2026 MEINEKE CONVENTION

JW Marriott Desert Springs
Palm Springs, California
April 21-25, 2026

WELCOME

Driven by excellence and destined for paradise, join us in sunny Palm Springs for the 2026 Meineke Convention — where we come together as one family, united as Legends of the Road. We hope you can join us as we raise a toast to all of your accomplishments. The future holds exciting additions to the Meineke brand that we look forward to sharing with you all at the convention. Please find more details in the registration links below. If you have any questions or issues registering, reach out to corinne@cmievent.com.

TUESDAY, APRIL 21
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Convention Registration

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Lunch

1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Opening General Session

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Networking Lounge

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Meineke Welcome Cocktail Reception

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22
7:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Information Desk

7:15 AM – 8:30 AM
Breakfast

8:30 AM – 9:45 AM
General Session & Keynote Speaker

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Rotating Breakout Sessions

11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Rotating Breakout Sessions

12:15 PM – 3:15 PM
Lunch & Vendor Showcase

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
MDA Meeting (FZA Only)

Evening
Dinner on Own

THURSDAY, APRIL 23
7:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Information Desk

7:15 AM – 8:30 AM
Breakfast

8:30 AM – 9:15 AM
General Session

9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Rotating Breakout Sessions

10:45 AM – 11:45 AM
Rotating Breakout Sessions

11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
Lunch

12:45 PM – 2:00 PM
Closing Session

2:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Pool Party

6:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Awards Cocktail Reception

7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Meineke Celebration Awards Gala

FRIDAY, APRIL 24
7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Information Desk

Throughout Day
Scheduled Transfers to Airport for Departures

FEES

The following fees will apply during registration:

$450 Registration Fee for Adult Attendee
$125 Registration Fee for Children Under 16

Early Bird Special!!!
If you register by February 15th, your first night stay at the resort will be complimentary. A $300 savings! A credit will be applied to your final hotel bill upon check-out.

Cancellation Policy
Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to the Driven Brands Conference Office, corinne@cmievent.com.

All refunds are subject to a $100 administration fee.

All Conference passes cancelled after March 19, 2026 are non-refundable.

Some exceptions may apply.

Keynote Speaker - Jon Taffer
Jon Taffer is America's leading authority on beverage, dining, and hospitality, known for transforming how the country eats, drinks, and experiences service. Best recognized as the force behind the hit show Bar Rescue, Taffer brings a no excuses approach to turning failing businesses into thriving destinations. A New York Times best selling author, creator, executive producer, and trusted strategist, he has advised thousands of venues and major Fortune 500 brands.

Taffer is also the creator of Taffer's Tavern, a next generation casual dining franchise built around elevated tavern fare, crafted cocktails, and streamlined operations. After opening its first location in 2020, the brand expanded to Atlanta and Orlando, and in 2025 partnered with Craveworthy Brands to scale nationwide.

As an author, Taffer has produced multiple best sellers—including Don't Bullsh*t Yourself, Raise the Bar, and his newest release, The Power of Conflict.

He also leads Taffer Dynamics, a consulting firm that blends operational expertise with consumer insight for top organizations such as the NFL, Anheuser Busch, Ritz Carlton, Marriott, Hyatt, Buffalo Wild Wings, and more.

ACCOMMODATIONS

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
74855 Country Club Dr, Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 341-2211

ROOM RESERVATIONS
As a guest of the Meineke Convention, you are responsible for booking your own accommodations. A group rate of $299/night + $15/night discounted resort fee + taxes has been secured and available to book direct with the hotel. The deadline to book rooms is March 15th. You will have the option to select a king room or 2 queen bed room online.

Visit the site below to book your hotel room:
CLICK HERE

ABOUT THE RESORT
Experience the beauty of the desert at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa. This Palm Springs resort and spa features personalized service, versatile venues, magnificent mountain and lake views, and family-friendly amenities. From the moment you arrive on the lush grounds, you will feel a sense of relaxation. Bask in the modern hotel rooms and suites with private balconies and indulgent bathrooms with marble tile and lush bedding. Take a dip in one of the pools, and test your swing on the scenic, championship golf courses or the world-renowned tennis and pickleball courts. Rejuvenate yourself at the day spa featuring a Wellness Lounge and satisfy your cravings at one of the signature restaurants. The resort is minutes from Acrisure Arena, the Living Desert Zoo & Garden, the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival, and the Indian Wells Tennis Garden

Lobby

Hotel

Guest Room

TRAVEL & TRANSPORTATION

FLIGHTS
All flights should be booked into Palm Springs International Airport (airport code PSP). You are responsible for booking your own flights and entering the information in your registration details. You do not have to have your flights booked to register. We will send reminders to enter this information closer to the event so we can arrange your arrival and departure transfers.

TRANSFER FROM AIRPOT TO RESORT
Arrival transfers will be provided April 20 and 21, 2026
Upon arrival to Palm Springs International Airport, you will proceed to baggage claim where you will find your transportation host. They will be holding a sign with the Meineke Convention event logo – Legends of the Road. Please check in with your host and then collect your luggage at baggage claim. Once you have all your bags, they will direct you to the awaiting vehicle for short transfer to the resort.

DEPARTURE FROM RESORT TO AIRPORT
Upon arrival, you will receive a departure notice for your return transfer to the airport. It will also be included in your personal agenda on the event app. Departure transfers will be provided on the main departure date only, April 24, 2026

ABOUT PALM SPRINGS

Your desert oasis awaits!

Palm Springs is a sun-soaked desert oasis known for its mid‑century modern architecture, mountain views, luxury resorts, and vibrant cultural scene. It blends retro glamour with outdoor adventure, making it a favorite for warm‑weather escapes.
Explore the area and enjoy some of the top experiences and adventures:

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Ride 8,516 feet up to Mt. San Jacinto State Park for hiking, snowshoeing, and panoramic views.

Indian Canyons
A lush, historic oasis with palm groves, streams, and some of the best hiking in the region.

Explore Mid‑Century Modern Architecture
Neighborhoods like Twin Palms and Vista Las Palmas are filled with iconic homes.

Downtown Palm Springs
Boutiques, restaurants, galleries, and the famous Marilyn Monroe statue.

Outdoor Adventures
Golf, biking, horseback riding, and exploring the surrounding desert parks.
Click here to explore all of what Palm Springs has to offer: Visit Palm Springs - Find the Best Hotels, Restaurants, Events & More

Climate
Expect perfect weather in Palm Springs during April, which means high temperatures and almost no rainfall. Throughout the day, temperatures can rise to about 90°F. At night, they generally drop to 80°F.

Time Zone
Palm Springs is on Pacific Standard Time Zone.

What to Pack
Bathing Suit - Enjoy the beautiful surroundings, resort pools and spa facilities.
Dress Clothes - For evening functions (resort dressy).
Sunglasses – There is an abundance of sunshine, so chances are you'll need some shades.
Sunscreen - You'll want to keep this close at hand, especially when the sun is out.

2026 MEINEKE CONVENTION