Click here for the full organisers statement of attendance
Overview
DataCentres Ireland was heralded as a success by Exhibitors, Visitors and Speakers alike.
“Great Show this year… The best yet.” Eddie Kilbane, Kilon Holdings
This was the largest visitor and total attendance in the 13yr history of DataCentres Ireland, delivering just under 2000 attendees across the two days of the event.
Notwithstanding that in 2021 DataCentres Ireland was one of the first events in Ireland to be held when COVID passports, distancing and the wearing of masks were mandatory, attendance did drop form 2019 levels. However, the bounce back this year exceeded 2019 levels making this the largest gathering of Data Centre focused attendance in the history of the event.
Year on year visitor attendance was up by 41% and with the increased size of the exhibition the number of individual exhibitors meant the total attendance was up an incredible 42.1%.
The number of individual stands grew, by 54% from 78 to 120 and the total area of the show increased by 62% as exhibitors invested more into the size and look of their stands.
DataCentres Ireland provided a safe, secure, clean, and structured environment, where they were able to network with colleagues, see the latest in products, services, technology, and equipment and listen to industry leaders and experts discussing the latest, issues, approaches and ideas affecting Data Centres and Critical Environments.
“Good People… Good Vibe… Good Show“ Mark Acton, Independent Data Centre Consultant
Exhibitors commented on the quality of attendees present at DataCentres Ireland and lack of time wasters at the show, that gave them more time to engage with buyers, discuss their needs and forge lasting business contacts and relationships.
This level of attendance was achieved despite other Data Centre focussed events being run at the same time in different countries, all of which will have had a negative effect on attendance.
Day one was noticeably busier than the previous year, delivering nearly as many visitors in the first day as the whole of the event in 2021.
Most of the presentations and panel discussions (if not all) were linked to ‘How can Data Centres can continue to improve their efficiency, Standby generation and grid flexibility, reducing their carbon footprint and on how they could assist the utility companies, in the adoption of greener & renewable energy sources, such as Solar, Wind, etc…”
By way of feedback, James Rix, Project Director, Accredited Sustainability Advisor, Arcadis Consulting
“Great Event… One of the best I have been to in recent year’s”
The conference programme featured over 80 international and local experts and industry leaders, addressing a range of issues from data centre development, regionalisation through to training & staff retention as well as decarbonisation and energy reduction and heat re-use.
“Well attended event at all levels, stimulating & relevant conference topics with a diverse vendor expo. Ireland shows its Data Centre credentials … again” … Derek Webster, CEO, Andget Ltd.
The importance of the Conference sessions to the delivery of quality attendees should not be underestimated, as many attendees had planned the timing and length of stay to allow them to hear particular papers or panel discussions.
This year we did introduce a number of new initiatives, some of which worked including the increased number of panel discussions, incorporation of the IMasons Irish chapter meeting into the programme as well as bringing in humour to the programme with sessions like “Old Gits Talking S**t” which whilst debunking some of the ‘industry go to ideas’ as well as shining a light on the actual issues affecting the sector will have to face in the coming years.
Anecdotally, a number of Speakers and Delegates stated that the range of presentations, depth of content and quality of speaker makes DataCentres Ireland one of the world leading events from a delegate’s perspective.
“DCI continues to grow in size and relevance each year, allowing operators, engineers and suppliers interface and keep up to date with the latest data centre products and design innovations. Many thanks to Hugh and the team for all their work” Vincent Byrne, MD, Airflow Engineering
Make it a date for 2023
The DataCentres Ireland team doesn’t intend to rest on their laurels, work is already underway to make next year’s exhibition which will be held on Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th November bigger and better again.
Already, 60% of the floorplan has been reserved and a sell-out is not only forecast but expected.
Those interested in finding out how they can become involved in the event, should contact the DataCentres Ireland team by email: datacentres@stepex.com or call Hugh Robinson on +44 (0) 7882 246950 or visit www.datacentres-Ireland.com
