Data Center Growth Meets Community Reality: Industry Leaders to Address Permitting, Perception, and Public Trust at ITW 2026

Session featuring Ilissa Miller, CEO of iMiller Public Relations, will examine how community engagement, policy alignment, and measurable local impact influence development timelines

Mamaroneck, New York - May 6, 2026 - iMiller Public Relations (iMPR), the leading strategic communications, community engagement advisory, and public relations firm focused on digital infrastructure and AI development, today announces that Ilissa Miller, Founder and CEO, will speak at ITW 2026, taking place May 18-21, 2026, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.

As demand for digital infrastructure continues to accelerate, access to land and power is increasingly tied to how effectively developers and operators engage with local communities. Permitting delays and project opposition are often driven by uncertainty, highlighting the need for clearer communication and more transparent planning processes.

Miller, who also serves as a board member of OIX and chairperson of the organization's Digital Infrastructure Framework Committee (DIFC), will participate on the panel, "Debunking the Data Center Misinformation Dilemma," on May 19, 2026, from 10:40 a.m. to 11:20 a.m., as part of the Digital Infrastructure Policy & Investment Summit. The session will examine how public perception and community concerns are increasingly shaping data center development timelines, particularly as projects face scrutiny around environmental impact, water usage, and energy sources.

The discussion will focus on how public perception, policy dynamics, and environmental concerns are influencing permitting timelines, and what the industry must do to respond. Panelists will share practical approaches to improving transparency, aligning stakeholder messaging, and demonstrating measurable community benefits, including economic development, education funding, and infrastructure investment. This conversation aims to reflect a broader industry need for structured frameworks that help communities evaluate complex infrastructure decisions with greater clarity and confidence.

She will be joined by Buddy Rizer, Executive Director of the Loudoun County Department of Economic Development; Joanna Soucy, EVP of Brand Strategy at Aligned Data Centers; Holly Elwood, VP, Strategic Engagement & Category Development at the Global Electronics Council; and Kanan Joshi, Partner, Co-Head of North America & Head of Digital Infrastructure at CVC DIF. The panel will be moderated by Chris Pumphrey, Managing Director at Signal Ventures GA, LLC.

"As AI-driven demand accelerates, community alignment is emerging as a critical gating factor in the future of digital infrastructure development. Communities are often being asked to evaluate these complex infrastructure projects without consistent frameworks or accessible information," said Miller. "By improving how the industry communicates its impact, from sustainability initiatives to economic contributions, we can create more informed discussions and better outcomes for all stakeholders."

ITW 2026 is a global conference gathering leaders across connectivity, digital infrastructure, and investment, providing a platform to address the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of the industry.

For more information about ITW 2026 and to register for the event visit www.internationaltelecomsweek.com. Use discount IMILLER10 to receive 10% off registration.

To learn more about iMiller Public Relations, visit www.imillerpr.com. For information about the OIX DIFC, go to www.oix.org/standards-and-certifications/oix-dif-standard.

Address:
iMiller Public Relations
221 Harbor Hill
Mamaroneck, NY 10543

Media Contact:
Jake Curtachio
iMiller Public Relations
+1.866.307.2510
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About iMiller Public Relations

iMiller Public Relations (iMPR) is a leading international public relations consultancy specializing in the global digital infrastructure industry. Our award-winning firm offers a comprehensive suite of services, including strategic communications, messaging strategy, media/analyst relations, content marketing, trade show marketing, product marketing, and social media program management along with bespoke marketing services. With a proven track record, we collaborate with clients to elevate their brands through customized message amplification, lead-generation activities, and influential marketing initiatives. Our tailored campaigns have consistently delivered game-changing results for telecom and technology companies, collectively representing more than $100 billion in annual revenue. To discover how iMPR can transform your brand message visibility and drive engagement to gain more market wins, visit our website at www.imillerpr.com.

This release was published on openPR.