When Dunkin' Donuts franchisees gather next week at Mohegan Sun for the DDIFO Annual National Conference on September 27th & 28th, they will be celebrating the accomplishments that franchise owners have achieved over the last 50 plus years, in particular celebrating the achievements realized in the last few years.

As Dunkin' Donuts expands across the nation, the company's strong history of franchising is also put on center stage. As Dunkin' Donuts looks toward further expansion, Dunkin' Brands is again relying on its roster of experienced, hard working and well-capitalized franchise owners to carry the ball.

The theme for the 2012 DDIFO Annual National Conference is "Proud to be a DD Franchisee".  According to DDIFO President Jim Coen, "The theme captures the successes the franchisee community have realized over the last few years by standing together and helping to foster a more collaborative relationship with Dunkin' Brands.

"The conference kicks off on Thursday September 27th at 11am with the DDIFO Board of Directors meeting which will be open to all DDIFO Members. Please reserve in advance.

That evening there will be a Gala Dinner and Dunkin' Donuts Franchise Owners Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony starting at 6:00 pm. The 2012 Inductees are: Manuel Andrade, Brooks Barrett, Jason Dubinsky, John Rader, Robert Rosenberg, and Michael Vale aka "Fred the Baker".

The conference will continue on Friday September 28th with over 50 sponsor booths and exhibitors, and will feature keynote speaker Sean Touhy, a Taco Bell (Yum Brands) franchisee and the adopter of Michael Oher Baltimore Ravens Offensive Lineman as portrayed in the hit movie "The Blind Side". As the owner of 89 Taco Bell and Long John Silver's restaurants, he has achieved his dream. But his story, and the lessons he has learned, are an inspiration to all.

Also speaking is John Gordon, DDIFO's own Restaurant Analyst will provide insight and information regarding DNKN the trading symbol for Dunkin' Brands stock, John will provide analysis to current, near future and long term projections and potential pitfalls. John's presentation is entitled: "Private Equity is Gone! What is the Future Outlook for DNKN?"

Breakout Sessions include:

Dunkin' Donuts Market Development Panel. Filling in the white space....that is easier said than done and may very well have an impact on all Dunkin' Donuts franchise owners. The panel moderated by Professor Patrick Kaufmann, will feature: Whayne Hougland, Executive Director and General Counsel of the Long John Silver's Franchise Association and the Fazoli's Franchisee Association. Attorney Eric Karp serves as counsel to numerous franchisee associations. In that capacity, he provides a broad range of advice and guidance to the leadership of the associations on matters that affect the relationship. Steve Gabellieri, is a 4 unit Dunkin Donuts franchise Owner in RI area; he is a QSR industry expert particularly in the areas of franchising, franchisee/franchisor relationships, operations, new restaurant development, and unit economics. He once worked for Dunkin' Brands, as the Vice President of Operations (2000-2008).

Implementing the Affordable Health Care for America Act. Massachusetts franchisees have already implemented the Massachusetts Health Care Act but for the rest of the country implementation starts in 2013, no matter who is elected President some or all of the provisions will be kept and will continue for a few years as it is gradually implemented. Dan Field of Morgan Brown & Joy will present the guidelines for implementing the law for your business, so you can stay ahead of the curve and the law.

A Thousand Voices in the Choir is Effective and Impressive!! This session will delve into the growing array of oppressive government intrusions and provide a firsthand account of how to prepare for -- and how to successfully respond to these threats to your business. Joseph Giannino, DDIFO Government Relations Director and Edwin Shanahan DDIFO Executive Director will share specific examples of different issues to illustrate successful strategies to combat legislative and regulatory mandates that directly diminish your bottom line! We will also look at the tremendous impact franchisees can have on the political process at the local, state and national levels just by knowing their customers!
 
Please click on the link below to register.

If you have any questions regarding the conference please call: 800-732-2706