In the latest episode of NEDAS Live!, episode 63 features a fresh and vital perspective on the data center industry with Luke Adams, analyst at DPGlobal Assets and the co-founder of Data Center Youngbloods. Host, and CEO of iMiller Public Relations, Ilissa Miller explores how this young leader is paving the way for new talent and greater inclusivity in the digital infrastructure sector.​

Creating Opportunity in the Foundation of AI

DPGlobal Assets specializes in global digital infrastructure development, particularly data centers, from ideation through operation. Adams, who transitioned from being a college graduate to an industry analyst, shares what drew him to the sector: the realization that data centers are at the heart of the AI revolution and the backbone of the digital world. “Data centers are the reason that ChatGPT exists, and they’re the reason that AI will continue to skyrocket,” Adams explains, reflecting on how the sector’s unseen complexity offers immense opportunities for recent graduates willing to learn and grow.​

Launching Data Center Youngbloods

Noting the disconnect between academia and the industry, Adams co-founded Data Center Youngbloods with his brother to fix the pipeline. Adams observed that most industry events were filled with seasoned professionals, making young entrants feel like the odd ones who were out of place. Data Center Youngbloods aims to make digital infrastructure careers visible, accessible, and welcoming by bridging the workforce gap and connecting newcomers with mentorship, certification pathways, and a growing peer community. “We’re building the community that I wish existed when I first started out,” says Adams.​

Empowerment, Mentorship, and Debunking Myths

Adams also highlights the power of mentorship and networking. Young professionals often get discouraged by strict experience requirements, but he urges them to be curious, proactive, and fearless in asking questions. He credits mentorship for his rapid growth and emphasizes that skills and knowledge can be gained on the job with the right attitude. Data Center Youngbloods is cultivating in-person events, virtual meetings, and access to supportive mentors, resources that Adams lacked when he began.​

Driving Change One Conversation at a Time

As Data Center Youngbloods’ network expands, Adams’s message centers on paying it forward and breaking down barriers for newcomers. The initiative welcomes both seasoned professionals and emerging talent, offering a booking portal for mentorship and building their community through LinkedIn and direct outreach. Adams’s core advice for future leaders: “Everything is learnable. Be proactive, get involved, and don’t be afraid to reach out, no matter your background”.​

To continue the conversation, listen to episode 63 of the podcast here.

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Episode 62 of the NEDAS Live! Podcast shines a spotlight on Brian Moon, CEO of Pacific Telecommunications Council (PTC), who joined host Ilissa Miller, CEO of iMiller Public Relations, for an in-depth conversation ahead of PTC’s 2026 Annual Conference. As PTC prepares for its 48th year connecting the digital infrastructure community, Moon shares how the organization is adapting to the age of AI, meeting evolving industry needs, empowering members, and fostering innovation.

Evolving Beyond Tradition: PTC’s Growth in the Age of AI

PTC has long been recognized for its January conference in Honolulu, a staple for global industry leaders from across wireline, wireless, subsea, satellite, and data center sectors. Brian Moon traces PTC’s evolution from its origins as a Pacific-focused membership meeting to its current role as a global convener, now at the convergence of AI, edge, and cloud innovation. “It isn’t siloed anymore. AI is interconnecting and converging all the other industries. Nothing works without each other now,” Moon notes. Recent conference sell-outs reflect the enthusiastic embrace of PTC’s refreshed programming and more diverse, tech-forward offerings.​

Member-First Mentality and Year-Round Value

Recognizing that industry professionals want more than a once-a-year event, Moon highlights how PTC reinvests its not-for-profit proceeds to support members. From providing meeting spaces at major industry events to organizing exclusive luncheons and ongoing education programs, PTC prioritizes networking, knowledge-sharing, and tangible benefits. “We want to make sure our members see that their dues are going towards something meaningful,” Moon explains. The upcoming conference’s robust member benefits, accessible pricing, and expanded activities demonstrate a commitment to value and inclusion.​

Leadership, Talent, and Next-Gen Empowerment

A major theme this year is leadership, which is embodied by the debut of the Alaka‘i Stage (meaning “to lead” or “to guide” in Hawaiian), which reimagines thought leadership sessions to foster deeper connections between attendees and top executives. PTC is also addressing industry succession with two leadership development initiatives: the Academy Master Class for mid-career professionals and the Top Talent Leadership program in partnership with Columbia Business School. “These are just a few ways that we’re contributing back to the industry,” explains Moon.

Inclusion Initiatives: Laulima and Industry Diversity

PTC’s new Week of Laulima, Hawaiian for “many hands coming together”, puts a spotlight on women in critical infrastructure. Featuring tracks and safe spaces for networking, coaching, and peer celebration, this program is helping drive strong female representation and engagement at the annual event. “We want all participants to feel they belong and can thrive here,” Moon says, as surging engagement in industry group chats and programming shows the impact.​

Looking Ahead: Convening, Educating, and Innovating

As the intersection of AI, data centers, and connectivity accelerates, Moon underscores PTC’s dual role as convener and educator, providing factual context when public perceptions of the digital infrastructure sector are at stake, including environmental and community impacts. The organization aims to support industry growth and keep their members ahead of the curve, whether through connection, education, or advocacy.

With the PTC Annual Conference on the horizon, the organization continues to shape the global conversation, bringing together the leaders, innovators, and future talent driving the digital economy forward.

The PTC’26 event takes place in Honolulu at the Hilton Hawaiian Village starting Sunday, January 18 through Wednesday, January 21, 2026. The invite-only member’s soiree kicks off the festivities on Saturday, January 17, 2026.

For more information about the event, membership and to register for a pass, visit ptc.org.

To continue the conversation, listen to the full podcast episode here.

The post Beyond the Conference: PTC’s Commitment to Connection, Innovation, and Industry Empowerment with Brian Moon appeared first on Data Center POST.

Quantica Infrastructure (Quantica) has strengthened its commitment to digital infrastructure education and workforce development by becoming the newest Inspiration Sponsor of the Nomad Futurist Foundation. This partnership reflects both organizations’ shared goal of supporting future talent and expanding access to opportunities within the digital infrastructure ecosystem.

The Nomad Futurist Foundation, a globally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, works to make the world of digital infrastructure accessible and inspiring for students and young professionals. Through educational outreach, immersive programs, and mentorship, the Foundation introduces emerging talent to the technologies that power the digital economy.

As part of its Inspiration Sponsorship, Quantica has pledged $25,000 in 2025 to support the Foundation’s education and workforce initiatives. A portion of this commitment will be allocated to a local school identified by Quantica, reinforcing both organizations’ focus on community-driven impact and early exposure to career pathways.

Quantica Infrastructure’s mission is to deliver integrated infrastructure across renewable power, network connectivity, and development-ready land, with a focus on supporting economic opportunity in historically overlooked regions. This sponsorship aligns with the company’s long-term commitment to education, workforce readiness, and local community investment.

“As we continue building programs that don’t just inform, but truly inspire, Quantica’s support is instrumental in enabling us to take the next step: bringing students into the industry itself,” said Nabeel Mahmood, Co-Founder of Nomad Futurist. “Together, we can deliver real-world exposure, mentorship, and the confidence to dream big in a space they might never have known existed.”

Students participating in this partnership will have access to Nomad Futurist Academy’s curated modules, hands-on industry experience at major events, and mentorship from digital infrastructure leaders. These opportunities are designed to bridge the gap between education and employment by offering direct exposure to careers in data centers, energy technologies, and related fields.

John Chesser, CEO of Quantica Infrastructure, emphasized the alignment between this sponsorship and the company’s ongoing projects: “The Nomad Futurist Foundation’s mission aligns squarely with what we are building through our Big Sky Campus in Montana and beyond. The ability to not only raise awareness but educate the next generation about future opportunities in data centers and digital infrastructure demonstrates the long-term investments and growth our project brings along with it.”

This collaboration marks an important milestone in both organizations’ efforts to support education, expand career access, and prepare the next generation to lead in an evolving digital infrastructure landscape.

For more information, view the full press release here.

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