08.16.13

Hoeven Announces Agenda for Annual State of Technology Conference in Fargo

Conference to Showcase Range of Technologies Transforming State and Nation

FARGO, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today announced the agenda for the 2013 State of Technology conference he is hosting with the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo Chamber of Commerce.

The State of Technology Conference, which has become an annual event, serves as a forum to showcase the impact technology has had on industries across North Dakota and seeks to build on this success with presentations and discussions of new technologies and products. The conference will be held August 20, 2013, at the Ramada Plaza Fargo Hotel and Conference Center.

As governor, Hoeven targeted technology as one of five key industries for growth. He is currently working in the U.S. Senate to promote STEM education initiatives in support of North Dakota’s thriving technology sector. Last year, he cosponsored the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which would give schools, administrators and teachers flexibility to implement STEM programs to prepare students for the careers of the future.

Today in North Dakota innovative companies are developing cutting-edge technologies across business sectors, Hoeven said.

“Think about a smartphone app that can drive down the cost of health care. Think about a smartphone app that can drive down the cost of health care and saved employees over $2 billion in 2012 through lower annual healthcare costs, reductions and tax savings: Evolution1 developed an app to address that need. 

“Or an app that enables a farmer or oil and gas company to know at any given moment where its fixed and mobile assets are; Pedigree’s M2M technology can do that. How about an app that helps you stay alive if you’re stuck in the middle of a blizzard? That’s just one of the apps created by Myriad Devices, which develops apps for businesses large and small across the country. These Red River Valley companies and others are blazing new trails and helping to drive North Dakota’s economy. We’re looking forward to an exciting and dynamic forum that explores new opportunities for future growth.”

Conference keynote speakers this year include Tami Reller, executive vice president of Microsoft’s marketing group, and local entrepreneur Doug Burgum. The conference also features two sessions devoted to discussing how North Dakota’s technological advancements are having a positive impact on the state’s rapidly growing agriculture and energy sectors. The conference will conclude with a session devoted to questions and answers.

To register for the event, please visit: www.fmwfchamber.com or call (218) 223-1100.

The full schedule is as follows:

10:30 a.m.                              

Press Conference in Brahm

11:00 – 11:15 a.m.                 

Craig Whitney

Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce President/CEO

Event Emcee: Roger Reierson, President/CEO of Flint Group/AdFarm

Welcoming Remarks: Senator John Hoeven11:15 – 11:45 a.m.    

Opening Keynote: Doug Burgum, Entrepreneur and Venture Philanthropist

11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.        

Q & A 

12:15 p.m.                              

Lunch is served

12:30 – 1:00 p.m.                  

Tami Reller, Executive Vice President of Microsoft’s Marketing Group

1:00 – 1:30 p.m.                    

Q&A

1:30 – 1:45 p.m.                    

Break

North Dakota Innovations in Technology

Presentations on groundbreaking work being conducted in the fields of agriculture and energy. Regional and local experts share innovative insights on remaining competitive in an increasingly technology dependent culture and how North Dakota is emerging as a leading technology epicenter.

1:45 – 2:45 p.m.                    

Agriculture Overview: Barry Batcheller; Appareo Systems CEO            

2:45 – 3:45 p.m.                    

Energy Overview: Dr. Gerry Groenewold; Energy & Environmental Research Center Director

3:45 – 5:00 p.m.                    

Local Companies Using Cutting Edge Technologies to Drive Economic Growth

Top leaders of local companies highlight their innovative businesses and share how they are using technology to drive business growth and industry change in our region.

3:45 – 4:00 p.m.                    

Myriad Devices: Jake Joraanstad, CEO Mobile App Technology: Changing the Business World

4:00 – 4:15 p.m.                    

Pedigree Technologies: Alex Warner, CEO

M2M Technology: Improving Business Efficiencies and Productivity

4:15 – 4:30 p.m.                    

Evolution1: Jeff Young, CEO

Technology in Healthcare: Helping Drive Costs Down

4:30 – 5:00 p.m.                    

Panel Q & A

5:00 p.m.                                

Closing Remarks