Metro Connect USA has long been where data center and fiber leaders come together to shape the future of digital infrastructure.

Now, for the first time, we're launching a dedicated Data Center Fiber Summit within the brand new Core Network Stage.

This is your opportunity to join the operators, developers and carriers driving the next wave of AI-enabled infrastructure, tackling everything from carrier partnerships and metro connectivity to designing networks that can support tomorrow's demand.

The Summit concludes with a Happy Hour, giving you the chance to continue your conversation and connect with a tailored community that understands the challenges and opportunities you face every day.

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A panel on data center fiber from this year's Metro Connect USA

LEAD SPONSOR

MBC - Mid Atlantic Broadband
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14:00
  1.  Data Center Fiber Summit
    Panel: The AI Backbone - How data center networks must evolve for the next wave of AI demand
    Core Networks Stage
    45 mins
    As AI workloads become larger, more distributed, and increasingly performance-sensitive, the network is emerging as a critical determinant of data center capability and competitiveness. Traditional architectures are being pushed to their limits by the demands of AI training and inference, requiring …
    Speakers
    Speaker image for Dan Davis
    Dan Davis, CEO - ARCADIAN INFRACOM
    Speaker image for Robert Worden
    Robert Worden, Chief Executive Officer - VISION NET, INC.
    Speaker image for Tad Deriso
    Tad Deriso, President & CEO - MBC
    Speaker image for Kevin Sheehan
    Kevin Sheehan, CTO of the Americas, Vice President of Sales Engineering, and S3 - Ciena Limited
14:45
  1. Panel: Picking Partners - How do data centers engage with carrier partners effectively?
    Core Networks Stage
    45 mins
    As connectivity becomes a key differentiator for hyperscale, enterprise, and AI-driven workloads, the relationship between data center operators and carrier partners has never been more important. Customers increasingly expect seamless access to diverse networks, cloud platforms, and digital ecosyst …
    Chairperson
    Speaker image for Greg Bryan
    Greg Bryan, Senior Manager - TELEGEOGRAPHY
    Speakers
    Speaker image for Justin Forte
    Justin Forte, CEO - INDATEL SERVICES
    Speaker image for Tom Spackman
    Tom Spackman, CEO - Gigabit Fiber, LLC
    Speaker image for Allen Meeks
    Allen Meeks, Chief Executive Officer - MOX NETWORKS, LLC
15:30
  1. Networking Break
    Core Networks Stage
    30 mins
16:00
  1. Panel: From Meet-Me Room to Metro Fabric – Building the interconnection ecosystem for the AI era
    Core Networks Stage
    45 mins
    As data center deployments expand across metropolitan markets to support cloud, AI, and edge demand, connectivity strategies are evolving beyond the traditional meet-me room. Operators are increasingly building interconnected metro fabrics that link multiple facilities, create larger virtual campuse …
    Speakers
    Speaker image for Hunter Newby
    Hunter Newby, CEO - Newby Ventures
    Speaker image for Robert Conger
    Robert Conger, General Manager and VP, Strategy & Solutions - ADTRAN, INC.
    Speaker image for Derek Gillespie
    Derek Gillespie, Chief Executive Officer - 365 DATA CENTERS
16:45
  1. Panel: First Things First - Designing connectivity before the data center opens
    Core Networks Stage
    45 mins
    In today's market, connectivity can no longer be treated as an afterthought in data center development. From securing diverse fiber routes and carrier participation to planning cloud on-ramps and interconnection services, connectivity decisions made during the design phase can significantly influenc …
    Speakers
    Speaker image for James Tindall
    James Tindall, Senior Vice President, Hyperscale and AI Cloud Infrastructure - NOKIA
    Speaker image for Stephen Rose
    Stephen Rose, CEO - Render Networks
    Speaker image for John White
    John White, Chief Operating Officer - US SIGNAL COMPANY LLC
17:30
  1. Happy hour reception
    Core Networks Stage
    45 mins