Sarah Davenport and Oli Coote attended DataCloud Global Congress in Cannes, joining industry leaders from across the global digital infrastructure sector for one of the industry's most anticipated annual events.

The week also saw Capstone shortlisted for the Commitment to Diversity and Talent Development Award, recognition of our ongoing work to support talent development, mentoring and inclusion across the data centre industry. While we didn't take home the award this year, that mantle went to Microsoft as a worthy winner, it was a privilege to be recognised alongside so many organisations making a positive impact across the sector.

While DataCloud is known for its conference programme, exhibitions and awards, one of its greatest strengths remains its ability to bring together the people shaping the future of digital infrastructure. Across a packed week of meetings, industry events and networking opportunities, several themes emerged that reflected both the conversations taking place across Cannes and the wider conference agenda.

Power Continues to Dominate the Conversation

If there was one topic that consistently surfaced throughout the week, it was power.

The conference agenda explored everything from power innovation and density challenges to behind-the-meter generation, energy resilience and AI-driven infrastructure growth. As demand for digital infrastructure continues to accelerate, operators, developers and suppliers are all grappling with the same question: how do we scale quickly enough to meet demand while securing the power required to support it?

In conversations throughout the week, it was clear that power availability remains one of the biggest constraints facing the sector. While demand shows little sign of slowing, uncertainty around grid access, project timelines and future requirements continues to create challenges for long-term planning and delivery.

The emergence of discussions around alternative power solutions and privately generated energy infrastructure demonstrates just how critical this issue has become.

Building the Workforce of the Future

Another key theme running throughout both the event and the conference programme was talent. One panel explored how the industry can build a resilient long-term workforce, tackling ongoing challenges around attracting, developing and retaining specialist talent. These discussions closely reflected many of the conversations Sarah and Oli had throughout the week.

While demand for data centres continues to grow, concerns remain around where the next generation of talent will come from. Apprenticeships, early careers programmes and structured development pathways were all recurring topics, alongside the challenge of replacing experienced professionals approaching retirement.

What was particularly interesting was the focus on retention as well as attraction. Creating opportunities for progression, investing in professional development and supporting employee wellbeing were all highlighted as critical to building sustainable workforces capable of supporting long-term industry growth.

Several discussions also touched on the visibility of new entrants into the sector and the importance of ensuring digital infrastructure remains an attractive career choice for future generations.

Community Matters More Than Ever

Perhaps the most poignant takeaway from the week was the growing emphasis on community. This appeared in two distinct forms.

Firstly, there is the community within the data centre sector itself. Events hosted by organisations including Forum for Women in Data Centres (FWD), Gen+1, Mission Procure, Ridge and others highlighted the collaborative spirit that exists across the industry and the growing desire to work together to address shared challenges.

Reflecting on the week, Sarah Davenport shared:

"Datacloud Global Congress felt particularly special. We spent a week surrounded by so many incredible people from across our Capstone communities; those we've mentored, featured on the podcast, and hosted through co-hosting The Speaker Series, and there is nothing quite like seeing those relationships come to life in a room. Being shortlisted at the awards evening for our commitment to diversity and talent development was a moment we're enormously proud of; it's a real reflection of what we stand for. Beyond that, we got to sit down properly with customers, understand where their businesses are heading, and have the kinds of conversations that remind you why you do what you do. It genuinely fuelled the soul."

Secondly, there is the industry's relationship with the communities around it.

One of the conference panels focused specifically on public perception, exploring how the sector can better educate stakeholders and communicate the value data centres provide to society. As discussions around AI, energy consumption and infrastructure development become more prominent, improving public understanding of the industry will become increasingly important.

The conversation is no longer solely about growth. It is also about trust, transparency and ensuring communities understand the role digital infrastructure plays in enabling modern life.

Why Cannes Remains Unique

What makes DataCloud special isn't confined to the conference floor. Many of the most valuable conversations happened during breakfast meetings, run clubs, wellbeing sessions, networking events and informal introductions throughout the week.

Be it through discussing workforce wellbeing with Regenerate UK, attending industry community events or meeting with operators and business leaders from across Europe, the opportunity to connect with decision-makers in a more personal environment remains one of the event's greatest strengths.

For Sarah and Oli, the week reinforced a simple message: while technology continues to evolve rapidly, the future of digital infrastructure will ultimately be shaped by people. Whether discussing power, AI, talent or public perception, success will depend on the industry's ability to collaborate, develop future talent and build stronger connections both within and beyond the sector.

A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to meet with us throughout the week. We look forward to continuing the conversation.