🔥 Special interest Groups🔥

The barbecue industry is broad, and we know that no two members are exactly alike. That’s why NBBQA offers access to Special Interest Groups (SIGs)—exclusive communities where you can dig deeper into the areas that matter most to you.

Whether your passion is food, business, events, marketing, or product development, there’s a SIG built for you. Each group offers focused networking, valuable content, and peer-driven insight tailored to your unique path in the barbecue industry.

  BUSINESS  |  CULINARY  |   EVENTS  |  MARKETING  |  PRODUCTS

You must select the SIG groups you want to be a member of through your Membership Compass - if you don't select these you will not receive the newsletters or have access to their articles.

📣 NBBQA MARKETING SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP (SIG) 📣

Stay ahead of the game in today's ever-changing marketing landscape.

This group is your go-to source for the latest strategies and tools shaping how barbecue brands connect with the world. From building a recognizable brand to leveraging AI tools, social media trends, influencer partnerships, content marketing, and digital ad strategies—this SIG helps you cut through the noise and grow your reach.

Whether you're a pitmaster promoting your food truck, a product developer launching a new rub, or a business owner trying to get noticed, this group delivers actionable tips, peer insights, and expert advice to boost your marketing game.

Topics we cover:

• Social media strategy (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Threads, LinkedIn)

• Branding that sticks

• Digital ads & SEO

• Working with influencers & brand ambassadors

• AI tools for content creation

EXCLUSIVE ENTHUSIASTS RESOURCES

💼 NBBQA BUSINESS SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP (SIG) 💼

Build a stronger, smarter BBQ business.

Running a successful barbecue business takes more than just great food—it takes sharp business skills, smart systems, and constant adaptability. This SIG is your hub for real-world advice, best practices, and peer support on the topics that keep your business running and growing.

We dive into the challenges today’s BBQ professionals face—from rising costs and labor shortages to using new tech tools, navigating legal requirements, and managing finances in a fast-paced world.

Topics we cover:

• Business planning and scalability

• Point-of-sale and restaurant technology

• Cost control and inventory systems

• Accounting and tax strategies

• Legal and licensing essentials

• Insurance, HR, and staffing

• Business funding and partnerships

• Exit strategies and succession planning

Whether you own a restaurant, food truck, competition team, or product brand—this group helps you protect what you've built and grow what’s next.

EXCLUSIVE ENTHUSIASTS RESOURCES

🎪NBBQA EVENTS SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP (SIG) 🎪

Plan. Promote. Execute. Elevate your BBQ events.

Whether you're organizing a BBQ competition, hosting a live fire class, planning a pop-up dinner, or building a full-scale festival, this SIG is built for you. Today's event world is fast-paced, community-driven, and content-hungry—and this group helps you stay ahead of the curve.

Connect with event planners, promoters, caterers, competition reps, and venue partners who share your passion for bringing people together through barbecue. Learn what works, what to avoid, and how to make your event profitable, engaging, and memorable.

Topics we cover:

• Competition planning & sanctioning (SCA, KCBS, backyard, youth, etc.)

• Live fire demos & educational classes

• Public event logistics & permitting

• Budgeting, sponsorships, and vendor management

• Volunteer coordination & staffing

• Marketing, ticketing, and social media promotions

• Event-day operations & post-event evaluations

• Creating content and media opportunities at events

If you’re already running events—or ready to start—this SIG gives you the support and insight you need to make it a success.

EXCLUSIVE ENTHUSIASTS RESOURCES

🍽️ NBBQA CULINARY SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP (SIG) 🍽️ 

Where BBQ food professionals connect, create, and grow.

If you're in the food business, this SIG is designed to help you thrive—whether you own a catering company, run a food truck, manage a restaurant, or compete in cooking events. In today’s ever-evolving culinary world, staying sharp means staying connected.

This group brings together pitmasters, chefs, operators, and competitors to share resources, trends, and tips that improve both your craft and your kitchen operations. From menu innovation and flavor trends to equipment, staffing, and food safety—this SIG covers what you need to succeed behind the scenes and on the plate.

Topics we cover:

• Live fire and pitmaster techniques

• Menu planning & recipe development

• Catering systems & scaling for volume

• Food truck operations

• Commercial kitchen tools & technology

• Staffing, scheduling & kitchen leadership

• Cost control and food margins

• Culinary competition strategies

If you feed people for a living, this SIG is your pit crew.

EXCLUSIVE ENTHUSIASTS RESOURCES

📦 NBBQA PRODUCTS SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP (SIG) 📦

From concept to customer—grow your BBQ product brand.

If you’re involved in developing, distributing, or selling barbecue-related products—like rubs, sauces, gear, or supplies—this SIG is built for you. Whether you're launching a new item, managing a growing line, or scaling up production and distribution, this group connects you with others who understand the journey.

Tap into real-world insight on everything from product development and packaging to sales, logistics, e-commerce, and retail partnerships. Share ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and explore what’s working across the BBQ industry.

Topics we cover:

• Product development & co-packing

• Branding, labeling, and packaging design

• Wholesale, retail & direct-to-consumer sales

• Distribution and warehousing solutions

• Pricing strategies and profit margins

• Navigating food regulations & compliance

• Online sales, Amazon, and e-commerce platforms

• Trade shows, events & demo opportunities

If you’ve got a product in the BBQ world, this SIG helps you move it—from idea to shelf to sale.

EXCLUSIVE MEMBER RESOURCES