FUTURES Amsterdam is the public session of the IOWN Global Forum Midterm Member Meeting, offering a unique opportunity for non-members to participate in conversations shaping the future of communications, computing, and digital innovation. Join business leaders, technology experts, and innovators as they explore the challenges and opportunities shaping next-generation digital infrastructure and connectivity.
Attendance is free, both in person and online.
When: Thursday, 1 October 2026 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM CEST
Where: Amsterdam, Netherlands & Online
| Time | Agenda Item | Speaker | Session Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00 – 10:00 AM | Registration & Exhibits Open | — | Registration, networking, and exhibitor access prior to the start of the main program. Doors open at 9:30 AM. |
| 10:00 – 10:05 AM | Welcome |
Vito Mabrucco Emcee, NTT, Inc. |
Welcome remarks and an overview of the day’s program and featured discussions. |
| 10:05 – 10:15 AM | Opening Remarks: Setting the Stage for Europe’s AI Infrastructure Future |
Dr. Katsuhiko Kawazoe President and Chairperson, IOWN Global Forum Chief Executive Fellow, NTT, Inc. |
Dr. Kawazoe will welcome participants and establish the purpose
of the FUTURES program. He will frame the need for industry
collaboration as AI creates new demands on data centers, energy
resources, and communications networks.
|
| 10:15 – 10:35 AM | Keynote 1: The AI Infrastructure Market: The Forces Shaping What Comes Next |
Ian Redpath Research Director, Omdia |
Ian Redpath will provide an updated market outlook based on the
2025 IOWN Global Forum and Omdia Market Landscape Report.
Topics:
|
| 10:35 – 10:55 AM | Keynote 2: Europe’s AI Data Center Landscape |
Stijn Grove Managing Director, Dutch Data Center Association |
Stijn Grove will provide an overview of the AI data center
landscape in the Netherlands and offer his perspective on
developments across Europe.
Topics:
|
| 10:55 – 11:40 AM | Panel: Building Sovereign AI Infrastructure: From Ambition to Implementation |
Moderator: Ronald van Loon Founder and CEO, Intelligent World Panelists: Jefferson Wang, Accenture Stijn Grove, DDCA Additional panelists to be announced. |
30 min panel + 15 min Q&A
This discussion will bring together data center, telecommunications, technology, and public-policy perspectives to explore what is required to build secure, scalable, and sovereign AI infrastructure in Europe. Topics:
|
| 11:40 – 11:55 AM | IOWN Global Forum Perspective: Collaborating to Build the Network for AI |
Dr. Gonzalo Camarillo Marketing Steering Committee Chair, IOWN Global Forum Head of Implementation Components, Ericsson |
Gonzalo Camarillo will introduce IOWN Global Forum and explain
how its work supports the evolving needs of AI and data center
infrastructure.
Topics:
|
| 11:55 AM – 12:00 PM | Closing Remarks |
Vito Mabrucco Emcee, NTT, Inc. |
Reflections on the day’s discussions and key takeaways, along with a look ahead to future collaboration opportunities. |
| 12:00 – 12:30 PM | 5GAA/AECC Special Ceremony |
Hans Werner Bitzer LWG Chair, IOWN Global Forum Dr. Katsuhiko Kawazoe President and Chairperson, IOWN Global Forum Chief Executive Fellow, NTT, Inc. Maxime Flament CTO, 5GAA Ryokichi Onishi Chairperson, AECC (online) |
A special ceremony recognizing the collaboration between IOWN Global Forum, 5GAA, and AECC and the importance of cross-industry cooperation in shaping the future of communications and digital infrastructure. |
| 12:30 – 2:00 PM | Networking Lunch & Exhibits | — | Network with other attendees and visit the exhibits of IOWN Global Forum Members. |
Agenda is subject to change.
