Global Tutor Doctor network celebrates excellence at annual conference and awards
Tutor Doctor’s global community came together to celebrate their network at Elevate: DBA 2025 – Dream. Believe. Achieve., the company’s annual international conference and awards. Held at the Marriot on the Falls in Niagara Falls, Canada, from 12th-14th November, the event brought together franchisees and team members from around the world to share ideas, salute success and look forward to future growth.
Over several inspiring days, attendees immersed themselves in learning sessions, networking opportunities and the much-anticipated DBA 2025 Gala and Awards ceremony, which recognised franchisees who truly embody Tutor Doctor’s mission to change lives through education.
The theme of this year’s event, ‘Elevate’, perfectly captured Tutor Doctor’s commitment to raising standards, sharing knowledge and strengthening its global community. Over three days, franchisees and team members from around the world came together for an engaging mix of learning and connection.
Interactive sessions offered two learning tracks – foundational and advanced – for developing and scaling experienced franchisees respectively. Expert-led workshops covered everything from marketing and operations to leadership and tutor recruitment, with insights shared by both franchisees and the Tutor Doctor head office team.
Networking was a big part of the conference too – providing plenty of opportunities for attendees to collaborate, share ideas and celebrate the collective achievements that make the Tutor Doctor network so special.
The conference culminated in the eagerly awaited DBA Gala and Awards ceremony, shining a spotlight on the brand’s highest achievers and those who truly embody Tutor Doctor’s mission to change lives through education.
This year’s winners include:
- Franchisee of the Year – Kimberly Selchan, USA
- Rookie of the Year – Johan Melissen, Canada
- Community Crusader Award – Jessica Bush, USA
- President’s Award – Piyush & Smita Gupta (pictured), UK
- Top Producers for Revenue and Tuition Hours Delivered – Piyush & Smita Gupta (1st), Rob & Lynne Kerrison (2nd) and Mark Butler (3rd), all UK
- Trailblazer Award - Inspired by the late Joanna Butler, who ran Tutor Doctor Berkshire with her husband, Mark, this special award honours those whose vision, courage and dedication continue to inspire the Tutor Doctor community. This year, the Trailblazer Award was posthumously presented to Melodie Watson, co-owner of Tutor Doctor Newcastle-upon-Tyne, who sadly passed away earlier in the year. Melodie’s legacy continues to light the way for others through her unwavering passion for education and innovation.
The recipient of the President’s Award, Piyush Gupta (pictured), shared his pride, “We are truly humbled, honoured, and proud to receive this award and to be recognised by our peers. In truth, as well as our hard work and dedication to the cause, we owe much of our success to our wonderful tutors and team who go that extra mile to ‘change the trajectory’ of our students' lives. We are lucky to be in a business where, if we win, everyone wins.”
For Mark Szpak, Tutor Doctor’s Vice President of Field Operations, the conference encapsulated the brand’s philosophy of empowering franchisees to dream big, believe in potential and achieve lasting success. “This was a special time for our network, a chance to celebrate what makes Tutor Doctor exceptional: the people who lead with passion, heart and have a shared belief in inspiring change through education.
“Each year, I’m reminded of the incredible strength of our community and the extraordinary impact our franchisees have across the globe!”
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