Schedule of events

Nation's Restaurant News, Sept 15, 2008

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12

8 A.M.-7:30 P.M.

REGISTRATION

1:30 P.M.-3:30 P.M.

MEET THE NRN EDITORS: SPECIAL MARKET BRIEFING

No publication has its finger on the pulse of the restaurant industry like Nation's Restaurant News. With the largest editorial staff in foodservice publishing, NRN's editors talk with hundreds of operators every week as they report on the ups, downs and constant changes taking place in the restaurant business. Don't miss this special briefing where you can ask questions and get unbiased feedback from our editors on the key issues that face restaurateurs.

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ROBIN LEE ALLEN

Executive Editor/Enterprise Reports

Nation's Restaurant News

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RICHARD MARTIN

Executive Editor/News

Nation's Restaurant News

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PETER ROMEO

Executive Editor/NRN-Online

Nation's Restaurant News

4 P.M.-5 P.M.

TOP OF THE MIND ISSUES: NEW CHALLENGES FOR THE INDUSTRY

Rick Berman, a longtime industry advocate, will update attendees on the pressure to accelerate unionization of the industry, new laws that threaten alcohol sales, class action litigation over menus, the attack on foods beyond trans fats, and the employment labor cost escalators for 2009.

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RICK BERMAN

President

Berman & Company

5:30 P.M.-7:30 P.M.

COCKTAIL RECEPTION A TASTE OF WASHINGTON, D.C.

Sponsored by The Coca-Cola Company The "A Taste of Washington, D.C." cocktail reception is a relaxing and enjoyable way to kick off MUFSO 2008. Sponsored by The Coca-Cola Company, this elegant event is ideal for catching up with friends and savoring tasty treats from some of the area's most creative restaurants, including members of the Nation's Restaurant News Fine Dining Hall of Fame.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 13

7 A.M.-7:30 A.M.

MUFSO 2008 REGISTRATION DESK

7 A.M.-8 A.M.

BREAKFAST

Sponsored by Dunkin' Donuts

8:15 A.M.-8:30 A.M.

OPENING VIDEO & WELCOME REMARKS

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TOM LARRANAGA

Publisher, Nation's Restaurant News; Chairman, MUFSO 2008

Tom Larranaga, publisher of Nation's Restaurant News and chairman of MUFSO 2008, officially opens the 49th Annual Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators Conference with a look at what's ahead during a solutions-focused educational program featuring "Capital Ideas in Challenging Times." Don't miss our opening video as the camera catches MUFSO attendees enjoying Sunday's activities.

8:30 A.M.-9:30 A.M.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

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CHRIS MATTHEWS

Host of "Hardball with Chris Matthews" on MSNBC-TV

Intense, experienced, straightforward and outspoken, Chris Matthews gets MUFSO off to a blazing start with a hardball look at the Nov. 4 general election, which he says will go down in history as a turning point in American politics. Join us as this noted commentator examines the issues that he believes "will decide who next leads the nation at this critical juncture."

9:30 A.M.- 10:30 A.M.

GENERAL SESSION

POLITICS & FOODSERVICE: WHAT'S THE RIGHT MIX

During this panel session, restaurant executives and industry leaders look at regulatory and legislative issues most pertinent to foodservice, including health care, immigration reform, menu labeling, food safety and tax issues. They also review new legislative proposals that could impact the restaurant industry in the year ahead.

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PETER ROMEO

Executive Editor/NRN-Online

Nation's Restaurant News

Moderator

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JOHN GAY

Senior Vice President, Government Affairs and Public Policy

National Restaurant Association

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ED TINSLEY

Owner

K-Bob's Steakhouse

Republican Nominee

2nd Congressional District of New Mexico

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SCOTT VINCER

Vice President, National Council of Chain Restaurants

10:30 A.M.-11 A.M.

NETWORKING BREAK

Sponsored by Royal Cup Coffee

11 A.M.-12 P.M.

GENERAL SESSION

THE NATION'S RESTAURANT NEWS 2008 HOT CONCEPTS! PANEL DISCUSSION

The Nation's Restaurant News Hot Concepts! Panel is comprised of leaders of emerging companies that are boldly going in new directions. Hear how these concepts went from dream to reality and how management plans to keep the momentum going.

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ELLEN KOTEFF

Editor

Nation's Restaurant News

Moderator

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JASON BROWN

Chief Executive

Organic To Go

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KENT HAHNE

President

Vapiano International LLC

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COLIN McCABE

Co-founder

Chop't Creative Salad Company

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KENT RATHBUN

Chef-owner

Jasper's Restaurant

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TONY SHURE

Co-founder

Chop't Creative Salad Company

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JEFF WEINSTEIN

Founder and Chief Executive

The Counter--Custom

Built Burgers

12 P.M.-12:15 P.M.

GENERAL SESSION

SHARE OUR STRENGTH, GREAT AMERICAN DINE OUT PRESENTATION

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WALLY DOOLIN

Chairman

Great American Dine Out Chief executive

Buca, Inc.

12:15 P.M.-I:15 P.M.

LUNCHEON

Sponsored by The Elliot Leadership Institute & Sweet Street Desserts

1:15 P.M.-2:15 P.M.

CAPITAL IDEAS IN CHALLENGING TIMES

These outstanding panelists examine a range of innovative ideas relating to running restaurants, including purchasing and contracts, streamlining operations, sustainability, rethinking menus, and analyzing key cost areas.