Registration now open: 2026 Annual Conference

September 8-9, 2027  |  Advanced Technology Center, Bismarck State College

The Lignite Energy Council’s Annual Conference returns to Bismarck State College this September. Join industry leaders, legislators, researchers, and energy professionals for two days of conversation on the issues shaping the future of North Dakota’s lignite industry.

This year’s sessions will explore the current state of lignite, new technologies and innovation, and future growth and job opportunities. Topics covered this year will be relevant to everyone who powers this industry, from mine and plant workers to students, educators, contractors, and retirees.

Agenda

Tuesday, September 8

11:30 a.m. – Attendee check-in opens

Noon – Networking Lunch, Exhibit Hall Open

1:00 p.m. – Welcome & Overview
Kevin Lawrence
National Anthem

1:10 p.m. – Chairman Address
Todd Brickhouse, Basin Electric CEO & General Manager

1:30 p.m. – Lignite Energy Council Update
Jonathan Fortner, Lignite Energy Council President & CEO

1:50 p.m. – Federal Energy Policy: What It Means for North Dakota
Sen. John Hoeven (invited), Sen. Kevin Cramer, Rep. Julie Fedorchak
Moderator: Jonathan Fortner, Lignite Energy Council President & CEO

2:50 p.m. – Break, exhibitor booths open

3:15 p.m. – MEMBERS ONLY Mine & Plant Updates

• Dakota Gasification Company
• Antelope Valley Station/Leland Olds
• Milton R. Young Plant
• Coyote Station
• Coal Creek Station
• Coteau Properties Company
• Falkirk Mining Company
• Coyote Creek Mining Company
• BNI Coal, Ltd.

4:30 p.m. – MEMBERS ONLY Social & Individual Company Sessions

Wednesday, September 9

8:00 a.m. – Registration open

8:00 a.m. – Networking Breakfast (no programming)

8:30 a.m. – Lignite Council Awards Presentation (Theater)

• PSC Reclamation Award
• Safety Excellence Award
• Distinguished Safety Award
• Distinguished Service Awards
• Contractor/Supplier Award
• Lignite Public Service Award
• Ambassador of Lignite Awards

9:30 a.m. – New Voices on the Legislative Campaign Trail
Mike Holmes, District 43 candidate; Mike Heger, District 33 candidate; Steve Sauter, District 7 candidate
Moderator: Jessica Bell

10:15 a.m. – Break

10:30 a.m. – When the Grid Needs It Most
Andy Buntrock, Basin Electric Power Cooperative VP of Strategic Planning & Communications

11:30 a.m. – From Research to Results: Decades of Lignite Innovation
Mike Jones, former VP of Research & Development; Mike Holmes, former VP of Research & Development; Jason Laumb, current VP of Research & Development
Moderator: Jonathan Fortner

12:30 p.m. – Networking Lunch, Exhibit Hall Open

1:30 p.m. – Powering the Future: An Update from Bismarck State College
Dr. Brian Kalk, BSC President

1:45 p.m. – Critical Minerals: Research on the Horizon
Greg Henthorn, AmeriCarbon Products Chief Business Officer; Levi Moxness, ND Geological Survey Senior Surface Geologist; Carroll Dewing, North American Coal Sr. Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Moderator: Jason Laumb

2:30 p.m. – Data Centers: A Growing Opportunity for Coal Country
Stacy Tschider, Rainbow Energy CEO; Dave Nehring, Applied Digital; Don Flaherty, Mayor of Ellendale
Moderator: Retha Mattern

3:45 p.m. – Meeting Concludes

(agenda subject to change)

Who should attend?

• Company employees, mine and plant workers
• Contractors, suppliers, and industry partners
• Students and educators
• Retirees and industry supporters

Registration

Early bird registration is open until August 21

• Full conference pass: $200 until August 21, then $300
• Single day pass: $150 until August 21, then $200

Sponsorship and Exhibitor opportunities are also available.

Exhibit booth: $400
Includes table and one registration
Limit 30 booths

Diamond Sponsor: $3,500
Includes 8 attendee registrations

• Logo on event posters
• ½ page ad in program booklet (must be submitted by 8/13)
• Exhibit booth included
• Additional recognition

Platinum Sponsor: $2,500
Includes 3 attendee registrations

• Logo on event posters
• ¼ page ad in program booklet (must be submitted by 8/13)
• Exhibit booth included
• Additional recognition

Social Sponsor: $1,500 – SOLD OUT
Limit 4

• Includes 2 attendee registrations
• Logo on beverage napkins and social signage
• Discounted exhibit booth option
• Supporter Sponsor: $750
• Includes one conference registration
• Logo included on event posters

Supporter Sponsor: $750

• Includes one conference pass
• Logo included on event posters
• Logo included in all participant emails

Friend of Lignite: $250
Written name recognition on printed materials

Recognize Excellence – Submit a 2026 Award Nomination

The Lignite Energy Council is now accepting nominations for awards to be presented at the 2026 Annual Conference. These awards recognize the individuals and organizations whose dedication, expertise, and passion have strengthened the lignite industry and the communities it serves. We encourage you to take a moment to nominate someone who deserves to be recognized.