• 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 or livestream (registration required)
• 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.

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

3. Break (10:30am - 10:40am)

4. Governor Introduction: Tim Marczewski (10:40am - 10:45am)

5. Governor Kehoe Remarks (10:45am  - 11am)

6. 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
     • Burns and McDonnell
     • Dr. Hal Higdon, Ozarks Technical Community College

7. Break for Lunch (12pm - 12:30pm)

8. 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

9. 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 customers 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

10. 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
      • Schneider Electric
      • Jordan Meyer, Missouri Department of Conservation
      • Joel Burken, Missouri S&T Faculty

11. 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

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