Real People, Real Power:
A Better Future for Our Communities
Annual Meeting 2026
November 13-14
The Pub Station 2502 1st Ave N, Billings
It is nearly time for the 2026 Annual Meeting and discounted, early bird registration is now open! Our favorite gathering of fellowship, fun, and learning is right around the corner so be sure to mark the date on your calendars – Friday, November 13 to Saturday, November 14. Don’t miss Northern Plains Resource Council’s 55th Annual Meeting. We’re bringing in movers and shakers from across Montana and beyond to help us celebrate the occasion.
From the beginning, Northern Plains Resource Council has championed deep-rooted values of courage, equity, and stewardship. Like Montana’s history, our values and our rich story of grassroots power set us apart. This year, we will explore how to channel that power into tackling the problems we collectively face today. Northern Plains Resource Council is building the next generation of grassroots leaders to become agents of change and ensure we have a strong voice in the way our future looks. Join us as we carry lessons of perseverance and people power forward to create a sustainable future for generations of Montana communities to thrive and prosper. We know a better future is possible, and we will stand together to achieve it.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Clayton Tucker: Candidate for Texas Ag Commissioner
We’re excited to welcome keynote speaker Clayton Tucker, candidate for Texas Ag Commissioner, who will be joining us in person to talk about fighting for our communities and making our voices heard in data center development.
As always, we’ll enjoy a weekend of fun, entertainment, and opportunities to connect with others from around the state and beyond!
SESSIONS
Session I: A History of Elections and Northern Plains Resource Council
Northern Plains Resource Council has relied on lobbying legislators and Congress since our founding in 1972. While Northern Plains Resource Council hasn’t worked in elections for political office, we have worked on ballot measures. Alongside our similarly situated sister organizations, we’ve worked to ensure that our leaders advanced to serve in key elected positions. Our organization evolved alongside key conservation and rural electoral infrastructure in Montana. Hear about the evolution of politics and legislative races in Eastern Montana, and how it’s changed.
Session II: The Story of Organizing in the West
The typical story of the American West follows a rugged, lone ranger who brings fragile justice to the lawless frontier. Or of a mining company and their lawless exploits. It’s time to rewrite the story – and collectively share our stories of the people who built the communities and places that we love in the west, and the organizing behind it. Attendees (including you!) will share stories about the people, the places, and perhaps the campaigns that were key in shaping our west.
Session III: A Better Future, Beyond Data Centers – Keynote Speaker Clayton Tucker
Protecting and organizing for the health of our communities is always front of mind for Northern Plains Resource Council. As data center developers and greedy corporations look to the lands of Montana for their next big project, it’s important that we are clear-eyed about the effects this development will have on our resources and on the health of our Montana communities – which, as we know, are so often connected. This session will feature our Keynote Speaker, Clayton Tucker, along with member leaders who have been working relentlessly to make sure our communities have a voice.
SCHEDULE
Friday, November 13
11:30 am – Registration and Social Time – Lunch on your own
1:00 pm – NPRC Meeting of the Membership
5:00 pm – Social Hour
6:30 pm – Prairie Spread Dinner
8:00 pm – Staff Skit & Evening Activities
Saturday, November 14
8:00 am – Registration Opens
8:30 am – Northern Plains 501(c)(4) Board Meeting
10:30 am – Break
10:45 am – Opening remarks
11:00 am – Session I: A History of Elections and Northern Plains Resource Council
11:45 pm – Session II: The Story of Organizing in the West
12:15 pm – Lunch & Awards
1:30 pm – Session III: A Better Future, Beyond Data Centers Featuring Keynote Speaker Clayton Tucker
3:45 pm – Break
4:00 pm – Ratifying out 2027
5:15 pm – Planned Giving Flash Talk
5:30 pm – Dinner and Fun
7:30 pm – Silent Auction Closes
HOTEL RESERVATIONS
Best Western Plus Clocktower Inn
If you’re coming in from out-of-town you can book a room at the Best Western Clocktower Inn for a reduced rate of $124 a night until October 27 by calling (406) 259-5511 and requesting “Northern Plains Resource Council.” This includes complimentary breakfast at Stella’s Kitchen & Bakery and on-site parking.
PARKING
Complimentary parking is available for hotel guests at the Clocktower Inn, across the street from The Pub Station. Limited street parking is available near the venue or at the Park II Garage just down the street.
AUCTION
We are excited for our Annual Meeting Auction to be held in-person this year! The silent auction will run over the two days of the Annual Meeting, November 13-14.
Our auction plays a key role in the success of the Annual Meeting and in strengthening Northern Plains work for the year ahead. Do you have an item, activity, or vacation experience you’d like to donate to our auction? If so, please contact Madison at (406) 248-1154 or madison@northernplains.org.
Click the button below to download a form detailing your online auction item donation (and thank you)!