2026-06-04 · ECPI — 11104 W Broad St, Glen Allen, VA
Virginia is now one of the largest data center markets in the world. The facilities powering that reality are being built, expanded, and operated right here in the Greater Richmond Region — and most people have never had a direct conversation with the people who run them. On June 4, the Women & AI cohort is hosting a panel discussion to change that. "What's in Your Backyard? Data Centers and AI" brings together experts in infrastructure policy, energy, regulation, and campus operations for a candid look at what these facilities actually are, what they cost the region, and how the rules governing them are being written right now. What You Will Leave Knowing Inside the facility: What actually happens inside a modern data center, and why it matters to the communities around it Energy and resources: How data centers measure and manage their demand on the local power grid The regulatory picture: What current laws cover, what they don't, and where policy is heading Day-to-day operations: How large-scale campuses are managed and what that means on the ground in Richmond How the Evening Runs Doors open at 5:30 PM for networking and food. The panel begins at 6:00 PM with five-minute opening remarks from each panelist, followed by a moderated discussion. Audience questions are welcome throughout via Slido. 0:00 – 0:05: What happens inside a data center 0:05 – 0:10: The regulatory landscape 0:10 – 0:15: Campus operations 0:15 onward: Panel discussion and audience Q&A Seating is limited. Register now to hold your spot.
This event took place on Jun 4, 2026 in Greater Richmond and has already happened. AI Ready RVA runs free and member events across the region every month — see the upcoming events calendar for the next session, or explore our industry cohorts to keep learning between events.