Sanction Your BBQ Event with PNWBA!

Since 1991, the Pacific Northwest BBQ Association (PNWBA) has been the leading BBQ contest sanctioning body for the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, California, and western Canada. As the second-oldest BBQ association in the nation, we bring decades of experience, a strong community of cooks and judges, and a proven record of fair, well-run competitions.

Here’s what you get when your event is sanctioned by the PNWBA:

Fair and Impartial Judging
• Certified and trained BBQ judges, with full sign-up and scheduling handled by us
• Proprietary judging software and scoring procedures to ensure fairness

Event Management Tools
• Complete judging supplies and team sign-up management handled by us
• Social media posts to promote team registration and event roll calls

Day-of-Event Support
• A PNWBA event representative to help with site layout, team load-in, and competition flow
• Trophies and ribbons for awards to highlight your event’s success
• Head Judge's travel expenses covered by PNWBA

Event Marketing
• Promotion on PNWBA’s website and social media pages
• Promotions within our network of experienced regional and national BBQ teams

Proven BBQ Event Expertise
• Step-by-step guidance from an experienced PNWBA representative
• Time-tested advice for layouts, public sampling, and audience engagement
• Trusted reputation for fairness and professionalism

Support for the BBQ Community
• 100% volunteer-run nonprofit — no paid staff or offices
• Commitment to community programs and charity events
• Recognition and advocacy for BBQ teams through national representation and Team of the Year awards

Partner with PNWBA to make your BBQ competition a standout event filled with fairness, fun, and great food!

Interested in hosting a sanctioned event? Download our Sanctioning Information Package.

Before submitting your application, check our event calendar and contact our team at events@pnwba.com to confirm date availability.

Sanction Application Forms

• All Inclusive Event - Make your job simple and let PNWBA do the heavy lifting and coordinate the BBQ Competition.  Download All Inclusive Application
• Small Event - For small backyard style events of 2 categories or less.  Download Small Event Application

Fill out this form to contact the Events Coordinator.