Accepting the Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Data Center Industry, Dean called on builders of the digital age to come together as a community.

Dean Nelson, founder of Infrastructure Masons and head of Uber Compute, received the 2017 DCD Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Data Center Industry.

Here’s what Dean said in his characteristically short-but-sweet acceptance speech:

“Everyone in this room is a builder of the digital age. Everyone here is a contributor to the Internet of Everything. Everything that we have built makes the world operate. We should all take a lot of pride in that. We should also come together as a community to help our fellow engineers, fellow business professionals, and bring more people including more diversity, into this industry. So on behalf of the members, advisory council, and everybody at Infrastructure Masons, thank you very much.”

The community Dean’s referring to is Infrastructure Masons, of course. And now’s the time to renew your membership in this community (or join).

Need more convincing? Here are just a few of the things you could be part of in 2018:

DCiRN is a powerful opportunity to learn from your peers’ experience. And it’s essential in a world where even a “minor” data center incident can cost someone his job.

iMasons is not about networking to sell. But if your aim is to build your own competency, further your own career, and/or elevate the digital infrastructure industry, then welcome home.

In 2018 there will be even more opportunities to connect with your fellow builders. Easily find iMasons near you for an impromptu happy hour or quick help with a tough problem.

Want to take a more active role in your local digital infrastructure community? Help us launch a local chapter! Our goal is to add 10 new chapters in 2018.

If you’re looking into the sunset of your career, it’s a great time to think about how you can leave the industry better off than you found it. If you’re just starting out, tap into the iMasons expertise.

Take part in data center tours for the next generation of infrastructure stewards. Help us map data center jobs to build the talent pipeline. Work with us to increase gender diversity.

You ARE a builder of the digital age. Will you answer Dean’s call and come together with us as a community?

Questions? Contact membership@imasons.org