Where Every Voice Is Heard Part II: JSA Interview with DCAC Founder Kirk Offel

Where Every Voice Is Heard

Part II: JSA Interview with DCAC Founder Kirk Offel

By Daniel Highet, Director of Content, JSA

In Part II of our interview with Kirk Offel, Founder of the Data Center Austin Conference (DCAC), and Executive Vice President of Platform Delivery at Aligned Energy, Kirk talks about the changes to this year’s event, and what DCAC is doing to help the industry win the war on talent. The fifth annual DCAC summit takes place in Austin, September 24-25.

JSA: What changes can we anticipate to the format of DCAC 2019?

Kirk: This year, by popular demand, we’re expanding to a two-day summit. Once again, Brazos Hall, a historic building in downtown Austin, with a huge concert hall and a roof-top deck, is hosting the event. The format this year is to offer two VIP speakers in the morning, and two VIP speakers in the afternoon, each day, on the downstairs stage, which is the venue’s main stage.

On the upstairs stage, we'll feature fireside chat breakout sessions where marquee sponsors will bring on a customer to discuss an actual use case. They're not allowed to go up there and do a commercial, and say, “Hey, we make the best data centers, and this is our product. Do you want to buy some?” Instead, we invite them to bring a customer to the stage who will talk about an actual project that moved the needle in the industry, and what they were doing in the market that was substantively different. 

JSA: I understand that finding the next generation of data center talent will also be a key focus of DCAC 2019.

Kirk: Yes, in an that industry that doubles in size every four or five years, data center operators are facing staffing problems, with many seasoned employees nearing retirement age. So, this year’s event will feature a breakout session that is dedicated to headhunters and recruiters who will talk about where the growth is occurring in the industry, what kind of people they're looking to hire, and where the opportunities are spread out throughout the United States. We’ll also feature representatives from Salute Mission Critical, an organization that hires and trains military veterans for data center jobs. As a veteran of the U.S. Navy, Salute’s program resonates very deeply with me.

JSA: DCAC has become synonymous if not infamous for its program of out-of-the-box amenities, hip Austin vibe, free-flowing spirit and free-flowing libations. What’s the purpose behind creating this type of environment, and how do first-time attendees generally respond to the atmosphere which is so unlike any other data center industry conference?

Kirk: We try to create a relaxed atmosphere where people do less posturing and lean in more. We believe this type of environment is conducive to the exchange of more thoughtful and meaningful ideas. People that attend DCAC tell us that it’s precisely this kind of environment, which allows every voice in the room to be heard, that keeps them coming back year after year.

JSA: Thank you for your time today, Kirk. To learn more about DCAC and reserve tickets to the event, be sure and visit www.dcac-live.com.