8:00 a.m. – 8:20 a.m. | Welcome

HSU President Eric Bruntmyer, The Future is Now: Why This Matters for Abilene 

8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. | Panel 1

Envisioning the Future of Datacenter Sites and Communities

Chair: Jim Claunch, Partner, Bain

• Panelists:
  • Ishnella Azad, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Data Journey and 5Rivers CRE, LLC
  • Paul Dillbeck, Chief Development Officer, Lancium
  • Ronald Young, Vice President of Construction, Vantage Data Centers

9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | Panel 2

Powering the Future: Grid, Gas, & Renewable Strategy 

Chair: Jim Claunch, Partner, Bain

• Panelists:
  • Lillian Federico, Executive Director of Research, Halcyon
  • Robert W. Gee, President, Gee Strategies Group, LLC
  • Brett Perlman, Chief Executive Officer, Gulf Energy Catalyst
  • Rich Voorberg, Chief Infratech Officer (CITO), QII (Quality Infratech Intelligence)

10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. | Panel 3

Building the Backbone: Fossil Energy & Minerals Supply 

Chair: Jim Claunch, Partner, Bain

• Panelists:
  • Freddy Aird, Chief Executive Officer, Stratajam
  • Marc Dingler, Former Senior Vice President of Government and Public Affairs, Diamondback Energy
  • James Levy, Chief Operating Officer, El Paso Minerals Corporation

11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Panel 4

The Science of What’s Next: AI, Materials & Digital Tools 

Chair: Jim Claunch, Partner, Bain

• Panelists:
  • Mark Eramo, Strategic Advisor, S&P Global
  • Matteo Pasquali, Director of Carbon Hub, Rice University
  • James Richmond, Chief Executive Officer, e2Companies
  • Alejandro Zotti, Chief Executive Officer, Decimetrix

1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. | Panel 5

Governing and Safety: Politics, Taxes, Infrastructure, & Housing 

Chair: Jim Claunch, Partner, Bain

• Panelists:
  • Phil Crowley, County Judge, Taylor County
  • Weldon Hunt, Mayor, City of Abilene
  • Christina M. Isbell, Mayor, City of Haskell and Owner of Haskell Funeral Home
  • John Nichols, Vice President for Military Affairs, Abilene Chamber of Commerce

2:15 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.  | Panel 6

The Human Equation: Policy, Demographics & Community Thriving 

Chair: Jim Claunch, Partner, Bain

• Panelists:
  • Katie Frugé, Director for the Christian Life Commission, BGCT
  • Doug Peters, President and CEO, Abilene Chamber of Commerce
  • Haley Stuteville, Community Development Manager, Google

3:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. | Closing Remarks

HSU Board of Trustees, Chair, Dr. Brad Butler, The Future is Now: Why This Matters for Abilene