The 2026 MEP Innovation Conference, hosted by MCAA, NECA and SMACNA, will take place Jan. 26-28 at the Austin Marriott Downtown in Austin, Texas. One of the most anticipated sessions will explore a trend reshaping the construction landscape: the explosive growth of data centers.

General Session: Scaling Up — Inside the Data Center Construction Surge

Data centers are driving one of the largest building surges in modern history — and MEP contractors are at the heart of it. This session examines how the industry got here, what’s fueling the demand, and how contractors are adapting to unprecedented scale. Speakers Rick Gopffarth of Dynamic Systems, Inc. (DSI) and Adam Snavely of The Poole and Kent Corporation will lead a conversation with leaders from the largest data center owners on today’s toughest challenges: accelerated schedules, labor strain, burnout, and the growing reliance on modularization.

The discussion will also look ahead to emerging design trends, including the shift to liquid-cooled chipsets and microfluidic systems, and offer insight into where the data center market is headed over the next five years.

Meet the Speakers

Rick Gopffarth

Senior Vice President, Preconstruction for Dynamic Systems, Inc. (DSI)

Rick Gopffarth is the SVP of Preconstruction for Dynamic Systems, Inc. (DSI), a national turnkey mechanical and process construction firm. DSI offers preconstruction and construction services that deliver superior design, efficiency and value to customers across an entire spectrum of industries and systems.

Adam Snavely

The Poole and Kent Corporation

Adam Snavely leads The Poole and Kent Corporation, a top-tier mechanical construction, service, and engineering firm headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland. His career spans leadership roles across Alaska, Georgia, and South Carolina, culminating in his return to Baltimore to spearhead strategic growth and innovation. Under his leadership, Poole and Kent has expanded market reach across the eastern United States, delivered complex mechanical projects in data centers, healthcare, industrial, and mission-critical sectors, and accelerated lean construction practices.