LOUISVILLE, KY - The National BBQ Association will hold its annual conference in San Marco, Texas, from March 5-9, at the Embassy Suites San Marcos Hotel, Spa and Conference Center. The conference, which attracts hundreds of BBQ experts and aspiring BBQ professionals, is a strategic combination of education, trade show, networking, and promotion of the art and lifestyle of BBQ.

As part of its mission to share the fast-growing interest in low-and-slow cooking, the general public is invited to attend several of the top-notch conference events and attractions. According to Roy Slicker, president of the NBBQA, conference events and activities represent the organization and its goals.

“The NBBQA is where our passion for BBQ meets our commitment to professionalism, and our annual conference reflects both,” explained Slicker. “Restaurateurs, caterers, product creators and more gather each year to share ideas, network and learn from experts how to help their businesses grow and succeed while preserving the art of this age-old cooking style and sharing the unique lifestyle associated with this culinary phenomenon.”

The 2014 NBBQA conference will feature an array of seminars led by BBQ standouts who represent successful businesses nationwide, and thousands of medals and awards in BBQ competitions worldwide. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from the best at presentations such as:
• The Barbecue Business 101, Creating and Protecting Your Brand;
• Understanding Grocery Distribution, What It Takes to Win KCBS and MBN; and many others.

Presenters and panelists include: Dave Anderson of Famous Dave’s; Mike Mills of 17th Street Barbecue; Mark Lambert, 2013 Winner of Memphis in May; and the Orrisons from The Shed.

Daniel Vaughn, barbecue editor from Texas Monthly, will offer an insightful presentation on the History, Influences and Flavors of Texas Barbecue.

Conference highlights also include a two-day trade show featuring an impressive array of grills, smokers and BBQ equipment and accessories, a KCBS-sanctioned contest, the Central Texas Steak Championship and a People’s Choice Sauce Tasting. Select events are open to the public and do not require registration, including the Old Fashioned BBQ Bash on Saturday, March 8.

“There’s no better place to discover the world of BBQ than at our conference,” said Slicker. “Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a home cook with a recipe or product idea, a restaurateur who wants to grow, or someone who just loves barbecue, this conference has something to offer.”

www.nbbqa.org