Rob Elliott has had an exciting career in franchise marketing, specifically in the quick-service restaurant category. He began his career at Little Caesar's Enterprises in 1980 as a store manager, eventually becoming Vice President of Marketing. Rob left Little Caesar's in 1995 to become Managing Partner of Bozell Worldwide, a top-tier advertising agency. From 1999 until 2003, Rob was Executive Vice President of Marketing for Quiznos Subs, a Colorado-based sandwich franchise. Rob joined Papa Murphy's Take'n'Bake Pizza from 2003 until 2006 as Executive Vice President of Marketing. In 2011, Rob joined the Hungry Howie's family as Vice President of Strategic Marketing. He was promoted to his current role as Executive Vice President of Strategic Marketing in 2015.

Chris Ruszkowski is the Chief Marketing Officer of Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii where he oversees marketing communications, brand vision and advertising planning which includes social media and local store marketing for each valued Bad Ass Coffee franchise owners. Chris brings over twenty years of big brand advertising and communications knowledge to the team with experience marketing brands including Quiznos, McDonalds, Breckenridge Brewing, Einstein Bros, Zeps Epiq Sandwiches, Visa and Frito Lay. Outside of work, Chris is busy raising 4 boys with his wife outside of Denver, Colorado. On the weekends he can typically be found out on his mountain bike, a hiking trail or keeping score at the sports fields.

Carin Stutz is a public company board director and a veteran C level operating executive with deep experience in the hospitality and consumer sector. Stutz is the former President and CEO of Native Foods and previously served as the EVP/COO of Red Robin overseeing operations across the US and Canada. Prior experience includes the President of McAlister's Deli, CEO and President of Cosi, and President of Global Business Development for Brinker International, leading all operations and franchise development for Chili's and Maggiano's restaurants around the globe. Prior to joining Brinker, Stutz was EVP of Operations for Applebee's International, the Pacific Division Vice President for Wendy's International, served as Regional Operations Vice President for Sodexo, U.S.A., and was Vice President of Corporate Operations for NutriSystem, Inc. She serves on the board of directors for Kura Sushi, Hawaiian Bros, as well as chair of the board of trustees for Western Illinois University.

Julie Wade joined Taziki's with over 15 years of franchise and retail marketing experience. Beginning with a large franchisee of Blockbuster Video and then working for two franchisors in the restaurant segment, Julie has a deep knowledge of high-touch marketing strategies like local store marketing and a broad high-tech skill set with rewards programs, online ordering, and digital advertising. In 2018 she received her Certified Franchise Executive designation and continues to be active in the franchising community.

Alicia DiStefano is InMarket’s VP, Practice Leader for the QSR and Dining verticals. Alicia has worked in media and advertising for over 15 years, with experience in location marketing, data as a service (DaaS), programmatic, and self-service media. She previously worked in the restaurant vertical for 10 years, and has shared conference stages with brands like Panera, Subway, KFC, McDonald’s, DoorDash, and more. In 2018, Alicia oversaw the team, campaign, and submission to win the I-COM Data Creativity Award for a cost per visit campaign for Outback Steakhouse. Alicia is based in Atlanta, GA.