AZRE magazine will host the annual AZRE Forum on April 16 at The Camby Hotel Phoenix Biltmore for a lively discussion with Arizona’s top minds — including Mark Bauer, vice chairman of JLL  — about the critical infrastructure issues facing the state. To get tickets or to learn more, click here. 

“Our panels of experts represent some of the brightest minds in the industry whose insights will leave you better informed about the most pressing issues in commercial real estate today,” says Amy Lindsey, vice president and publisher of AZ Big Media, which produces AZRE magazine.

Leading up to the 2026 AZRE Forum, we will profile each of the speakers. Today, meet panelist Mark Bauer, vice chairman of JLL.

LEARN MORE: AZRE Forum will examine water, power and future growth

AZRE FORUM: Here’s how to get tickets to the AZRE Forum

Mark Bauer, vice chairman , JLL 

Background: Bauer serves as a vice chairman of  JLL’s Data Center Solutions group, bringing expertise and strategic vision to the rapidly evolving data center landscape. With nearly three decades of experience in multitenant data center environments, Bauer has established himself as one of the industry’s most trusted advisors, guiding and assisting clients with complex investment, acquisition, leasing and development. He has negotiated over $5 billion in total consideration and facilitated more than 25 million square feet of transactions. 

Importance of AZRE Forum: “The commercial real estate industry relies on current market intelligence and relationships, making events like the AZRE Forum essential for maintaining regional market vitality. These forums serve as critical knowledge-sharing platforms for understanding market supply and demand dynamics, tracking regulatory changes — which, as we experienced this past summer with the new data center zoning amendment, can evolve rapidly — and identifying emerging investment patterns.”

Trends to watch: “AI has emerged as the most significant trend transforming commercial real estate, creating ripple effects across every sector and service line. Advanced algorithms now provide clients with real-time market analytics and hyper-localized trend forecasting. This enables more precise decisions and faster transaction cycles.

“Critically, every AI-driven capability depends entirely on data center infrastructure. This creates a cycle where AI innovations drive demand for more data center capacity. Machine learning algorithms are optimizing water usage in developments, identifying power-efficient building designs and solving complex land use challenges through master-planning tools that expand beyond data center real estate. The continued expansion of data center infrastructure isn’t just supporting AI — it’s the foundation making technological growth across all sectors possible.”