The Datacloud Global Congress took place in Cannes last week, bringing together over 6,500 attendees from 81 countries. Attendance increased by 55% compared to previous years, indicating continued growth and participation in the event focused on digital infrastructure industry discussions, partnerships, and commercial activity.
Now in its third decade, the event attracted a large number of senior decision-makers from across the sector. More than 75% of attendees held C-level, VP, or Director-level positions, and around 40% represented hyperscalers and data centre operators involved in global digital infrastructure development.
Given the increasing demand for AI-related infrastructure globally, the 2026 Congress included discussions focused on practical aspects of large-scale AI deployment. Topics included power availability, infrastructure rollout, investment conditions, energy resilience, and partnership models needed to support growing digital infrastructure requirements.
The three-day programme included over 300 presentations from speakers representing organisations such as Microsoft, Meta, NTT Global Data Centers, and Schneider Electric. Featured sessions included the Nuclear for AI Summit, the Investment & Finance Forum, and the Digital Infrastructure Leaders Summit. The Data Centre Marketing Club also hosted discussions on communications strategy, community engagement, and branding within the sector.
The week began with the Datacloud Awards, which recognised contributions across areas such as AI development, sustainability, energy management, workforce development, and leadership within the industry.
Attendance also included more than 1,200 representatives from hyperscalers and data centre operators, representing a 54% increase compared to previous years. In addition, over 630 companies attended the event for the first time, reflecting broader participation across the sector.
Overall, the event serves as a meeting point for senior industry participants focused on strategy, investment, and development within the digital infrastructure sector.
