7X24 Exchange Midwest Chapter
Our Mission
To provide a forum for our members to expand their professional networks, learn and teach others about new and useful technologies and operations, and to expand the ability to navigate the complex and sometimes intimidating field of Mission Critical Facility Management, Design, Construction, and Operation.
Our Heritage: Built on Over 35 Years of Mission-Critical Excellence
In 1989, visionary industry leaders—including Kenneth Brill, Dennis Cronin, Alan Freedman, Frank Gialanella, Paul Fox, Jon Jackson, and Howie Levison—founded the Uninterruptible Uptime Users Group (UUUG) in New York. Created to provide a vendor-neutral forum for data center operators and facility managers, the organization quickly grew into the leading national authority on disaster recovery and continuous uptime. In 1998, the organization formally rebranded as the 7x24 Exchange (now 7x24 Exchange International) to reflect the relentless demand for round-the-clock reliability.
Carrying that vision to the central United States, our regional chapter was established in 1995 in Kansas City as the Midwest Chapter of the UUUG. Founded by local industry pioneers including Lanny Bennefeld, Jim Hundley, Ed Rafter, Peggy Rafter, Kerry Knott, and Tom Brink, the chapter created a vital network for regional data-processing and critical-facility operations. In 1998, alongside the national transition, the chapter proudly became the 7x24 Exchange Midwest Chapter.
Today, we continue to build on that foundational legacy—uniting data center professionals, engineers, facility managers, and technology leaders across the region to collaborate, educate, and champion 100% uptime.