On Monday, September 21st, oil and technology industries will collide in Fargo at “Drilling Bits + Bytes,” a public event hosted by the North Dakota Petroleum Council and Bakken Backers.

The event seeks to educate and inspire the people of North Dakota who may not be directly involved with the oil industry. While it is well-recognized that western North Dakota is deeply embedded in the oil industry, Fargo is not often thought of in the same way. The oil fields feel distant, and the city has a much different feel than that of Williston or Minot.

But what is happening in Fargo is more crucial to the oil industry than people may think.

“What we want to do in Fargo is to tell a different story, on how Fargo is really participating in the oil industry in a different way than most,” said Rob Lindberg, lead organizer of the event and member of Bakken Backers.

“Bits + Bytes” will highlight how Red River Valley firms have found opportunity to grow their businesses in the Bakken. According to the ND Petroleum Council, the oil has created over 65,000 jobs in North Dakota, and added over $12 billion to the state’s economy. That opportunity affects everyone, Lindberg said, not just those out in the field.

“You can have a blue collar job, a white collar job. That opportunity exists across the state, not just in Williston,” he said.

Oil needs tech more than ever

Lindberg sees Fargo’s growing identity as a tech hub of particular value to the oil industry.

“There aren’t a lot of drillers,” he said “But there are software developers, engineers, manufacturers, a whole host of things that Fargo decided to focus on a long time ago. They apply to the oil industry just as much as any industry.”

Tammy Miller, CEO of Border States Electric, is the host of the event, and will speak about the electrical needs of the oil industry. An Innovation Report will follow, featuring Myriad Mobile talking about mobile apps used in the oil field, JDP Automation speaking about automation mechanics, and AE2S on civil engineering in the oil industry. Tom Kenville of Altavian will also speak about how unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are being used for oil.

Andrea Boe, Business Development Director at AE2S Water Solutions and a member of Bakken Backers, said the event has “perfect timing,” considering current pressures on the oil industry.

“The oil and gas industry is very heavily reliant on technology,” she said. “Especially when oil prices become as low as they have. Tech drives the efficiency.”

Bakken 101

One of the main goals of the event, Boe said, is to illuminate how technology can help the oil industry, while also inspiring local tech companies and entrepreneurs to think of new developments that could be beneficial.

Another goal, however, is to educate people on what’s going on in the Bakken. The event includes a Bakken 101 session, with speakers from Neset Consulting Services, North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources, and McKenzie Co. Job Development Authority.

“There’s a lot of us doing really good work in the oil industry,” Boe said. “I think this event is an opportunity for a lot of tech companies and entrepreneurs on this side of the state to understand the industry better.”

“We want to show people how Fargo is a player,” Lindberg said.

The event will take place at the Fargo Theatre, from 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm. It’s free and open to the public, so sign up here!