts operational efficiency, disaster recovery capabilities, and overall service reliability. Attendees will learn best practices for site selection to ensure their data centres can meet current and future demands, making this a crucial topic for anyone involved in data centre planning and operations. Importance: The roundtable will explore the strategic importance of selecting the right location for data centres, emphasizing how geographical factors such as climate, energy availability, and connectivity can significantly impact operational efficiency and sustainability.

Data Centre Design - Building Sustainable, AI-Ready Infrastructure

23rd Jun 2025

This roundtable will focus on the intersection of sustainability and advanced technology; the discussion will delve into designing data centres that are both environmentally friendly and capable of supporting AI workloads. Topics will include energy-efficient architectures, cooling solutions, modular designs, and the integration of AI for predictive maintenance and operational optimization. Data centre operators will benefit from understanding how to future-proof their facilities while minimizing environmental impact, ensuring they can support the next generation of technology with reduced carbon footprints.

Overview: Understand how to integrate and support new technologies ensures that data centres remain competitive and capable of meeting future demands.