Industry Experts Look to the Future of Data Center Design at Yotta 2024

There is no doubt that AI is driving transformative change across IT. The data center of tomorrow will be very different to that of five years ago. Goldman Sachs estimates that data centers could consume almost 8% of all US power, up from less than 2% today. That equates to a jump in data center power demand by as much as 160% by 2030.

In parallel, the acceleration of Graphis Processing Unit (GPU) technology is pushing data center infrastructure to the limit. IT load capacity is expected to grow at almost 14% per year between now and 2030, according to Alan Howard, a data center analyst at IT research firm Omdia. By that time, almost half of all data center capacity will be used for AI, he predicts.

“The most dramatic IT load capacity growth will span from 2024 to 2026, with an estimated 45 GW of total demand if the power can be procured,” said Howard.

Yotta 2024 Tackles Key Industry Trends

The Yotta 2024 agenda mirrors these trends. Taking place from October 7-9 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, the event brings the entire digital infrastructure ecosystem together for a deep dive into the future of data center design.

Yotta 2024 will explore the pressing challenges shaping the future of AI, compute, and power and how data centers must respond.

Related:How Utilities, Hyperscalers Are Working to Tackle ‘Extreme’ Data Center Power Demands

“We have assembled the brightest minds across digital infrastructure to discuss actionable solutions that will shape the future,” Rebecca Sausner, CEO, Yotta Events, told Data Center Knowledge.

She highlighted several key sessions that showcase the latest innovations as well as the many powerful forces shaping the industry such as:

“As technology adoption tends to lag behind capability, most enterprises are already behind when it comes to generative AI,” said Wendy Schuchart, editor-in-chief of ITPro Today and Data Center Knowledge. “I'm excited to hear the panel's thoughts on how to integrate generational AI at scale and how different verticals are adapting and refining their processes.”

Related:In Pictures: Data Center World 2024

Sustainability Focus at Yotta 2024

With AI pushing the boundaries of data center capabilities, the emphasis on sustainable power and advanced cooling technologies has never been more important.  What isn’t realized, though, is just how much power is consumed by ChatGPT and other generative AI applications.

The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) has calculated that 0.0029 kilowatt hours (kWh) is consumed every time a user asks a question of ChatGPT.  When you consider that ChatGPT deals with hundreds of millions of users and billions of prompts, the number of kWh is staggering. The training of one large language model in data centers can require 10 gigawatt-hours of power and 700,000 liters of freshwater.

Accordingly, the need for environmentally sound principles is shaping this year's event.

“As the industry grapples with the demands of AI and machine learning, it's crucial that we scale responsibly,” said Sausner. “Yotta 2024 is not just about cutting-edge technologies but about ensuring these innovations are scalable and sustainable for the long term.”

Related:Financing for New Data Center Construction: An In-Depth Guide

The conference program reflects this approach. It provides a dedicated track on ‘Scaling Digital Infrastructure Sustainably’. It will cover energy efficiency, renewable power sources, and advanced cooling technologies.

Companies like Schneider Electric and Shell Energy will provide thought leadership on how to integrate sustainable practices across the industry. In addition, leaders such as Jennifer Huffstetler from Intel and Kim Greene from Georgia Power will contribute their expertise.  

Insights Across Key Areas

Expert-led sessions at Yotta 24 will explore many themes. An expansive expo will include a series of Thematic Pavilions such as the Ampere AI Pavilion and the Liquid Cooling Coalition Pavilion, featuring top-tier companies like Ampere, Iceotope Technologies, Shell Energy, and others.

And don’t miss the Innovate Arena on the exhibit floor. It could be characterized as the Yotta 2024 ‘Shark Tank’. It features five unique categories, representing the breadth and depth of innovation in the digital infrastructure market, including:

Networking Opportunities

Yotta 2024 will also provide attendees with ample opportunities to connect with peers, industry leaders, and innovators through curated networking events. The program includes a series of mixers, happy hours, yoga sessions, roundtables, and more.

Day one includes eight sponsored workshops and lunches, a cocktail and mocktail mixer, and sponsored dinners.

Day two begins with a series of great minds breakfast roundtables on topics such as liquid cooling, sustainability, power, LGBTQ+, and the under-30 community. In addition, the centerpiece of the Yotta Expo Hall is a signature lounge serving coffee in the morning and alcohol later in the day. 

The day begins to wind down with Partner Palooza when drink carts roll out at 5:15 pm accompanied by live music and friendly chatter. Then join us for the Sphere Experience. This immersive hands-on experience and film is the newest and hottest attraction in Las Vegas.

Day 3 includes sunrise yoga, early bird breakfast meetings and a pool party by the MGM Pool after dinner. The event ends with an epic closing party. Live entertainment and libations will be provided. 

“Yotta 2024 isn’t just another conference – it’s the place where the digital infrastructure industry comes together to tackle the big issues that will define the next decade,” said Sausner. “We’re gathering the brightest minds across AI, power, cooling and beyond to lead the charge in shaping the future of our industry.”

For more information, visit the Yotta 2024 website.