Just weeks before QSR launches its biggest issue of the year, the quick-service news organization is giving industry insiders something else to look forward to.

Today the magazine revealed the lineup for its seventh-annual executive conference, Dine America, in Atlanta this fall. Highlights of the program include a presentation by the CEO of Jason’s Deli, a panel discussion on international development with Emory University’s India, China, America Institute, and a look at the industry’s next target market.

“Each year Dine America gives us the opportunity to pack a year’s worth of editorial information into just two days,” says QSR editor Blair Chancey. “Better yet, it brings the industry’s most important issues to life through dynamic discussions and thought-provoking presentations.”

To follow last year’s star-powered keynoters, QSR chose to feature former Southwest Airlines CEO Howard Putnam as the conference’s opening presenter. Putnam was the first chairman and CEO to successfully restructure a major airline out of bankruptcy and earned the company a 200 percent increase in profits in just three years.

Economist Gene Stanaland will kick off the second day of the conference, with an expert, yet humor-filled, look at where our economy is headed in the next 12 months.

“Dine America has developed a reputation as a conference that features both industry-specific insight and outside-the-box thinking, and this year’s educational program is no different,” says QSR associate publisher Greg Sanders.

In addition to the keynote speakers, executives from brands including, Pizza Inn, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Planet Smoothie, Phillips Seafood, Church’s Chicken, and Moe’s Southwest Grill will be presenting.

“We truly believe this is a program that can help restaurant operators large and small run a smarter business,” Sanders says.

Dine America will take place at the Westin Buckhead in Atlanta, September 12-14. To request an invitation to the conference, click here.