Trump Advisers Vincent DeVito and Stephen Moore to Headline NDPC Annual Meeting

Bismarck, N.D. – The North Dakota Petroleum Council (NDPC) will host its 36th Annual Meeting on Sept. 26-28, 2017, at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks, N.D. Industry leaders and decision-makers in the Bakken will convene to present the latest in oil and gas recovery and transportation, technological advancements and efficiencies, and the outlook for production in 2018 and beyond.

The meeting will host more than 20 distinguished panelists and speakers, including business leaders, innovators, regulators and policymakers. Keynote speakers include Vincent DeVito, Counselor on Energy Policy for the U.S. Department of Interior; Stephen Moore, author, FOX News commentator, Heritage Foundation economist and policy advisor for President Donald Trump; and Helen Currie, senior economist for ConocoPhillips.

“The industry is entering a new era in which domestic energy production will be welcomed as an engine for economic development and enhanced energy security,” said Ron Ness, president of the NDPC. “We are thrilled to welcome not one, but two advisers to President Trump’s administration to our annual meeting and look forward to hearing more about that vision.”

Other panel and speaker topics will include developments in refracturing of Bakken wells, enhanced oil recovery, optimization, and collaboration between regulators and industry.

“We’re very excited to bring our Annual Meeting back to Grand Forks, which serves as the research and innovation center for the North Dakota oil and gas industry,” said Ness. “The oil industry has weathered turbulence in the past few years, but we’ve come out stronger, more efficient, and better able to compete in the national and global markets thanks largely to the leadership and ingenuity of the industry leaders that will be presenting at this year’s meeting. We look forward to a productive and informative two days that will help keep North Dakota a step ahead and taking big strides to the next level.”

One panel will focus on the successful and growing UND Petroleum Engineering Program. Four students will participate in the panel and share their experiences in pursuing successful careers in the petroleum industry.

“The industry supports more than 70,000 jobs in the state, but more talent is needed as many industry workers near retirement,” said Ness. “This program has been vital in cultivating the minds of these future energy leaders.”

This year, the NDPC is also introducing its new Membership Excellence Awards and will recognize three companies that have distinguished themselves as leaders in safety, environmental stewardship and community engagement. The NDPC will also recognize this year’s Distinguished Industry Leader, Outstanding Public Servant and Hall of Fame Inductee.

More than 350 people are expected to attend this year’s meeting, which will also include several networking opportunities. Registration is $250 for NDPC members and government employees, $500 for nonmembers and $25 for students. Various sponsorships are also still available. For registration and more information about the meeting, visit www.ndoil.org/2017-annual-meeting-home.

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