Infraday Midwest 2026 | The Old Post Office Chicago

Current Agenda

2026 Venue

The Old Post Office

433 W Van Burn Street

Chicago, IL 60607

Point of Contact: Ken Bauco | 646-675-0171 | ken@infraday.com

The Big Picture

The 7th Infraday Midwest
July 20-21 | Denver, CO

Real conversations. Real decisions. Real infrastructure.

The Midwest is entering a critical phase of infrastructure transformation and its systems are under increasing pressure.

Industrial growth, freight movement, manufacturing expansion, energy demand, and aging infrastructure are reshaping how transportation, water, power, and digital systems are planned, funded, and delivered across the region. At the same time, public agencies and private partners are being forced to make decisions in a constrained environment marked by workforce shortages, rising costs, supply chain pressure, and tightening capital availability.

Infraday Midwest is where those conversations happen.

Why Attend

This is not a theoretical conference.

Infraday brings together the public owners, utilities, cities, and private-sector leaders responsible for actually delivering infrastructure across the Midwest and focuses on how projects are getting done today.

Single-track program
Fast-moving panels + real-world case discussions
Direct access to decision-makers across agencies and utilities
Built for operators, not spectators

What You’ll Learn

Across two days, the agenda is built around the real pressures shaping infrastructure delivery right now:

Systems Under Pressure

Growth, load, and infrastructure constraints across the region
Transportation, freight, and regional mobility systems
Water scarcity, drought response, and long-term resilience
Power, transmission, and industrial load growth

Delivering at Scale

Managing multi-billion-dollar capital programs
Alternative delivery models
Materials, supply chain volatility, and cost escalation
Workforce shortages and the delivery bottleneck

Digital & Technology Shift

AI in infrastructure
Digital delivery and connected data environments (BIM, GIS, program controls)
Robotics, automation, and field execution
Cybersecurity risks across critical infrastructure

Growth, Capital & Coordination

Housing vs. infrastructure capacity constraints
Industrial development and site selection driven by infrastructure
Broadband, fiber, and digital infrastructure deployment
Infrastructure funding and the next capital cycle
Coordination across utilities, cities, and developers

What’s Coming Next

Data center-driven demand on power, water, and connectivity
Grid resilience and climate risk
Airports, logistics, and regional economic infrastructure
How infrastructure decisions are actually made under constraint

Who You’ll Meet

Join leaders from across the infrastructure ecosystem:

Public agencies and municipalities
State DOTs and transportation authorities
Utilities (power, water, broadband)
Infrastructure developers and operators
Engineering, construction, and consulting firms
Technology and data platform providers
Investors and capital partners

The Format

Single-track program (everyone in the room for every conversation)
Panels, presentations, and working discussions
Built-in networking and private meeting opportunities
End-of-day reception with speakers and attendees

The Bottom Line

If you’re involved in infrastructure, planning it, funding it, designing it, or delivering it, this is where you come to understand:

What’s actually getting built
Where the constraints are
Where the opportunities are emerging

Point of Contact:
Ken Bauco | 646-675-0171 | ken@infraday.com
www.infraday.com

2026 Speakers Include

Alan Howard, Vice President, Data Center Solutions, National Power, LLC

Alan Howard is Vice President of Data Center Solutions at National Power, where he leads strategy, partnerships, and business development focused on delivering scalable power and energy solutions for the rapidly growing data center sector. With nearly two decades of experience in power generation, distributed energy, commissioning, field operations, and large-scale infrastructure projects, he has built a reputation for connecting technical execution with commercial growth. Prior to joining National Power, Alan held multiple leadership roles at Clarke Energy, including Vice President of Data Center Solutions, Sales Director, and U.S. Project Department Manager. A former member of the British Army Royal Engineers, he brings a practical, mission-focused perspective to helping digital infrastructure owners address the power, resilience, and capacity challenges driving the next generation of data center development.

Alicen Kandt, Group Manager III-Systems Engineering, National Laboratory of the Rockies

Alicen Kandt has been an engineer at NLR since 2003, providing assistance to state, local, federal, and international stakeholders in assessing the technical and economic potential of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and water efficiency opportunities as well as providing technical support of projects. Kandt has a range of project experiences, including leading new technology demonstrations, serving as the lab lead for NLR’s work with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Park Service, and providing training in how to identify renewable energy, energy efficiency, and water efficiency opportunities.

Ashish Sharma, Climate & Urban Sustainability Lead, Discovery Partners Institute, Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Ashish Sharma is a climate and sustainability leader at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Discovery Partners Institute, where he leads initiatives focused on climate resilience, sustainable transportation, clean energy, and infrastructure innovation. He serves as Director of the Clean Energy and Equitable Transportation Solutions (CLEETS) Global Center and is the driving force behind AerisIQ, an AI-powered platform that helps organizations anticipate and respond to weather and climate risks. Ashish works at the intersection of research, industry, and government to transform scientific innovation into practical solutions that strengthen infrastructure systems and accelerate climate adaptation. Recognized as one of Crain's Chicago Business 40 Under 40, he is a leading voice on climate technology, urban resilience, and the future of sustainable infrastructure.

Ayush Agrawal, Digital Power Services Offer Manager, Schneider Electric

Ayush Agrawal is a digital transformation and strategy leader at Schneider Electric, where he leads commercialization efforts for digital power and energy services, overseeing product strategy, pricing, go-to-market execution, and recurring revenue growth. His work focuses on scaling digital platforms that help organizations improve energy performance, sustainability, and operational efficiency while addressing emerging challenges such as AI-driven data center growth and grid constraints. Prior to Schneider Electric, Ayush held engineering and project leadership roles with Larsen & Toubro, delivering large-scale water and infrastructure projects. He combines a strong technical foundation in electrical engineering with an MBA from Indiana University Kelley School of Business and extensive experience leading strategy, product development, and business transformation initiatives across the energy and infrastructure sectors.

Brian Katamay, Long Term Control Plan Project Assistant, City of Aurora

Brian Katamay is a data analytics and infrastructure professional with extensive experience helping municipalities optimize water, wastewater, and public works systems through technology, asset management, and operational innovation. As Long Term Control Planner for the City of Aurora, he leads planning initiatives focused on infrastructure performance, regulatory compliance, and data-driven decision-making. His background spans municipal operations, business intelligence, SCADA systems, GIS, asset management, and utility analytics, with previous leadership roles at the Village of Schaumburg and Concentric Integration. Brian combines engineering expertise with practical implementation experience to help agencies leverage data, AI, and digital tools to improve infrastructure planning, resilience, and operational efficiency.

Bruce Coffing, Chief Information Security Officer, City of Chicago

Bruce Coffing is Chief Information Security Officer for the City of Chicago, where he leads cybersecurity strategy and protects critical technology systems that support millions of residents. With more than 30 years of experience spanning government, financial services, consulting, and technology, he has held senior cybersecurity leadership roles at the City of Chicago, Bank of America, ABN AMRO, and Accenture. Bruce is a Board Member of the Coalition of City CISOs and a recognized leader in municipal cybersecurity, risk management, identity and access management, and cyber resilience. He holds a degree in Computer Information Systems from Bradley University and is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).

Crystal Thomas, CFO/Finance Director, City of Lansing

Crystal Thomas is the Chief Financial Officer and Finance Director for the City of Lansing, bringing more than 20 years of experience across municipal finance, treasury operations, budgeting, tax administration, investment management, and financial reporting. Appointed by the Mayor in 2025, she oversees the city's finance, procurement, grants management, budgeting, and long-term financial planning functions, while also serving as administrator for Lansing's employee and public safety retirement systems. Prior to joining the City of Lansing, she held senior leadership roles with the Michigan Department of Treasury and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, where she managed tax administration, budgeting, compliance, and fiscal operations. Thomas is recognized for her expertise in financial transformation, ERP modernization, organizational change management, and building long-term fiscal sustainability strategies for public sector organizations.

Cynthia Johnson, Deputy Director, Illinois Office of Communication and Information, Illinois Department of Central Management Services

Cynthia Johnson is Deputy Director of the Illinois Office of Communication and Information at the Illinois Department of Central Management Services, where she leads strategic communications, digital media, and content development for state agencies across Illinois. An Emmy Award–winning communications professional, she oversees a multidisciplinary team of videographers, graphic designers, photographers, and communications specialists responsible for statewide public engagement initiatives. Prior to joining CMS, Cynthia held senior communications roles with the University of Chicago and CenterPoint Properties, building expertise in civic engagement, public affairs, and organizational communications. She holds a Master of Science in Communication from Northwestern University and has been recognized nationally for her leadership and innovation in public service communications.

Dale Lewis, Director of Data Center Project Development, The Boldt Company

Dale Lewis is Director of Data Center Project Development at The Boldt Company, where he leads the development of mission-critical infrastructure solutions supporting hyperscale, AI, and cloud computing facilities. With more than a decade of experience in data center construction and development, he has held leadership roles with Microsoft, Walsh Construction, and Executive Construction, overseeing some of the industry's largest greenfield and expansion projects. Dale combines expertise in construction, power infrastructure, modular delivery, and strategic business development to help clients navigate the rapidly evolving digital infrastructure landscape. He is also a Board Member of AFCOM Chicago and an active advocate for sustainable, community-focused growth across the data center industry.

Dan Lohrmann, Field CISO, Public Sector, Presidio

Dan Lohrmann is an internationally recognized cybersecurity leader, author, and public-sector technology advisor who currently serves as Field Chief Information Security Officer for Public Sector at Presidio. A former Chief Security Officer, Chief Technology Officer, and Chief Information Security Officer for the State of Michigan, he helped pioneer some of the nation's earliest state-level cybersecurity programs and initiatives. Dan is a bestselling author, award-winning Government Technology columnist, and sought-after keynote speaker who has advised leaders from the White House to state and local governments on cybersecurity, resilience, and digital transformation. Throughout his career, he has been recognized as a leading voice in cybersecurity, earning numerous national awards and distinctions for his contributions to public-sector technology and security.

Dennis Wilmsmeyer, Executive Director, America's Central Port

Dennis Wilmsmeyer is Executive Director of America’s Central Port, one of the Midwest’s most important multimodal freight and logistics hubs serving barge, rail, road, and industrial transportation networks along the Mississippi River. He has led the organization for more than 25 years, overseeing infrastructure development, economic growth initiatives, port expansion, and regional freight connectivity projects that support commerce throughout the St. Louis region and beyond. Wilmsmeyer is widely recognized for his work advancing inland waterway transportation, multimodal logistics, industrial site development, and public-private infrastructure investment. His experience provides a unique perspective on the role ports, river systems, and freight infrastructure play in strengthening supply chains and driving economic development across the Midwest.

Erik Varela, Executive Director, Illinois International Port District

Erik Varela is Executive Director of the Illinois International Port District, where he leads one of North America's most important multimodal freight gateways connecting Great Lakes shipping, inland waterways, rail networks, and industrial logistics assets. Since taking the role in 2021, he has focused on infrastructure modernization, freight mobility, economic development, and strengthening the Port of Chicago's role in regional and international commerce. Prior to joining the port, Varela served as Senior Director of Public Affairs for Union Pacific Railroad, overseeing legislative, governmental, and community relations across Illinois and Wisconsin while serving on numerous freight and transportation advisory boards. A graduate of DePaul University College of Law, he previously held leadership roles in local government and public affairs, bringing more than two decades of experience in transportation, infrastructure, public policy, and economic development.

Jim Doten, Carbon Sequestration Program Manager, City of Minneapolis - Health

James Doten is the Carbon Sequestration Program Manager for the City of Minneapolis and founder of the Minnesota Biochar Initiative, where he leads efforts to scale biochar production, carbon removal, and sustainable land management practices. A professional geologist with more than 40 years of experience in environmental policy, soil health, water resources, and sustainability, he has helped pioneer municipal approaches to carbon sequestration and urban biochar deployment. James also serves on the board of the American Biochar Institute and is a nationally recognized advocate for leveraging biochar to advance climate resilience, soil restoration, stormwater management, and durable carbon removal. His career spans leadership roles in local government, environmental regulation, military hydrology, and sustainable infrastructure development, with a focus on translating innovative climate solutions into practical, scalable programs.

Joe De Lia, VP, Power Markets, Orennia

Joe De Lia is Vice President of Power Markets at Orennia, where he helps utilities, developers, investors, and energy companies navigate rapidly evolving electricity markets across North America. His expertise spans power market analytics, transmission constraints, battery storage economics, data center load growth, and the impact of emerging demand on grid infrastructure and investment decisions. Prior to Orennia, Joe held market analysis roles at Wood Mackenzie and Eos Energy Enterprises, developing deep expertise in MISO and other competitive power markets. He is a recognized voice on the intersection of energy transition, grid reliability, storage deployment, and the infrastructure challenges created by accelerating industrial and data center growth.

Joseph Cangialosi, Associate Civil Engineer – Collection Facilities/TARP, MWRDGC – Infrastructure Management Division

Joe Cangialosi is an Associate Civil Engineer with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD), where he supports critical water and wastewater infrastructure projects serving the Chicago region. With a background spanning water treatment operations, environmental engineering, and process optimization, he previously worked as a Filtration Engineer for the City of Chicago’s water system. Joe holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and has experience in advanced research involving CO₂ reduction technologies and computational catalyst development. He is a certified Class A Public Water Supply Operator and Engineer in Training, bringing both technical expertise and operational perspective to the challenges facing modern water infrastructure.

Josh Wray, Director of Economic Development, City of Pekin

Josh Wray is Director of Economic Development for the City of Pekin, where he leads business attraction, redevelopment, capital planning, and long-range growth initiatives across one of Central Illinois’ key industrial and commercial corridors. He has helped secure major investments including a $25 million medical manufacturing facility, a proposed $550 million green hydrogen and methanol project, and the acquisition of a 1,000-acre site tied to future highway, residential, and industrial expansion. Prior to Pekin, he served in executive management roles with the Village of Hampshire, overseeing economic development, infrastructure planning, grant funding, and large-scale residential and industrial growth projects. With a Master of Public Administration from Northern Illinois University, Wray brings a practical perspective on how infrastructure investment, land use strategy, and economic development work together to drive long-term community growth.

Karalyn Berman, Associate Legal Counsel – Electricity Markets & Resource Planning, Illinois Power Agency

Karalyn Berman is Associate Legal Counsel for Electricity Markets & Resource Planning at the Illinois Power Agency, where she advises on power market policy, resource planning, renewable energy programs, and the state's evolving clean energy transition. She previously served as Associate Legal Counsel for Illinois Shines, helping support Illinois' flagship solar incentive and renewable energy development initiatives. Before joining the agency, she held legal and environmental policy roles with organizations including Earthjustice, Southern Environmental Law Center, and Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP. Karalyn holds a J.D. from Vanderbilt University Law School and brings expertise at the intersection of energy markets, renewable energy policy, environmental law, and long-term resource planning.

Kevin Kramer, Director of Economic Development, Village of Hoffman Estates

Kevin Kramer is Director of Economic Development for the Village of Hoffman Estates, where he leads business attraction, retention, redevelopment, workforce development, and economic growth initiatives for one of Chicago's largest suburban communities. With more than a decade of experience in municipal economic development and planning, he works closely with developers, brokers, employers, and community stakeholders to advance commercial, industrial, retail, and mixed-use projects. A Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), Kevin is recognized for his expertise in land use, tax increment financing, workforce strategy, and community revitalization. He is an active leader within the economic development profession and regularly contributes to discussions on data centers, industrial growth, retail evolution, workforce development, and regional competitiveness.

Kevin Lynch, Director, Center for Robotics and Biosystems, Northwestern University

Kevin Lynch is Director of the Center for Robotics and Biosystems at Northwestern University, where he leads research focused on robotics, automation, human-robot interaction, manipulation, motion planning, and advanced control systems. He also serves as Research Director for the NSF-funded Human AugmentatioN via Dexterity (HAND) Engineering Research Center, a multi-institution initiative advancing next-generation robotic dexterity and human augmentation technologies. A globally recognized robotics expert, Lynch is the co-author of the widely used book Modern Robotics and a former Editor-in-Chief of both the IEEE Transactions on Robotics and the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation editorial board. His work bridges academic research and real-world applications in manufacturing, automation, workforce augmentation, and intelligent robotic systems.

Kyle Schulz, Deputy of Strategic Advancement, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning

Kyle T. Schulz is a regional planning and economic development leader who helps connect government, business, and communities across the Chicago metropolitan area. As Deputy of Strategic Advancement at the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, he works on transportation, housing, economic development, infrastructure, and long-range growth initiatives shaping Chicagoland's future. Previously, he served in senior leadership roles at World Business Chicago, where he focused on business attraction, foreign direct investment, workforce development, and site selection, and earlier led economic development efforts for the Schaumburg Business Association and the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce. Known for bringing together public and private sector stakeholders, Schulz has become a prominent voice on regional competitiveness, infrastructure investment, transportation planning, data centers, housing, and economic growth across the Midwest.

Matthew Peagler, Chicago Integrated Rail Operations Center (CIROC)| Chicago Transportation Coordination Office (CTCO), Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad

Matthew Peagler serves with the Chicago Integrated Rail Operations Center (CIROC) and Chicago Transportation Coordination Office (CTCO) at Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad, where he helps coordinate daily rail operations across the nation’s busiest freight rail hub. With more than 14 years of experience in rail transportation, logistics, terminal operations, workforce planning, and network performance management, he works closely with Class I railroads, passenger operators, and regional carriers to improve fluidity, reduce congestion, and strengthen supply chain reliability. Peagler has held leadership roles across CSX and Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad, overseeing intermodal operations, terminal management, customer service, crew management, and rail network coordination. His expertise spans rail operations, data analytics, operational performance, workforce strategy, and the complex challenges of moving freight through the Chicago gateway.

Neal Martinez, General Aviation Superintendent, Clayco

Neal Martinez is General Aviation Superintendent at Clayco, where he oversees aviation-related construction projects and airfield infrastructure delivery. Based in the St. Louis region, he brings hands-on experience managing complex construction operations, coordinating stakeholders, and delivering projects in highly regulated aviation environments. His work sits at the intersection of transportation infrastructure, capital project execution, and airport development, giving him practical insight into the challenges of modernizing aviation facilities while maintaining operational continuity.

Neha Soni, Senior Planner, Strategic Planning & Policy, Cook County Department of Transportation & Highways

Neha Soni, AICP, LEED ND, CNU, is a Senior Planner/Designer with the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways, where she works on transportation planning, urban design, mobility, and infrastructure initiatives across the Chicago region. With experience spanning public agencies, architecture, urban design, and regional planning, she brings a multidisciplinary perspective to the delivery of transportation and community infrastructure projects. Neha has led and contributed to projects involving complete streets, transit-oriented development, active transportation, corridor planning, environmental justice, and regional mobility strategies. Her work focuses on creating resilient, equitable, and connected communities through integrated transportation and infrastructure planning.

Nicholas Johnson, Chief Evangelist, Kahua

Nicholas Johnson is Chief Evangelist at Kahua and a recognized thought leader in construction technology, capital program management, and digital transformation across the infrastructure industry. With more than four decades of experience spanning engineering, design, construction, and technology, he has held leadership roles at Kahua, e-Builder, Trimble, Autodesk, and CBRE. Nicholas is known for helping owners, contractors, and public agencies modernize project delivery through innovation, data, and connected technology platforms. He is a frequent speaker, writer, and industry advocate focused on improving how infrastructure and capital programs are planned, delivered, and operated.

Paul Barter, Principal - Client Service Leader Utilities, CDM Smith

Paul Barter is a Principal and Client Service Leader at CDM Smith, where he leads business development and client strategy for utilities, data centers, advanced manufacturing, and critical infrastructure projects. An electrical engineer with more than three decades of experience, he has held senior leadership roles across the energy, water, transportation, technology, and built environment sectors, helping organizations deliver complex infrastructure programs around the world. Barter is widely recognized for his expertise in grid modernization, microgrids, resiliency, AI-enabled infrastructure, water stewardship, and large-scale capital delivery. Throughout his career, he has advised utilities, Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and developers on the infrastructure systems needed to support economic growth, digital transformation, and industrial expansion.

2026 Industry Partners

Aurigo

Aurigo builds software that helps build the world. Aurigo provides modern, cloud-based solutions for capital infrastructure and private owners to help them plan with confidence, build with quality, and maintain their assets efficiently. With more than $300b of capital programs under management, Aurigo’s solutions are trusted by over 300 customers in transportation, water and utilities, healthcare, higher education, and the government on over 40,000 projects across North America. Aurigo helps capital program executives make better decisions based on proprietary artificial intelligence and machine learning technology. Aurigo is a privately held US corporation headquartered in Austin, Texas, with global offices in Canada and India. Learn more at www.aurigo.com.

Contruent

Contruent is the lifecycle cost management solution that empowers Owners and Engineering & Construction firms to deliver complex capital programs and mega projects with precision and speed.

Contruent is faster to deliver across the project lifecycle because it integrates cost and scheduling and comes project-ready out-of-the box with 25 years of best practices built in. The result is higher accuracy, speed, and cost efficiency.

Founded in 1994 as ARES PRISM and renamed with the launch of an innovative SaaS platform, Contruent operates in 26 countries and is now headquartered in Naperville, IL.

Deloitte

Deloitte drives progress. Our firms around the world help clients become leaders wherever they choose to compete. Deloitte invests in outstanding people of diverse talents and backgrounds and empowers them to achieve more than they could elsewhere. Our work combines advice with action and integrity. We believe that when our clients and society are stronger, so are we.

Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more.

The content on this page contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms, or their related entities (collectively the “Deloitte Network”) is, by means of this publication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte Network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on content from this page.

Kahua

Kahua helps you manage processes, documents and cost on your construction programs and projects from inception to closeout. Purpose-built solutions for owners, program managers, general contractors and subcontractors help you minimize time-to-value and enhance user adoption. Kahua enables collaboration between all project participants to streamline communication and improve efficiency. Eliminate waste and rework by keeping everyone on the same page with the latest design and scope information. And with Kahua’s comprehensive dashboards and reporting, you get the visibility and control you need to minimize risk.

Kahua is a lifecycle solution, with applications for capital planning, sources of funds, design review, bid management, document management & control, cost management and asset handover. Kahua is available on all mobile devices to easily connect field to office.

Kahua apps are built on kBuilder, an Enterprise Low-Code Application Platform which enables Kahua partners and customers to rapidly build new apps or customize existing apps to extend or enhance Kahua solutions. This gives you the agility you need to adapt as your business needs evolve. To date, over 600 private and public apps have been developed on kBuilder, and public apps are available to the Kahua community on the kStore app marketplace.

Oracle Construction and Engineering

Asset owners and project leaders rely on Oracle Construction and Engineering software for the visibility and control, connected supply chain, and data security needed to drive performance and mitigate risk across their processes, projects, and organization. Feel confident in your digital transformation with modern cloud solutions that grow and scale with you at every step of your journey. Enable efficiency, collaboration, and change control for your teams that plan, build, and operate critical assets.

Procore

Procore is a cloud-based construction management platform that streamlines project workflows. It connects all project stakeholders—from owners and contractors to subcontractors—on a single, collaborative platform. For public sector projects, this means improved transparency, accountability, and efficiency. Procore facilitates real-time communication, document control, bid management, and cost tracking, helping ensure projects stay on time and within budget. It enhances collaboration, reduces risk, and provides valuable data insights for better decision-making throughout the project lifecycle, ultimately benefiting taxpayers.