NBBQA Awards of Excellence Overview

The NBBQA Awards of Excellence recognize the very best in the commercial barbecue and grilling industry. These awards celebrate outstanding products, brands, and creative work across multiple categories, including sauces, rubs, food products, equipment, apparel, publications, photography, digital media, beverages, and BBQ-related content.

Products that are available for purchase in stores or online are eligible to enter.

Key Dates

October 1, 2026
Awards of Excellence entry window opens

November 21, 2026
All entries must be received by NBBQA

December 3–5, 2026
Judging will take place at a location to be announced

December 13, 2026
Status updates will be sent to all entrants

January 6, 2027
All Top 5 category winners will be notified by this date

To Be Determined
Awards of Excellence Ceremony Dinner
Held during the 2027 NBBQA Conference

2027 Entry Forms

Each entrant must complete one Contestant Entry Form and include a copy with each category form submitted.

Payment may be made by check or credit card.

Please note: The online entry form and payment system used in previous years has been discontinued. All forms must be downloaded, completed, and submitted with the appropriate entries.

Mailing Address

Mail all completed forms, payments, and required entries to:

National Barbecue & Grilling Association
336 Phelps Road
Douglas, GA 31533

All entries must be received by November 21, 2026.

Entry Forms and Fees

Click the live links below to download the PDF entry forms:

Contestant Entry Form

BBQ Sauce Category Entry Form
Member: $45 per entry
Non-Member: $55 per entry

BBQ Rubs Category Entry Form
Member: $45 per entry
Non-Member: $55 per entry

BBQ Food Category Entry Form
Member: $45 per entry
Non-Member: $55 per entry

BBQ Equipment Category Entry Form
Member: $40 per entry
Non-Member: $50 per entry

BBQ Publication Category Entry Form
Member: $40 per entry
Non-Member: $50 per entry

BBQ Photo Category Entry Form
Member: $15 per entry
Non-Member: $25 per entry

BBQ Digital Category Entry Form
Member: $30 per entry
Non-Member: $40 per entry

New Subcategory: BBQ Short-Form Video, 60 Seconds or Less
Member: $30 for two videos
Non-Member: $40 for two videos

BBQ Drink Mixers, Alcohol & Nonalcoholic Beverages Entry Form
Member: $40 per entry
Non-Member: $50 per entry

Judging

Judging will take place December 3–5, 2026, at a location to be announced.

The Awards of Excellence judging process will follow the National Barbecue Festival methodology using NBBQA judging criteria.

Judges may include culinary chefs and certified judges with current credentials from the following organizations or judging systems:

NBF, SCA, KCBS, PNWBA, MBM, FBA, GBA, or the EAT methodology.

All judges must be independent and may not have any business or family connection to any entrant.

To register as a judge, click here.

Questions

For questions about the Awards of Excellence, entry forms, categories, or submission process, please contact NBBQA:

Phone: (800) 385-0002
Email: admin@NBBQA.org