Speakers
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As the data center industry scales at unprecedented speed, the most significant challenges are no longer theoretical – they are happening simultaneously and in real time.
Join Holland & Knight for a solutions-oriented, half-day seminar designed to help you navigate the critical decisions shaping today's data center projects.
Our speakers will examine how to manage real estate and site development risk, access and structure capital, strategically approach data center outsourcing and overcome power constraints through innovative, hybrid energy solutions – providing practical insight drawn from active matters across the country.
RSVP now to reserve your spot for this timely and informative presentation. Lunch will be provided.
May 13, 2026 | Houston
Data Centers:
Insights and Strategies for a Rapidly Transforming Industry
Real Estate
Partner
joshua.belcher@hklaw.com
Joshua Belcher
Kris Kearney
Agenda
Partner
susan.booth@hklaw.com
Susan Booth
Partner
graham.coates@hklaw.com
Graham Coates
Partner
michael.jo@hklaw.com
Michael Jo
Partner
ronnie.dabbasi@hklaw.com
Ronnie Dabbasi
Partner
doug.gosden@hklaw.com
Doug Gosden
Partner
james.paine@hklaw.com
Jim Paine
Partner
kris.kearney@hklaw.com
Kris Kearney
Partner
matthew.joe@hklaw.com
Matt Joe
Partner
tamsen.plume@hklaw.com
Tamsen Plume
Senior Counsel
allie.parnell@hklaw.com
Allie Parnell
Partner
sarah.parker@hklaw.com
Sarah Parker
Partner
ram.sunkara@hklaw.com
Ram Sunkara
Partner
david.schneider@hklaw.com
David Schneider
8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Don't Ignore the Dirt: Real Estate Issues in the Development and Growth of Data Centers
Matt Joe
Tamsen Plume
David Schneider
Modern data center projects rely on increasingly complex capital structures that evolve from early development through stabilization and scale. This session examines how equity, debt and alternative capital sources are deployed across the data center life cycle, including joint ventures, private equity, construction and permanent financing, mezzanine debt and structured capital solutions.
From initial capital to long-term hold strategies, this discussion follows how funding approaches change as data center projects evolve. Speakers will highlight what drives capital decisions at each stage and how developers and investors are thinking about flexibility, returns and downside protection.
Michael Jo
Bill Jackson
Christopher Dillon
Susan Booth
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Beyond the Server Room: Strategic Considerations in Data Center Outsourcings
Sarah Parker
Jim Paine
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Speed to Power: Derisking Data Center Power Through Hybrid Energy Solutions in Front of and Behind the Meter
Ram Sunkara
Zachary Pilchen
Graham Coates
Joshua Belcher
Plugging into Capital: How Data Centers
Get Funded
Plugging into Capital: How Data Centers
Get Funded
9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Speakers:
Kris Kearney | Partner, Dallas
Matt Joe | Partner, Atlanta
Tamsen Plume | Partner, San Francisco
David Schneider | Partner, Tysons
Real estate decisions made early in a data center project can determine speed to market, entitlement risk and long-term scalability. This session examines the land use, zoning, environmental and transactional issues that most directly impact data center development, from site selection and land control to permitting and expansion planning.
Drawing on real-world experience advising major data center and infrastructure projects across key U.S. markets, the panel will share practical insights on navigating local approvals, managing environmental reviews, structuring development deals and avoiding common pitfalls that can delay or derail projects before construction even begins.
Don't Ignore the Dirt: Real Estate Issues in the Development and Growth of Data Centers
As data center operations become more complex and mission-critical, outsourcing decisions increasingly shape risk, cost and long-term flexibility. This session examines the legal and commercial issues that arise when core data center functions are handled by third parties, including service levels, data security, regulatory compliance and allocation of operational risk.
The discussion focuses on how outsourcing agreements are structured, negotiated and managed over time, with practical insight into aligning vendor relationships with broader business strategy, technology road maps and growth objectives in an evolving data center environment.
Beyond the Server Room: Strategic Considerations in Data Center Outsourcings
Securing reliable power has become one of the biggest constraints on data center development and expansion. This session examines power procurement strategies for addressing grid congestion, interconnection delays and regulatory uncertainty, including hybrid approaches that combine utility service, on-site generation and behind-the-meter resources.
The panel will explore how developers, operators and hyperscalers are structuring energy solutions to accelerate delivery timelines while managing cost, permitting and compliance risk. Topics include innovative utility arrangements, generation options, environmental and other regulatory considerations, and how power strategy increasingly shapes site selection, financing and long-term scalability.
Speed to Power: Derisking Data Center Power Through Hybrid Energy Solutions in Front of and Behind the Meter
Seminar speakers will include attorneys across Holland & Knight with deep knowledge of various aspects of the data center development and operational ecosystem.
Land Use and Government
Financial Services
Energy
Environment
Outsourcing and Technology Transactions
Public Policy & Regulation
Data Centers
Senior Counsel
zachary.pilchen@hklaw.com
Zach Pilchen
Speakers:
Susan Booth | Partner, Los Angeles
Doug Gosden | Partner, Atlanta
Ronnie Dabbasi | Partner, Houston
Michael Jo | Partner, New York
Speakers:
Jim Paine | Partner, Atlanta
Sarah Parker | Partner, Atlanta
Allie Parnell | Senior Counsel, Dallas
Speakers:
Joshua Belcher | Partner, Houston
Graham Coates | Partner, New York
Zach Pilchen | Senior Counsel, Washington, D.C.
Ram Sunkara | Partner, Houston and Atlanta