North Dakota Compass, a project of the Center for Social Research at NDSU, is collaborating with the North Dakota Department of Commerce and the University of North Dakota Department of Economics to host the first North Dakota Demographics Conference Wednesday, April 6, at the National Energy Center of Excellence on the Bismarck State College campus.

North Dakota legislators, non-profit leaders, businesspersons, educators, researchers and students will meet to learn about and discuss current state demographic information, future projections and available resources to aid in research and instruction. More than 100 registrants are expected.

"The conference is important because North Dakota continues to grow and diversify, and so does the information needed to understand this growth," said Kendra Erickson-Dockter, North Dakota Compass director. "North Dakota citizens will benefit from understanding how this impacts businesses, communities, government and organizations."

Scheduled keynote presenters include:

• Andy Hait, U.S. Census Bureau survey statistician and economist

• Paul Mattessich, executive director of Wilder Research

• Jennifer J. Kim, U.S. Census Bureau branch chief

"Attendees will have the opportunity to explore a variety of data tools, develop understanding of the latest North Dakota data, network with experts and colleagues, increase their knowledge of North Dakota and get inspired," Erickson-Dockter said.

To learn more about the conference and register, visit the North Dakota Compass website. Students can receive a reduced rate by calling 701-328-5383.