Get Ready for the Ultimate BBQ Event of the Year – January 15-18, 2025!
Mark Your Calendars! The National Barbecue & Grilling Association (NBBQA) invites you to join us on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast for a one-of-a-kind BBQ and grilling experience from January 15-18, 2025. This annual destination event is designed for BBQ enthusiasts, pitmasters, and industry pros alike, bringing together the best in flavor, networking, and hands-on learning. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a backyard BBQ lover, this event promises something for everyone!
Tuesday & Wednesday, January 14-15: The Rhinestone Cowboy & The Shed Showdown Load-In
Location: The Shed BBQ, 7501 MS-57, Ocean Springs, MS 39565
The excitement kicks off early as competitors arrive, set up, and prepare for the ultimate BBQ showdown. The stage is set for a legendary week of fire, flavor, and fierce competition.
Wednesday, January 15: Choose Your Adventure & Meet & Greet
Morning: Explore Mississippi’s Gulf Coast!
Start your journey by choosing your own adventure. Visit Coastal Mississippi for a guide to explore everything this vibrant region has to offer—from breathtaking coastal views to cultural gems and culinary hot spots.
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Happy Hour Meet & Greet
Location: The Shed Saloon
Join fellow BBQ lovers, industry pros, and legends for a fun, laid-back evening to kick off the week’s festivities. Sip on drinks, enjoy delicious bites, and make connections that will last a lifetime.
Thursday, January 16: A Day of Wisdom, Fire, & Flavor
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Check-in at The Saucery
Start the day with a warm welcome and gear up for an unforgettable day of inspiration, education, and networking.
8:45 AM - 9:00 AM: BBQ Church with Faith & Fire Ministry
Join Mark Lambert and Ashley Henson for an uplifting session of worship, fellowship, and inspiration. All are welcome!
9:00 AM: "Mastering the Basics of Profitability" with Kirk Malzer
Learn how to maximize your margins, fine-tune your P&L, and bust online business myths with Kirk Malzer, CEO of Bar B Que Specialties, Inc. Kirk shares his extensive experience and insights from transforming a small seasoning company into a national powerhouse.
10:00 AM: Social Media Mastery
Unlock the secrets to growing your brand and business in the digital age.
11:00 AM: "How to Expand Upon Your Business" with Carey Bringle
Carey Bringle—pitmaster, entrepreneur, and founder of Peg Leg Porker—shares how he built his award-winning BBQ empire while staying true to tradition. A session packed with inspiration and actionable advice for business owners.
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM: Lunch Break
Refuel with food truck delights while connecting with fellow BBQ enthusiasts and industry leaders.
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Meet the Masters Roundtable
Topic: The Future of BBQ
Engage with BBQ legends like Meathead (AmazingRibs.com) and Carey Bringle in a discussion on the latest trends shaping the BBQ world. Meathead, a BBQ Hall of Fame inductee and renowned author, brings a mix of science, tradition, and passion to the table.
4:00 PM: Live Fire Cooking Demo & Dinner Prep
Location: The Shed BBQ
Get ready for a sizzling live fire demo featuring mouthwatering dishes and cooking techniques that will inspire.
6:00 PM: Awards of Excellence Dinner & Ceremony
Celebrate BBQ’s finest at the Awards of Excellence dinner—a night filled with exceptional food, camaraderie, and well-deserved recognition.
Friday, January 17: The Rhinestone Cowboy Cookoff & Family Festivities
9:00 AM: Cooks Meeting & Steak Collection.
Signup today at https://www.steakcookoffs.com
The competition heats up as cooks gather for instructions and prepare for the day’s showdown.
12:00 PM: Margarita Turn-In
Shake things up with a fun and flavorful margarita contest!
1:00 PM: Taco Turn-In
It’s time to show off your taco-making skills and take home the bragging rights.
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Steak Turn-In
Bring your A-game to this high-stakes steak showdown!
4:00 PM: Awards Ceremony
Gather at The Shed Stage to honor the top competitors and celebrate their achievements.
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Family Reunion & Kick-Off Party
Cap off the event with an evening of food, fun, and entertainment at the NBBQA-Shed Showdown Family Reunion. It’s the perfect way to reconnect, relax, and celebrate BBQ together!
Saturday, January 18: Stay & Cook or Soak Up More Family Time
The week doesn’t have to end just yet! Stick around for The Shed Showdown and throw down your best Steak and ancillaries or simply enjoy more time with your extended BBQ family. It’s a perfect opportunity to keep the fires burning, share a few more laughs, and create lasting memories.
Don’t Miss Out! Register Today
Spots for this annual BBQ destination event are limited, so secure your place now. Visit NBBQA.org for more details and registration.
Join us on the Mississippi Gulf Coast this January for a BBQ experience like no other. We’ll see you there—tongs in hand!