BBBQS - Working on two new catagories

I am working on two additional categories for public participation, and would like feedback on the two ideas. I am trying to break into the supermarkets to see if we can get sponsorship for both categories.

I would like to be able to achieve a level of self sufficiently with the BBBQS to avoid entry fees etc for competitors, I value the time you will be taking out of your lives to compete and do not want financial constraints to effect whether you enter comps of not. I hope that you find the 50 / 50 split acceptable for the peoples choice category.

Family plate entry
In which the general public bring their own BBQ’s and cook for their friends and families, putting together one plate for the judges to asses.

Peoples choice category
With produce supplied by a sponsor, cooks prepare & sell the result to the general public. With each sale a voting form is given to the customer which allows the general public to vote on the winner. Sales will be split 50 /50 between the competitors (your own sales) and BBBQS to aid the setup and running of BBBQS.

I think it is important for people to see that I am not classing BBBQS as a business, and will be making a loss for the next few years. I see it as a community of like minded people that would like the opportunity to compete and socialise on a regular basis, in the hope that the circuit receives international recognition in the future as a way into the American Circuit finals.

As always I appreciate any feedback.

Toby

Hi Toby,

I think that you should do what you need to do to generate sponsorship / cash etc for your society. Although you want to be a non profit making organisation, you should not be running it at a loss, and running it in a business style. I know you have not asked for an entry fee, but I think most teams would quite happily pay some kind of fee or membership towards your organisation. In an ideal world everything would be free, but lets face it, its not. I would be happy to pay a subscription, entry fee, or team donation towards the cause. Your idea of a peoples choice judging area is great. I have had the pleasure of this one at Memphis in May. You need to remember that in America, BBQ has a massive following & large crowds will visit & try the BBQ in a peoples choice tent. If you dont get large enough crowds it may cost money too. (Rarther than making it).

Just my bird brain thoughts

Andy

Hi Andy,

I appreciate your response. Its not that I intend or want to be non profit, but I do not expect any returns for a few years. For this circuit to work, we need to reduce costs for competitors, once we have the major incentives ie entry to major competitions in the US, the scope of competition will change with entries from Europe etc. We just need to make sure there is some consistent competitions with a good number of competitors. I will request subscription / entry fees once we have a couple of comps under our belts.

Reference the peoples choice, it will be run slightly differently, I aim to get a sponsor to provide all food so there is no cost apart form fuel and time of each team that decides to enter. Its about publicity and awareness. The 2 additional categories would not launch until the Midlands comp which has the additional footfall of party in the park.

With every suggestion there will be several questions and I will do my best to answer them. I genuinely appreciate the support being offered. The more holes people can pick in my suggestions the better the end result.

Toby

Hi Toby,

You know my thoughts on the Family Plate idea I think that would be a good event because I suspect the majority of people think they are the worlds best BBQ'er and have a knock out dish they serve for friend and family. So i think it will appeal to a wider audience.

As I have already mentioned I wouldn't mind paying a subscription fee, I think it is entirely reasonable, as I said on saturday people generally would have to pay between £12-£30 per night for a caravan/tent pitch with electric etc and when you balance that against the cost to enter an event I think it represents good value for money.

Andy,

Can I ask how are the peoples events judged in the states, also is there any criteria on food and how it should be cooked (I'm thinking food safety etc) it would be terrible if we poisened some local dignatory with a dish from some unknown entity or am I over thinking this?

Cheers

Adie

Hi Aide,

From what I saw, the people's Choice BBQ Contest would allow the general Public to taste and judge championship barbecue. In this tent, you will receive 5 samples of barbecue each visit and you judge your favorite of those five samples. You may judge as often as you like and the judging fee is $4 per visit. The food is judged on appearance, taste and tendernss. The score card reads 1 to 9. 1 being disqualified, 2 being bad, to 9 being excellent. There is a score 1 to 9 for appearance, taste, tenderness, so the maximum score would be 27. Normal hygiene practice apply. I would seek advice from the local EHO regarding food safety for this event as USA & British laws differ. In this country each region has differing views & guidlines, although they may not be law.

Cheers, your friend in BBQ

Andy