National Barbecue & Grilling Association’s Meat-Up at The Shed Showdown: A Resounding Success
The National Barbecue & Grilling Association (NBBQA) brought the barbecue world together in style with its inaugural Regional MEATUP Mini-Conference, held January 15–18, 2025, at The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. This four-day extravaganza was a celebration of barbecue and grilling, combining education, competition, and camaraderie in one unforgettable event.
The gathering kicked off with a vibrant Happy Hour Meet & Greet at The Shed Saloon, where barbecue enthusiasts, pitmasters, and industry professionals mingled, forming new connections and rekindling old ones. The atmosphere was electric as attendees shared their passion for all things barbecue.
Education took center stage the following day with enlightening sessions led by some of the industry’s brightest minds. Kirk Malzer of Bar B Que Specialties, Inc. shared invaluable tips on barbecue business profitability, while Carey Bringle, founder of Peg Leg Porker, captivated the audience with his insights on brand expansion. An engaging panel discussion on “The Future of Barbecue and Grilling” featured experts like Meathead Goldwyn of Amazing Ribs, Claire Lower of Milk Street Magazine, and Carey Bringle. These sessions offered actionable strategies and a glimpse into the exciting innovations shaping the barbecue world.
Thursday evening was a culinary and celebratory highlight, with the Awards of Excellence Dinner bringing everyone together for an unforgettable night. A huge thanks to Craig Carter, Eric Hodson, Allen Smith, Chris Lytle, Mark Lambert, Ashley Henson, Marcio Borguezan, and so many others for crafting the delicious meal that set the stage for the evening’s festivities.
The dinner also featured the 2025 Awards of Excellence Ceremony, where attendees celebrated the category winners and recognized the outstanding achievements within the barbecue community. It was a night of camaraderie, inspiration, and well-deserved accolades that honored the best in barbecue.
The excitement continued with the Rhinestone Cowboy Cookoff, a lively contest showcasing margarita, taco, and steak categories. Chris Bohnemeier of Code Three Spices claimed top honors in the cookoff, while Becky Tankersley won the Margarita Ancillary Competition, and Daniel Haley took first place in the Taco Ancillary category. The day concluded with a festive Family Reunion & Kick-Off Party, emphasizing the warmth and unity of the barbecue world.
The final day spotlighted the Shed Showdown, where elite BBQ teams vied for glory and a share of the $21,500 prize pool. There were stellar performances across all categories, and the winners deserve a round of applause:
- Craig Carter, for his 1st place in the Melinda's Hot Sauce Bloody Mary Competition.
- Troy Johnson, who claimed 1st in both the Steak A category and the prestigious Shed Steak Showdown.
- Kirk Malzer, winner of the Steak B category.
- Riley Wright, who excelled in the Turkey Smoke Plainville Turkey Competition.
- Amy Dopp, crowned champion of the Prairie Fresh Pork Showdown.
- Damon Holter, 1st place in the Turkey Smoke Showdown.
- Troy Johnson, again victorious, in the Prairie Fresh Rib Competition.
This incredible event would not have been possible without the support of its sponsors, who share a passion for advancing barbecue culture. A heartfelt thanks goes to The Orrison family, The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint, and The Shed Saucery for hosting the event. Gratitude also goes out to Prairie Fresh, Ole Hickory Pits, Sweet Swine O’Mine, Faith & Fires Ministry, Boars Night Out, Aces Wild, and the Steak Cookoff Association (SCA) for their unwavering support and contributions.
The NBBQA’s Meat-Up Mini-Conference and Shed Showdown was more than just an event—it was a celebration of the people, flavors, and traditions that make barbecue such an integral part of American culture. The energy, education, and competition left attendees inspired and eager for the next gathering, solidifying the Meat-Up as a must-attend event in the barbecue world.