NBBQA 2013 National Conference & Trade Show

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Just over a week ago I was on the road to Mobile Alabama to attend the NBBQA national convention.

If you are unaware of the National Barbecue Association, it’s an organization comprised of industry leaders, restaurateurs, pitmasters, competitors, and backyard enthusiast all who share a common goal of supporting the barbecue industry and people who love it.

The convention is a meeting place where members new and old come together for demonstrations, educational sessions, awards banquet, trade show, and an all-around good time.

There was even a BBQ competition held on Saturday right outside the convention hotel. Nineteen teams competed for grand champion and teams also vied for points in the Alabama Barbecue Association.

There are too many events to list, but I guarantee a good time was had by all. I learned a lot, meet a lot of new people and got to do some networking.

What really surprised me was how approachable everyone at the conference was. I had the pleasure to meet and talk with some of my personal BBQ heroes like Mike Mills, Sweet Baby Ray himself Dave Raymond, and Dave Anderson from Famous Dave’s. These men have been in the BBQ business for a long time and are very successful. But at the conference they’re just like you and me. I didn’t find one person that wasn’t quick to extend a hand or ear. It’s a group like this that you want to be a part of if you love BBQ!

If you’d like to find out more about the NBBQA, visit the website at: www.nbbqa.org

There’s information about the organization and on how to become a member. Next year the National Conference is going to be held in San Marcos, Texas so make plans to be there. I know I can’t wait to try some of Texas’ best BBQ, and San Marcos is close to Lockhart and Austin!

Malcom Reed
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