The 2026 NBBQA Awards of Excellence Window is Open Now Through December 1

Every year, one of my favorite parts of what we do at the National Barbecue & Grilling Association is celebrating the creativity, hard work, and pure heart that fuel this industry we love. The NBBQA Awards of Excellence aren’t just about trophies or titles — they’re about honoring the people and brands who bring innovation, passion, and craftsmanship to the world of barbecue.

From sauce makers and pitmasters to designers, photographers, and digital storytellers — these awards shine a light on every corner of the BBQ world. They remind us that barbecue is more than food. It’s flavor, it’s culture, and it’s connection.

🗓️ Entry Window: October 1 – December 1, 2025 (5:00 PM ET)

Entries for the 2026 NBBQA Awards of Excellence open October 1 and close December 1, 2025, at 5:00 PM ET.
If you’ve been perfecting a sauce, refining a rub, crafting killer content, or building a standout BBQ brand — this is your moment to step into the spotlight.

Quick Details:

• Opens: October 1

• Closes: December 1 at 5:00 PM ET (no late entries accepted)

• New for 2026: BBQ Short-Form Video (60 Seconds or Less) under Digital Media

• Continuing from 2025: BBQ Drinks subcategories — Non-Alcoholic, Alcoholic, and Mixers

🎉 Awards Ceremony

Mark your calendars! The 2026 Awards of Excellence Ceremony will take place on Thursday, March 26, 2026, during the NBBQA 35th Anniversary Conference at Travellers Rest Historic House Museum in Nashville, Tennessee.

This special evening will honor the outstanding achievements of our BBQ community — a night filled with great food, fellowship, and well-deserved recognition for those who keep the smoke rolling and the spirit of barbecue alive.

🔥 What’s New for 2026

Last year, we introduced the BBQ Drinks Category, and it was a big hit! It brought a refreshing twist to the competition, celebrating beverage creators in three subcategories — Non-Alcoholic Beverages, Alcoholic Beverages, and Drink Mixers. These entries truly rounded out the full flavor of the barbecue experience.

This year, we’re adding another exciting element — a brand-new subcategory under BBQ Digital Media:
BBQ Short-Form Video (60 Seconds or Less)

This new category celebrates those quick, creative, and high-impact videos that tell a full barbecue story in under a minute. From sizzle reels and recipe snippets to behind-the-scenes smokehouse moments, these short videos capture the energy and soul of barbecue in ways that keep audiences coming back for more.

Why It Matters

The Awards of Excellence are about more than competition. They’re about community — about celebrating the work we all put in to keep barbecue growing, evolving, and inspiring. Every entry tells a story, and together, those stories show just how vibrant and innovative this industry truly is.

If you’ve got something special — a product, a project, or a piece of work you’re proud of — this is your year to share it.

👉 Explore the categories, enter your best work, and let’s celebrate the spirit of barbecue — together.