Bismarck's Energy Generation Conference opened its doors Jan. 25-27 to more than 2,500 energy workers, product manufacturers and service providers from 20 states and Canada.
The 32nd annual event offered the latest technology and innovation from industry leaders and experts throughout the country.
Activities began Jan. 25 when the 251 exhibitors previewed their showcase from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the Bismarck Civic Center Exhibit Hall - the only conference event open to the public.
Keynoter Jason Makansi addressed the conference during two morning general sessions on the grand illusions and harsh realities of expanding America's electricity infrastructure. He'll did so in context of the recession, stimulus expenditures and nationwide energy crisis.
An independent consultant, Makansi has analyzed technology, business, environment and regulatory issues in electricity generation and delivery for 30 years. He has visited power plants and electrical installations around the globe. His findings have been published in countless industry magazines and three books. The most recent is titled "Lights Out: The Electricity Crisis, Global Economy, and What It Means to You."
Makansi delivered a free public program on the electricity crisis for the Visiting Scientists Series at Bismarck State College Wednesday, Jan. 26. He spoke at 7 p.m. in the BSC National Energy Center of Excellence auditorium, Room 304.
Pre-conference training sessions were scheduled all day Tuesday in electrical, engineering, and other core energy areas, plus personal and career development training. Rory Vaden, an expert in career advancement and public speaking, taught two informative sessions: "Next Generation Marketing - Making Social Media Work in 30 Minutes a Day" and "The Audience is Not in Their Underwear - The Discipline of Mastering Presentation Skills."
Professional development instruction filled Wednesday and Thursday afternoons.
BSC's Continuing Education, Training and Innovation Division (CETI) coordinates the conference, which continues to draw record attendance and train workers in key areas of energy generation, administration, and safety.
CETI receives planning assistance from an Energy Generation Conference's Executive Committee of 30 representatives from North Dakota energy-related businesses, cooperatives and agencies. For more information, visit http://info.bismarckstate.edu/ceti/energy/.