The Nomad Futurist Foundation was proud to have a powerful and purposeful presence at DCD>Connect | New York, held March 24–25, 2025, at the Marriott Marquis in the heart of Times Square. This year’s event was more than a showcase of digital infrastructure innovation — it marked a pivotal moment for the next generation of talent in our industry.
With the support and collaboration of the Datacenter Dynamics team, we took a major step forward in bringing our mission to life: inspiring and empowering young minds to explore careers in digital infrastructure.
For the second year in a row, students walked the show floor alongside industry giants, a clear signal that the sector is embracing the value of early exposure, mentorship, and opportunity. It’s a milestone we’ve long championed — and one that’s now becoming reality.
Leadership, Presence, and Purpose
Our Co-Founder Phillip Koblence took the stage for two dynamic panel discussions, diving into key conversations about the evolving future of our space. Meanwhile, the Nomad Futurist booth became a lively focal point throughout the event — powered by a passionate team of Advisors, Ambassadors, Advocates, and Foundation leadership.
As attendees stopped by to learn more, a common question emerged: “What is Nomad Futurist?” That curiosity quickly turned into connection, as professionals from across the ecosystem joined us in advancing our mission.
Students in the Spotlight
A defining moment of the event was the participation of two outstanding student advocates: Arnav Ahluwalia of New York University and Michael Koblence of Rutgers University. These future leaders brought energy, insight, and bold curiosity to every interaction. Arnav reflected on the experience:
“I left with a whole new level of understanding — not just about how data centers operate, but how essential they are to everything from AI to global economic development. What stood out most was how open and welcoming the industry was to students like us.”
Their presence was proof that when young people are given access and support, they don’t just participate… they thrive.
Connection at the Core
We wrapped up the event with the Nomad Futurist Happy Hour, hosted at the beautiful St. Cloud Rooftop at the Knickerbocker Hotel. The evening brought together a diverse group of professionals for relaxed networking and new ideas — and none of it would have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors: DRM, Bisnow, Critical Ventures, and NYI.
Looking Ahead
DCD>Connect | New York 2025 was a celebration of where our industry is headed and a bold reminder that its future depends on the inclusion of new voices and perspectives.
We’re deeply grateful to Rebecca Davidson, Dan Loosemore, and the rest of the DCD team for their continued partnership, and we look forward to expanding our impact at future events. Here’s to building a more inclusive, innovative, and inspired digital infrastructure community — one student at a time.
About Nomad Futurist:
The Nomad Futurist Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established to demystify the world of digital infrastructure and the related technologies that impact every aspect of our daily lives. Our primary focus is to empower and inspire younger generations through exposure to the underlying technologies that power our digital world and cultivate the next generation of industry leaders. Through the contributions of our supporters, we are launching global programs in partnership with a range of education providers, NGOs and other nonprofit organizations committed to educating children in underprivileged communities, promoting diversity and inclusion, and opening up opportunities for growth and new career paths.
- To learn more about the Nomad Futurist Foundation, please visit: http://nomadfuturist.org/.
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