BISMARCK – Unique to this year’s Williston Basin Petroleum Conference (WBPC) will be the oil industry’s celebration of reaching 5 billion barrels of oil produced in North Dakota since oil was first discovered in 1951 near Tioga.

The 31st annual conference will be held May 14-16 at the Bismarck Event Center in Bismarck.

“In mid-2024, we’re going to reach 5 billion barrels of Bakken oil,” said North Dakota Petroleum Council President Ron Ness. “It took us about 60 years to reach one billion barrels of oil, and because of advancements in technology, innovations and efficiencies, our production will have quadrupled in just 13 years. This is a huge milestone and a testament to North Dakota’s role as a champion in driving innovation and integration of sustainable technologies to increase domestic energy production and enhance our nation’s energy security.”

The conference brings together some of the leading experts on breakthrough technologies, energy markets, potential untapped formations and the regulatory environment.

This year’s conference will again feature more than 70 speakers and presenters, each sharing their insights on the latest issues impacting oil and natural gas development and what the future holds for the Williston Basin.

Registration for the conference has begun.