Billings Gazette: Montana Energy conference coming to Billings

A full schedule is available at www.montanaenergy.net .

The panelists and speakers have been set for one of Montana’s largest energy industry trade meetings, held March 29 to March 31 at the Radisson Hotel in Billings.

U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., announced Friday the panel lineup for the three-day conference, which will features leaders in industry and government.

Eight panel sessions will be held, covering infrastructure needs, energy policy, renewables, export markets, research and education, wholesale energy markets and transmission, energy innovation and jobs.

Another 11 keynote speakers will give talks, including U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., Crow Nation Chairman Darrin Old Coyote and leaders in coal, oil and gas and rail industries.

Most of the events will be Wednesday and Thursday. On Tuesday, organizers will hold education sessions about issues facing the industry, and some can be used for law and engineering continuing education credits, according to Lindsey Singer, a Daines spokeswoman.

Most panels and speakers will be at the Radisson’s convention center, formerly known as the Montana Convention Center at the former Holiday Inn Grand. The hotel is at 5500 Midland Road.

Daines is the host of the biannual Montana Energy conference, which was launched in 2012.

Participants can register through the conference co-hosts, the Montana Chamber of Commerce, at www.montanachamber.com. Cost is $20 for both days, and $10 for students.