Texas-sized gathering of BBQ experts, smokers, grills and seminars
The National BBQ Association announced today that its annual conference will be held in San Marco, Texas, March 5-9, at the Embassy Suites San Marcos Hotel, Spa and Conference Center. The conference, which attracts hundreds of BBQ experts and aspiring BBQ professionals, is a strategic combination of education, trade show, networking and promoting the art and lifestyle of BBQ, along with a little friendly competition and a lot of fun. As part of its mission to share the fast-growing interest in low-and-slow cooking, the general public is invited to attend several of the top-notch conference events and attractions. According to Roy Slicker, president of the NBBQA, conference events and activities well represent the organization and its goals.
“The NBBQA is where our passion for BBQ meets our commitment to professionalism, and our annual conference reflects both,” explained Slicker. “Restaurateurs, caterers, product creators and more gather each year to share ideas, network and learn from experts how to help their businesses grow and succeed while preserving the art of this age-old cooking style and sharing the unique lifestyle associated with this culinary phenomenon.”
The 2014 NBBQA conference will feature an array of valuable seminars led by well respected BBQ standouts who represent successful businesses nationwide and thousands of medals and awards in BBQ competitions worldwide. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from the best at presentations such as The Barbecue Business 101, Creating and Protecting Your Brand, Understanding Grocery Distribution, What It Takes to Win KCBS and MBN and many others. Presenters and panelists include Dave Anderson of Famous Dave’s; Mike Mills of 17th Street Barbecue; Mark Lambert, 2013 Winner of Memphis in May; and the Orrisons from The Shed. Daniel Vaughn, barbecue editor from Texas Monthly, will offer an insightful presentation on the History, Influences and Flavors of Texas Barbecue.
Conference highlights also include a two-day trade show featuring an impressive array of grills, smokers and BBQ equipment and accessories, a KCBS-sanctioned contest, the Central Texas Steak Championship and a People’s Choice Sauce Tasting. Select events are open to the public and do not require registration, including the Old Fashioned BBQ Bash on Saturday, March 8.
“There’s no better place to discover the world of BBQ than at our conference,” said Slicker. “Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a home cook with a recipe or product idea, a restaurateur who wants to grow, or someone who just loves barbecue, this conference has something to offer.”
BBQ enthusiasts and those interested in NBBQA membership are invited to attend. For more information on registering for the conference, visit www.nbbqa.org.
About the NBBQA
Founded in 1991, the National Barbecue Association (NBBQA) is dedicated to bringing barbecue enthusiasts together and supporting the barbecue industry. NBBQA’S goals are to promote the recognition and image of the industry, facilitate effective networking of industry resources, foster new business opportunities for its members, and educate and inform the public about the art and enjoyment of barbecue. For more information, visit www.nbbqa.org.
