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Event Update

In-person attendance for this event has reached capacity, and on-site registration or walk-ins will not be available.

Event Overview

Artificial intelligence and data centers are rapidly transforming our economy, infrastructure, and communities. As interest and investment grow, so do important questions about energy use, reliability, water resources, and community impact. The Governor’s Forum on Artificial Intelligence and Data Centers brings together leaders from government, industry, academia, and the public to explore these critical intersections and chart a responsible path forward for Missouri's future.

Virtual and in-person registration is now closed, as we are within 24 hours of the event. If you would still like to watch the livestream, please use the link below:

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  • Policymakers and government officials
  • Utility and energy stakeholders
  • Industry leaders and developers
  • Researchers and students
  • Community members and the general public
  • Date: June 18, 2026
  • Location: Missouri S&T, Rolla, Missouri
  • Format: In-person (registration required) or livestream
  • Free shuttle service will run between both parking areas and the Protoplex beginning at 8:30 a.m.

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Governor’s Forum on Artificial Intelligence and Data Centers

Host: Missouri S&T, Advanced Manufacturing Protoplex
June 18, 2026

This forum will help provide public information on the ever-evolving topic of artificial intelligence, especially around what it is, and what it means for our communities, our energy resources, and for the environment. This forum will present diverse perspectives on how to embrace the advancements in AI, while balancing the fundamental values and interests of Missourians. The forum will be formatted to ensure it is framed around Executive Order 26-02.

View presentation slides

  1. Introduction (9am - 9:30am)
    • Forum Moderator: Tim Marczewski, Missouri Office of Administration
    • Mo Dehghani, Chancellor Missouri S&T, Opening Remarks
  2. Artificial Intelligence and Data Centers 101 (9:30am - 10:30am)

    This set of presentations will explore what artificial intelligence is, how it operates, and how it impacts our daily lives. It will also explore what data centers are, what it means to host artificial intelligence in our communities, and what is involved with data center operations.

    • Tim Marczewski, Missouri Office of Administration
    • Amaury Lendasse, Missouri S&T Faculty
    • Dr. Genda Chen, Missouri S&T Faculty
  3. Meet the speakers
  4. Break (10:30am - 10:40am)
  5. Governor Introduction: Tim Marczewski (10:40am - 10:45am)
  6. Governor Kehoe Remarks (10:45am - 11am)
  7. AI and the Workforce (11am - 12pm)

    This panel will discuss what Missouri is doing to create the workforce of the future, including how higher education and workforce training programs are partnering with industry, and aligning programs with industry needs.

    • Moderator
      • Commissioner Bennett Boggs, Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development
    • Panelists
      • Mo Dehghani, Chancellor Missouri S&T
      • James Stapleton, Codefi
      • Dr. Hal Higdon, Ozarks Technical Community College
  8. Meet the speakers
  9. Break for Lunch (12pm - 12:30pm)
  10. Fireside Chat on Community Considerations (Lunch Presentation 12:30pm - 1:15pm)

    This panel will provide context on what artificial intelligence means to our communities, including artificial intelligence-related investment balanced with consumer interests.

    • Moderator
      • Michelle Hataway, Department of Economic Development
    • Panelists
      • Steve Etcher, Partner, MarksNelson Advisory LLC
      • Ryan Poston, Montgomery County Commissioner
  11. Meet the speakers
  12. Energy & Affordability (1:15pm - 2:15pm)

    This panel will discuss the energy landscape surrounding the development and operation of artificial intelligence, including how increased energy usage impacts customer affordability, the need for new generating resources to meet growing energy demand, and ensuring strong customer protections.

    • Moderator
      • Kayla Hahn, Missouri Public Service Commission
    • Panelists
      • Senator Mike Cierpiot
      • Tim Opitz, Midwest Energy Consumers Group
      • Rob Dixon, Ameren Missouri
      • Emily Wilbur, Missouri Department of Natural Resources Division of Energy
  13. Meet the speakers
  14. Managing Environmental Resources (2:15pm - 3:15pm)

    This panel will explore any environmental impacts associated with the development of artificial intelligence infrastructure, including permitting, compliance, land and water usage and conservation, and emissions.

    • Moderator
      • Kurt Schaefer, Missouri Department of Natural Resources
    • Panelists
      • Art Goodin, Missouri Department of Natural Resources
      • Robin Roberts, Central Power Systems and Services
      • Jordan Meyer, Missouri Department of Conservation
      • Joel Burken, Missouri S&T Faculty
  15. Meet the speakers
  16. Closing Remarks (3:15pm - 3:30pm)
    • Mo Dehghani, Chancellor Missouri S&T
  • Missouri S&T
  • Missouri Governor's Office
  • Missouri Office of Administration
  • Missouri Department of Economic Development
  • Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development
  • Missouri Department of Natural Resources
  • Missouri Public Service Commission
  • Additional partners to be announced

Need help with unfamiliar terminology? Visit our Glossary of Terms for clear definitions and explanations.

View glossary of terms

About the Forum

This Forum is Designed to

  • Provide reliable, non-technical information about AI and data centers
  • Address key public concerns and questions
  • Highlight opportunities and challenges for Missouri
  • Foster informed discussion across sectors

Attendee Benefits

Why Attend

Participants will gain insight into:

  • What data centers are and how they support AI
  • How data centers impact energy demand and grid reliability
  • Considerations around water use and environmental impact
  • Community interests, including land use and noise
  • Policy and regulatory considerations shaping the future

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