WATFORD CITY – The North Dakota Petroleum Council (NDPC) has announced it will hold its 44th annual meeting in Watford City on Sept. 17-18.

The agenda at this year’s meeting focuses on technology, energy innovation, workforce and the future of the Bakken. Speakers include North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong and top executives from Chevron, ExxonMobil, Devon Energy, Rainbow Energy Center, Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Applied Digital and OnePower Solutions.

Armstrong, along with Clay Gaspar, CEO of Devon Energy, and John Harju, vice president for Strategic Partnerships at Energy & Environmental Research Center, will serve on a panel to discuss the next phase of development in the Bakken, moderated by NDPC President Ron Ness.

Senior leaders from the N.D. Oil and Gas Division, including Nathan Anderson, director of the North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources, will provide insights on permitting, seismic and field operations.

There also will be a legislative panel featuring Sens. Brad Bekkedahl and Mark Enget and Rep. Craig Headland.

Kevin Black will lead a panel discussion on new approaches to engaging higher education students that will include Brent Sanford, interim chancellor of the North Dakota University System; Kathryn Birkland, dean, North Dakota State University School of Business; and Tom Erickson, chief operating office and vice president for Intellectual Property, Energy & Environmental Research Center.

Attendance is projected to surpass 400 again this year, according to NDPC.