Compass Datacenters CEO Chris Crosby will join Energy Night at SMU on September 17th for a conversation on how AI and data center growth can drive economic development, workforce opportunities, infrastructure investment and innovation across Texas communities.
Hosted by the SMU Hunt Institute for Engineering & Humanity and the SMU Lyle School of Engineering, the event will bring together industry leaders, researchers, investors and energy professionals to explore lessons from the Shale Revolution and how the data center industry can create meaningful economic opportunities for local communities.
Crosby will discuss common misconceptions about data center development, opportunities for local businesses and universities and how energy infrastructure, geothermal energy, energy storage and next-generation power systems can support sustainable growth while creating jobs and attracting investment.
Event Session: How the Datacenter Industry Can Help Communities Through Economic Opportunities — Lessons from the Shale Revolution
Date: September 17, 2026
Location: Frances Anne Moody Hall, Dallas, TX