The Future of AI Depends on Data Centres | Conference of Montreal 2026

In this session at the Conference of Montreal 2026, leaders from the technology, finance, infrastructure, and legal sectors examine how data centres are becoming strategic infrastructure in the age of artificial intelligence. Speakers: Chris Crosby, Founder and CEO, Compass Datacenters Simon Ahdoot, CEO, Hypertec Martin G. Durkin, Partner, Holland & Knight Jean Boivin, Managing Director and Head, BlackRock Investment Institute Kristin Milchanowski, Chief AI and Quantum Officer, BMO Topics discussed: AI infrastructure and data-centre expansion Digital sovereignty and data governance Cloud capacity and AI training demand Energy, permitting, and construction challenges Cybersecurity and protection of sensitive data Talent and workforce development Resilience and global competitiveness Public policy and regulatory frameworks As AI workloads grow exponentially, data centres are becoming essential to economic competitiveness, technological leadership, and national sovereignty. This discussion explores how governments and industry can accelerate the development of next-generation data-centre infrastructure while balancing security, agility, sustainability, and long-term value creation in an increasingly contested digital landscape. 👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insights from the world’s most influential leaders. Visit our website: www.forum-americas.org/ Follow IEFA LinkedIn:   / international-economic-forum-of-the-americas   Facebook:   / forum.americas   Instagram:   / forumamericas   X: https://x.com/AmericasForum