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Now That's Smokin' – The 35th Anniversary of NBBQA Celebration & Conference

Celebrating 35 years of BBQ with fire, flavor, fun, and community!

Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 5:00 PM (EDT) to Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 6:00 PM (EDT)

Travellers Rest Historic House and Museum

636 Farrell Parkway
Nashville, TN 37220-1218
United States

* Registration open until 3/1/26 at 12:00 AM (EDT)

Event Details

2026 NBBQA National Conference & 35th Anniversary Celebration

Save The Date!

Event: 2026 National Barbecue & Grilling Association Conference & 35th Anniversary
Dates: Wednesday, March 25 – Saturday, March 28, 2026
Location: Travellers Rest Historic House Museum, 636 Farrell Parkway, Nashville, TN 37220
Host Hotel:  Hilton Garden Inn Nashville/Brentwood, 217 Centerview Dr, Brentwood, TN 37027.
Hosted by: National Barbecue & Grilling Association (NBBQA)

About the Venue 

We’re thrilled to gather at Travellers Rest Historic House Museum, Nashville’s oldest historic home open to the public. Built in 1799, this landmark is steeped in history and Southern charm. Guests will enjoy the peaceful grounds, shaded by centuries-old trees, and the unique atmosphere of a site that has witnessed more than 200 years of Tennessee’s story. 

              

Directions from Host Hotel to Conference Venue 
🏨 Hilton Garden Inn / SpringHill Suites
📍 217 Centerview Dr, Brentwood, TN 37027

TO

🏛️ Travellers Rest Historic House & Museum
📍 636 Farrell Parkway, Nashville, TN 37220

🚗 Directions

1️⃣ From the 🏨 host hotel, head north on Centerview Dr toward Maryland Way.
2️⃣ Turn left onto Maryland Way.
3️⃣ Merge onto I-65 North toward Nashville.
4️⃣ Take Exit 74B toward Old Hickory Blvd / Franklin Rd.
5️⃣ Continue on Franklin Rd (Northbound) for ≈ 3 miles.
6️⃣ Turn left onto Farrell Parkway.
7️⃣ Continue ≈ 0.5 mile — the 🏛️ Travellers Rest Historic House & Museum will be on your right.

🕒 Approximate Drive Time: 12–15 minutes (about 7 miles, depending on traffic)
📍 Route: Centerview → Maryland → I-65 N → Franklin Rd → Farrell Pkwy

What to Expect

While full details and ticket pricing are still being finalized, here’s a sneak peek of what’s ahead:

Wednesday, March 25

  • Restaurant Bus Tour (will leave from host hotel lobby)

  • Bourbon Tour (will leave from host hotel lobby)

  • Welcome Reception (Travellers Rest)

  • Networking 

  • Registration will be open prior to bus tour at the host hotel and at receipt site

Thursday, March 26

  • Morning Classes

  • Networking Lunch

  • Afternoon Classes

  • Awards of Excellence Dinner & Ceremony

Friday, March 27

  • Morning Classes

  • Meet the Masters Luncheon

  • Master Roundtable Discussions

  • The 10th Rhinestone Cowboy Steak Cookoff with one steak, Anything Tennessee ancillary, and Anything bourbon cocktail ancillary

  • Networking & Celebration

Saturday, March 28

  • NBBQA 35th Anniversary Steak Cookoff (Steak Cookoff Association Event)

  • 1st Annual NBBQA Rib Wrangler Cookoff (Rib Cookoff Association Event)

  • 1st Annual NBBQA National Live Fire Championship powered by Yoder Smoker

  • Networking & Celebration

Tickets

🎟️ Coming Soon!
Ticket pricing and registration details will be released shortly. Be the first to know when tickets go live by keeping an eye on your inbox and visiting nbbqa.org.

✨ Join us in Nashville for four unforgettable days of learning, networking, competition, and celebration as we mark the 35th anniversary of the National Barbecue & Grilling Association.

For More Information:

JANET PHELPS
JANET PHELPS
Managing Partner NBBQA (800)385-0002
View Profile

Find Out More about 2026 NBBQA Conference Sponsorship Opportunities

2026 PARTNERS

2026 Awards of Excellence Partner

2026 National Live Fire Championship Partner

FRIENDS OF NBBQA

2026 NBBQA AOE JUDGING LOCATION PARTNER


2026 NBBQA MEDIA PARTNER

HOST HOTEL
HILTON GARDEN INN BRENTWOOD/NASHVILLE 

🏨 Hilton Garden Inn Nashville Brentwood

📍 217 Centerview Dr, Brentwood, TN 37027
📞 (615) 370-5040

✈️ Directions from Nashville International Airport (BNA)

🚗 Distance: 12.1 miles by road

1️⃣ Exit the airport and get onto I-40 West / I-24 West
2️⃣ Merge onto I-40 W / I-24 W
3️⃣ Take the exit for I-65 South toward Huntsville / Birmingham
4️⃣ Merge onto I-65 South
5️⃣ Take Exit 67 (Maryland Way / Brentwood)
6️⃣ Keep right at the fork, follow signs for Maryland Way / Brentwood
7️⃣ Turn right onto Maryland Way
8️⃣ Turn right onto Centerview Drive
✅ Arrive at 217 Centerview Drive — the hotel will be on your right

💰 Why Book Now?

⭐ Exclusive Group Rate: $159.00 per night
🅿️ Complimentary Parking

📅 Booking Deadline: Sunday, February 22, 2026
🏡 Available Dates: Tuesday, March 24 – Monday, March 30, 2026

🚨 Rooms are limited! Nashville is busy in spring — our discounted block will fill quickly!

🤝 Stay Where the Action Is

Stay close to the NBBQA Conference and enjoy networking from morning coffee to late-night chats  — many great connections start right in the lobby!

☎️ Need Help Booking?

If you experience any issues with your reservation or group rate, please contact:
📞 Janet Phelps at NBBQA — 800-385-0002

Book Your Room Now!

OTHER NEARBY HOTELS WITH DISCOUNTED RATES

🏨 SpringHill Suites by Marriott – Nashville Brentwood

📍 7109 Town Center Way, Brentwood, TN 37027
📞 (615) 265-0335

✈️ Directions from Nashville International Airport (BNA)

🚗 Approx. 20 minutes (12 miles)

1️⃣ Exit the airport and get onto I-40 West / I-24 West
2️⃣ Merge onto I-40 W / I-24 W
3️⃣ Take the exit for I-65 South toward Huntsville / Birmingham
4️⃣ Merge onto I-65 South
5️⃣ Take Exit 67 for Maryland Way / Brentwood
6️⃣ Keep right at the fork, following signs for Maryland Way / Brentwood
7️⃣ Turn right onto Maryland Way
8️⃣ Turn right onto Centerview Drive
✅ Arrive at 217 Centerview Drive — the hotel will be on your right

💰 Why Book Now?

⭐ Exclusive Group Rate: $159 – $169 per night
🅿️ Complimentary Parking
📅 Booking Deadline: Thursday, February 27, 2026
🏡 Available Dates: Tuesday, March 24 – Monday, March 30, 2026

🚨 Rooms are limited! Nashville is busy in spring — our discounted block will fill quickly.

🔥 Don’t Wait!

Secure your spot at the host hotel today and make the most of your NBBQA experience. Once the block is sold out, rates may increase and availability will be limited.

Stay close to the action — but enjoy a little peace and quiet, too. 🌙

🛣️ Easy Access from BNA Airport

✈️ Just 20 minutes away

1️⃣ Head south on Terminal Drive
2️⃣ Merge onto I-40 W → I-24 E → I-440 W → I-65 S
3️⃣ Take Exit 74B toward Old Hickory Blvd
4️⃣ Follow Franklin Rd. to Town Center Way
✅ Destination: SpringHill Suites Nashville Brentwood

Don’t Wait!

Secure your spot at the host hotel today and make the most of your conference experience. Once the block is sold out, rates may increase and availability will be limited.

👉 Reserve Your Room Now

RV Parks Nearby
Elm Hill RV Resort
Two Rivers Campground