by Chef Mick Brown
Courtesy of http://www.BBQRESCUES.org
Only a year ago, the thought of attending my first Conference of the National Barbecue and Grilling Association (NBBQA), was quite intimidating. I was not only nervous to meet (and be judged?) by some of the biggest Legends in the BBQ Industry. Even worse, I felt that the Members have all known each other for years, so me and my West Coast “California BBQ” wouldn’t be so welcome in Texas. Fortunately, I was wrong. And Yes, I will not only be attending I Am BBQ 2018 this March 14th-17th in Fort Worth, TX., but I also have a big Announcement. Stay tuned…
Upon arriving last year, everyone I encountered was very welcoming to this Newcomer, and they went out of their way to make me feel comfortable to be a new Member of the country’s (maybe the world’s?) largest Association devoted to Grilling. Among the hundreds of people that I met, some will be highlighted through photos and videos in the upcoming weeks. Let me encourage anyone in the BBQ Industry (or if you are adventurous Griller), do yourself a favor and join the NBBQA today. There are tons of Resources and Benefits you can enjoy throughout the year. Also, please try your best to make it to Fort Worth for this year’s “I Am BBQ 2018” Conference.
Why should you go? One obvious reason is that you will have a chance to sample more delicious Barbecue than you can “Shake a Fork At”- prepared by some of the most accomplished Grill Masters in the world. Yes, people came from Mexico, China and as far away as Austraila to attend the event last year. Also, you will get a chance to check out some of the Industry’s cutting edge new products, trends and cooking equipment before anyone back at home. This year’s conference will also include a one day BBQ and Grilling Academy on Saturday, March 17th. Finally, the nice variety of Educational BBQ Seminars being offered are both Informative and Fun!
Which takes us to the big Announcement- I have been invited to join the NBBQA Faculty to help with this year ’s event. Also, I will be co-hosting a Seminar on (what else?) “Making BBQ Healthier and Authentic” along with True Made Foods Founder Abe Kamarak. A subject that is increasingly important as we move BBQ into the future. To combat the ailments affecting our Community like High Blood Pressure, Diabetes and Childhood (and Adult) Obesity. People are listening to their Doctors and Nutritionists and seeking to add Healthier Meat Recipes and fresh Veggies to their diets, while trying to limit Calories and the heavy use of Salt and Sugars that exacerbate these conditions. More and more people who love BBQ are looking to see Lighter offerings on Menus, including Vegan Options. Those BBQ Food Operations that take heed will not only attract more new Customers, but also keep their “Regulars” healthy enough to keep coming back.
Look for BBQ RESCUES! to add more on the NBBQA (National Barbecue and Grilling Association) “I Am BBQ 2018” Conference as it heads to Fort Worth, Tx. March 14th-17th in the upcoming weeks. Hope to See Ya’ll There! Until next time- Eat and Be Well.
NBBQA LINKS
For Full “I Am BBQ 2018” Schedule, Rates and Accommodations:
https://www.iambbq2018.com/copy-of-conference-program
To Join NBBQA (National Barbecue and Grilling Association)
https://www.iambbq2018.com/join-nbbqa
Educational Programs/Seminars
https://www.iambbq2018.com/educational-program
BBQ & Grilling Academy- Saturday, March 17th, 2018
https://www.iambbq2018.com/bbq-grilling-academy?activate
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Chef Mick Brown is a Food Blogger/Purveyor based in Los Angeles, with over 30 years BBQ and Grilling experience. Aside from Caterer and Private Grilling Instructor, his passions are creating Easy Grilling Recipes and searching for the World’s Best Flavors as General Manager of Tastee BQ Grilling Co. In May of 2015, he won Grill Master Champion on Food Network’s Cutthroat Kitchen on special BBQ episode “Grill or Be Grilled” (Season 8, Episode 3). He also recently appeared on Bravo TV, catering for the Cast of Vanderpump Rules (Season Finale). He is also author of web blogs The Adventures of Tastee BQ and BBQ Catering Confidential. His latest media project BBQ RESCUES!, includes a Blog Talk Radio Show, Youtube TV Channel and Podcasts on iTunes. The new Non-Profit BBQ RESCUES! Foundation is sponsoring the #GYMM Program, that does outreach to the Barbecue Community to promote Smarter and Healthier Grilling in the fight against preventable diseases like Childhood Obesity, Diabetes as well as other important Causes. Email- Mick@BBQRESCUES.org.
