The 2024 Economic Outlook Seminar is Coming to 9 Montana Cities this Winter!
Economic Outlook Seminar 2024
The 2024 Economic Outlook Seminar will highlight the latest economic trends for local economies and the state of Montana, with a special focus on the green energy transition and what it might mean for Montana.
Implementing the Green Energy Transition in Montana: What Would it Take?
In an era where people of different political persuasions seemingly can’t even agree that the sun rises in the East, it is easy for some to discount or dismiss the notion that carbon-emitting energy production is going away. Just as it is a matter of faith with others that an emissions-free world is right around the corner. These swift conclusions gloss over the hard questions the coming years will force us to address: What would it actually take to power the largest economy in the world within the emissions targets set by our leaders, and what is the most effective way to carry that out?
For our 49th annual Economic Outlook Seminar we add an additional question: What would it mean for Montana? Our colder climate and our large geography have combined to make us one of the most energy-dependent states in the country. We are also a state that mines metals and minerals, and the green energy shopping list for what we could produce is potentially a long one.
A dose of reality is what we think the political battles over green energy need, and that’s exactly what the 2024 Economic Outlook Seminars aim to provide. We hope you can join us for what certainly looks to be a spirited, informative discussion.
Why Attend EOS 2024?
BBER economists will present national, state, and local economic forecasts for Montana’s largest communities, and industry experts will give their outlook for the state’s important sectors, including tourism, health care, real estate and housing, agriculture, manufacturing, energy and forest products.
Schedule
EOS 2024 will be held in nine cities across the state of Montana.
January 23, 2024
Helena
Helena Great Northern Hotel
835 Great Northern Blvd, Helena, MT 59601
January 24, 2024
Great Falls
Meadow Lark Country Club
300 Country Club Blvd, Great Falls, MT 59404
January 26, 2024
Missoula
Hilton Garden Inn
3720 N. Reserve St.
Missoula, MT 59808
January 30, 2024
Billings
Northern Hotel
19 North Broadway
Billings, MT 59101
January 31, 2024
Bozeman
The Commons
1794 E. Baxter Ln.
Bozeman, MT 59718
February 1, 2024
Butte
NorthWestern General Office
11 East Park Street
Butte, MT 59701
February 6, 2024
Kalispell
Wachholz College Center
Flathead Valley Community College
795 Grandview Drive
Kalispell, MT 59901
March 12, 2024
Lewistown
Central Montana Head Start
25 Meadowlark Lane
Lewistown, MT 59457
March 13, 2024
Havre
Hensler Auditorium
MSU Northern
300 11th St W. Havre, Montana 59501
The Speakers
Our lineup of speakers include industry and economic experts focused on Montana.

Patrick Barkey
Director of the Bureau of Business and Economic Research

George Haynes
Professor and Agricultural Policy Specialist
Montana State University

Joel Schumacher
Associate Extension Specialist, Department of Agricultural Economics and Economics, Montana State University

Samuel Scott
Forest Economist, Bureau of Business and Economic Research

Derek Sheehan
Economist
Bureau of Business and Economic Research