2024 Conference San Antonio Jan. 31 - Feb. 3! Powered by Icey-Tek

The 2024 NBBQA Conference promises an exhilarating blend of education, networking, and culinary delights. Kicking off with a Restaurant Bus Tour and Prairie Fresh Welcome Reception, the schedule unfolds into a series of engaging sessions. Attendees can anticipate insightful discussions, including topics such as co-packed vs DIY commercial BBQ sauces, modern kitchen equipment featuring sous vide technology, and the intricacies of shipping products and food. Renowned figures like Tuffy Stone, Meathead, Scott Grumbles, Mike Starr, Kirk and Erin Malzer, Jeff Shapiro, and Mat Griner will share their expertise in sessions ranging from mastering BBQ photography to navigating social media for business growth. The conference also offers unique opportunities like the one-on-one round table access with BBQ Masters and the Meet the Masters Luncheon, unveiling the stories of Texas Pitmasters. With additional events like the Rhinestone Cowboy Steak Cookoff and NBBQA's Ignite Your Fire BBQ & Grilling Academy, the conference provides a comprehensive experience for BBQ enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.

10:00 am:  Restaurant Bus Tour: Smoke Shack BBQ,  Black's BBQ, and Pinkerton's. Also, we are working on a special surprise stop as well!

5:00 pm:  Happy Hour at Pedrotti's Ranch

6:00 pm:  Prairie Fresh Welcome Reception

9:30 am:   We are excited to announce Tuffy Stone will be our 2024 Keynote Address Speaker.  Join the exhilarating barbecue journey with Tuffy Stone – a Six-time World Barbecue Champion, Hall of Famer, former Marine, French-trained chef, and TV star! Known as "The Professor," his precision and smoke mastery make him a barbecue icon. From grilling in Kuwait for troops to teaching in Brazil, Tuffy's global barbecue adventure awaits!

10:30 - 10:45 am:  Networking Opportunity

10:45 - 11:45 am:  Co-packed vs DIY Commercial BBQ Sauces presented by Chris Cavendar and Eric Loftus.

10:45 - 11:45 am:  Modern Day Kitchen Equipment:  New Sous Vide Technology presented by Jeff Shapiro.

11:45 am - 12 noon:  Networking Opportunity

12:00 noon - 1:15 pm:  Lunch and Networking Opportunity

1:15  - 2:45 pm: One on One Round Table Access to BBQ Masters

2:45 - 3:00 pm:  Networking Opportunity 

3:00 - 4:00 pm:  Competition Ready?  BBQ Champions share details on becoming a winner.

3:00 - 4:00 pm:  Shipping Made Easier:  The world of shipping products and food can be tricky and very expensive:  Presented by "Fat Boy" Kirk Malzer and Erin Malzer.  

4:00 - 5:30 pm:  Networking Opportunities

5:30 - 6:00 pm:  Happy Hour at Pedrotti's

6:00 pm - Awards of Excellence Dinner and Awards Presentation

**Shuttle buses will be running between our host hotel and Pedrotti's every 30 minutes during the conference day. 

9:30 -10:30 am:  5 minute Idea Exchange:  How I became more profitable.

10:45 - 11:45 am:  Modern Day Kitchen Equipment:  Winston Industries CVAP Machines presented by Jeff Shapiro.

10:45 - 11:45 am:  Capturing GREAT BBQ photos presented by BBQ Hall of Famer, Meathead, who holds a Masters degree in Photography from the Art Institue of Chicago will be showing how to capture the perfect photo of your food.  

11:45 - 12 noon:  Networking Opportunity

12:00 noon - 1:25 pm:  Meet the Masters Luncheon:  General Session with Q & A from audience/MC.

1:25 - 1:30pm:  Networking Opportunity.

1:30 - 2:30 pm:  Round table on Social Media habits that will make your business explode presented by Mike Starr of Blazing Star BBQ and other BBQ influencers.  

1:30 - 2:30 pm:  North Carolina Crispy Hog presented by Matt Griner of Southern Q Catering and Competition Team.  

2:30 - 2:45 pm:  Networking Opportunity

2:45  - 3:45 pm:  Marketing Your Business Better:  Round Table on how a successful marketing plan can turn into $$$$!

2:45 - 3:45 pm:  Texas Sausage Crafting with Scott Grumbles, Director of  Operations at Buckhead Meat & Seafood of Texas in San Antonio 

5:00 pm:  Happy Hour

6:00 pm:  Rhinestone Cowboy Steak Cookoff/Night of Fire

**Shuttle buses will be running between our host hotel and Pedrotti's every 30 minutes during the conference day. 

11:00 am - 4:00 pm:  NBBQA's Ignite Your Fire BBQ & Grilling Academy and Public BBQ Bash.  Vendor spaces are available now!

Member Package - $689.00 - With this ticket, you'll gain admission to a wide array of engaging events. Your access spans from the Wednesday evening Welcome Reception, the inspiring Thursday Morning Keynote Address, and your choice of enlightening Educational Sessions. Enjoy a satisfying Lunch and be part of the Meet the Masters Open Session, a unique opportunity. Witness excellence at the Awards of Excellence Presentation, followed by a delightful Dinner. On Friday, your privileges encompass enlightening Educational Sessions, the enriching Meet the Masters Luncheon, and the flavorful Night of Fire Dinner. Additionally, active NBBQA members can avail themselves of the exclusive Saturday NBBQA Ignite Your Fire Academy BBQ & Grilling Academy, accessible by signing into your account to receive the special rate.

Non-Member Package - 875.00 - With this ticket, you'll enjoy full access to an array of captivating events. Starting with the Wednesday evening Welcome Reception, you'll continue with the inspiring Thursday Morning Keynote Address. Delve into your preferred Educational Sessions, refuel with a satisfying Lunch, and later partake in the prestigious Awards of Excellence Dinner and Presentation. As the week progresses, you'll retain entry to enlightening Educational Sessions on Friday, along with the indulgent Meet the Masters Luncheon and the flavorful Night of Fire Dinner. Additionally, the ticket grants you entry to the Saturday NBBQA Ignite Your Fire Academy BBQ & Grilling Academy.  

Vendor Package - 1150.00 - With this ticket, you'll be granted admission to a comprehensive lineup of engaging events. Your access begins with the Wednesday evening Welcome Reception and extends to the enlightening Thursday Morning Keynote Address. You can personalize your experience by selecting from various Educational Sessions and enjoy a hearty Lunch. Don't miss out on the grandeur of the Awards of Excellence Dinner and Presentation. As Friday unfolds, delve into more Educational Sessions, relish the Meet the Masters Luncheon, and savor the Night of Fire Dinner. Extend your experience to the Saturday NBBQA Ignite Your Fire Academy BBQ & Grilling Academy, an exclusive benefit for active NBBQA members. Moreover, this ticket offers you a 10x10 space, which you can choose to set up indoors or outdoors.

NBBQA Annual Restaurant Tour  - $125 Members/$165 Non-Member
Marking the commencement of the 2024 NBBQA National Conference, this exclusive supplementary event offers an exciting start. Limited to the initial 100 registrations, the tour provides NBBQA conference participants with a firsthand opportunity to explore various BBQ establishments. Scheduled for Wednesday, January 31, the tour will include visits to distinct restaurants, with specific stops to be announced soon.

Rhinestone Cowboy Steak Cookoff:   The upcoming occasion will spotlight the finest BBQ and grilling maestros from around the globe, all vying for an opportunity to secure a $1000 prize and the coveted NBBQA Rhinestone Cowboy Hat. The event is scheduled to commence on Friday afternoon. The cookoff has a total payment of $2900 Total Payout:  1st $1000, 2nd $500, 3rd $400, 4th $300, 5th $200, 6th-10th $100.  We have added an ancillary, tri-tip, and drink category, margarita, to this year's contest.  Sign up at https://www.steakcookoffs.com.

Keynote Speaker Tuffy Stone

Meet Tuffy Stone, a Multifaceted Individual Whose Remarkable Journey Spans the Realms of Culinary Excellence, Competition Barbecue, and Television Stardom. Renowned As a World Record-breaking Champion Pitmaster, Tuffy Is Also a Former Marine, a Classically-trained Chef, a Seasoned Businessman, and an Occasional Reality Television Star. Affectionately Known As "the Professor" in Barbecue Circles, Tuffy's Legendary Precision and Unwavering Dedication to the Science of Smoke Have Solidified His Status As One of the Most Influential Figures in the World of Barbecue.

Trained in French Culinary Technique at La Maisonette, Tuffy Has Left an Indelible Mark on the Richmond Culinary Scene Since 1986. Co-founding a Sharper Palate, One of the Mid-atlantic's Premier Special Events Companies, with His Wife Leslie, Tuffy Sought to Reconnect with His Culinary Roots. in 2004, He Ventured into the World of Barbecue Competitions, Initially Facing Humbling Experiences. Undeterred, Tuffy Redoubled His Efforts and Evolved into One of the Circuit's Most Formidable Competitors.

His Accolades Include Grand Champion Titles in Nearly Every Major Barbecue Competition, Including Back-to-back Victories at the American Royal World Series of Barbecue and a Historic Run at the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational, Where His Cool Smoke Bbq Team Became the Only Team to Win the Contest Three Times.

Beyond the Competitive Arena, Tuffy's Influence Extends Globally. He Served As a Judge for Destination America's Barbecue Pitmasters for Five Seasons, Traveled Internationally—Cooking for Troops in Kuwait and Teaching Classes at Meatstock in Australia and New Zealand—and Showcased His Culinary Prowess at the Prestigious James Beard House in New York City.

Adding Another Feather to His Cap, Tuffy Released His Highly-anticipated First-ever Cookbook, "Cool Smoke: the Art of Great Barbecue," from St. Martin's Press in May. 

Join Us As Tuffy Stone Shares His Insights, Experiences, and the Artistry Behind Great Barbecue in a Session That Promises to Be As Flavorful As His Award-winning Creations.

"Mastering Mouthwatering BBQ Photography: Unleash Your Inner Food Photographer"

Get ready for an exhilarating BBQ revelation! The legendary Meathead from AmazingRibs.com  is all set to take the stage at the annual National Barbecue & Grilling Conference! 

Hold onto your spatulas because this BBQ Hall of Famer is about to reveal the secret sauce to capturing MAGNIFICENT BBQ photos! With a Masters in Photography from the prestigious School of The Art Institute of Chicago, he's the maestro you need to transform your food photography game!

Don't miss this sizzling opportunity to learn from the best and elevate your food photography skills to a whole new level!

Social Media Spark:  Igniting Your Business with Mike Starr from Blazing Star BBQ

Join Mike Starr of Blazing Star BBQ for an exhilarating round table on turbocharging your business through social media! Get ready to sizzle with excitement as we explore innovative, growth-driven social media habits. Discover the secret sauces that'll ignite your brand's presence online! Let's spice up your business journey together in this dynamic, fun-filled session! Don't miss out on the flame-grilled insights!

Texas Sausage Crafting with Scott Grumbles, Director of  Operations at Buckhead Meat & Seafood of Texas in San Antonio 

Join Scott Grumbles on Texas sausage making and the art of crafting this iconic regional specialty. Distinguished by its bold flavors and unique blend of spices, Texas sausage stands out from other varieties due to its emphasis on smoked and cured meats. As the Director of Operations at Buckhead Meat & Seafood of Texas in San Antonio, Scott brings a wealth of experience and a Master's degree in Meat Science, making this class an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the intricacies of Texas sausage under his guidance.

Shipping Success Unveiled: Expert Tips and Tricks with Kirk and Erin Malzer of Barbecue Specialties

Dive into the intricate world of product and food shipping with Kirk and Erin Malzer of Bar-B-Que Specialties, Inc., Home of Fat Boy Natural BBQ! Join this engaging round table where industry experts will unravel the complexities, offering invaluable tips and cost-effective tricks. Get ready to navigate the shipping maze efficiently. Don't miss out on this insightful session, unlocking the secrets to successful shipping in the business world!

Co-Packed vs DIY Commercial BBQ Sauces with Chris Cavender and Eric Loftus

Explore the world of BBQ sauces in this engaging class led by experts Eric Loftus and Chris Cavender. Delve into the differences between Co-Packed and DIY (Do It Yourself) approaches to crafting commercial BBQ sauces. Gain insights into the unique flavors, ingredients, and techniques that define each method. Whether you're a seasoned BBQ enthusiast or a culinary professional, this session offers a flavorful journey into the art of creating mouthwatering sauces for commercial use. Join Eric and Chris as they share their expertise and passion for BBQ sauce craftsmanship.

"Revolutionizing Your Kitchen:  Dive Into New Sous Vide Technology "

Jeff Shapiro, the Director of Culinary at BBQ Holdings, Inc. and the creative force behind Real Urban Barbecue, is a lifelong culinary explorer with an insatiable passion for exceptional food, particularly BBQ. Having traveled the nation to immerse himself in diverse BBQ traditions, he's garnered acclaim and trophies in the competitive BBQ arena as "Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hide." Today, Jeff shares his expertise in an exclusive class on Modern Day Kitchen Equipment, delving into the world of New Sous Vide Technology. Join this culinary maestro for a transformative experience, unlocking the secrets of cutting-edge kitchen tools.

"How to Master North Carolina Crispy Hog: Mat Griner's Exclusive Prep Class"

Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering journey, as we proudly announce Mat Griner, the renowned pitmaster and culinary virtuoso behind Southern Q BBQ & Catering. With a reputation that precedes him in the world of barbecue, Mat Griner is set to share his expertise and passion with eager attendees by teaching an exclusive class on the art of crafting North Carolina Crispy Hog. As a pitmaster extraordinaire, Griner's dedication to perfecting the smoky, succulent flavors of barbecue has earned him a well-deserved place at the forefront of the industry, making his class a must-attend event for anyone looking to elevate their BBQ game to new heights. Join us for an unforgettable experience as we delve into the secrets of North Carolina barbecue with the one and only Mat Griner.  And, yes, we will get to eat this delicacy on Saturday!

"Elevate Your Culinary Game with Winston Industries Warmer Ovens: Embrace the Future of Kitchen Equipment!"