BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A two-day conference in Bismarck is aimed at exploring ways to enhance North Dakota’s standing as a top energy producer.  
 The 2011 Great Plains and EmPower ND Energy Expo is Monday and Tuesday at Bismarck State College’s National Energy Center of Excellence.  

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 Sens. Kent Conrad and John Hoeven and Gov. Jack Dalrymple will be on hand, along with officials from energy giants such as Halliburton and TransCanada. One of the keynote speakers is Steven Koonin, undersecretary of science for the federal Energy Department.