Contemporary Barbecue and Smoke

Tentative Schedule

• Friday, March 21
  • 4 p.m. - Tour College and Barbecue Pavilion
  • 5 p.m. - Opening Reception with Kansas City Style Barbecue Sampling from Local Restaurants and ACF Event Sponsors along with a JCCC Cash Bar
• Saturday, March 22
  • 9 a.m.–5 p.m. - Educational Sessions with Lunch
• Sunday, March 23
  • 9 a.m.–2 p.m. - Certified Judge Class with Kansas City Barbeque Society

Welcome to the MasterCraft Barbecue Culinary Summit, a collaboration between the American Culinary Federation and the Kansas City Barbeque Society! Join us for an immersive weekend celebrating the art of barbecue, featuring hands-on cooking, insightful lectures, and a KCBS judge’s class. Learn from seasoned pitmasters and industry experts, explore barbecue’s cultural significance, and refine your skills in the kitchen and at the grill. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a barbecue enthusiast, this summit promises an unforgettable experience filled with learning, camaraderie, and, of course, delicious barbecue.

Seminar Presenters

• Phil Thompson
  • Chef/Pitmaster of Q39
  • BBQ Competitor
• Bre Via & Brad Colter
  • “Smoke ’n Magic” World Championship BBQ Team
  • Catering and Consulting
• Todd Johns
  • “Plowboys BBQ” 4× World Champion Pitmaster
  • Restaurant Owner/Consultant/Radio Host
• Andy Groneman
  • “Smoke on Wheels” World Champion Pitmaster
  • Beef & Pork Specialist/Consultant/Radio Host
• Colby Garrelts
  • Chef/Pitmaster of Rye KC
  • Restaurant Owner/James Beard Award Winner/Consultant

Certified Barbecue Judge classes offer comprehensive training for individuals seeking to become proficient in evaluating barbecue. Participants will eat and evaluate barbecue, and learn about flavor profiles, tenderness, and appearance criteria while gaining insights from experienced Certified Barbecue Judges (CBJs). Upon completion, attendees can assess barbecue entries accurately and fairly at any of the 400 KCBS-sanctioned events in 37 countries each year.

Since 1986, the world’s largest organization of barbecue and grilling enthusiasts, the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) has been recognized as the premier sanctioning body for food competitions, fostering top pitmaster talent, and training Certified Barbecue Judges (CBJs). KCBS celebrates, teaches, preserves, and promotes barbecue as a culinary technique, sport, and art form. KCBS sets the standard for barbecue competitions worldwide, ensuring fairness, consistency, and professionalism in judging.

Registration

You must be signed in to your ACF account to register. Nonmembers must create a new account to register.

Price: $299 ACF Members - $400 Nonmembers - until August 31, 2024
Price: $350 ACF Members - $400 Nonmembers - September 1–30, 2024
In-Person

Refund Policy

Cancellations made 30 days or more from the start date will receive a 70% refund. Cancellations made within 30 days of the start date are ineligible for a refund. Due to deadlines that are out of the control of the ACF, there will be no exceptions made. Individuals may roll the cancellation amount, 30% or 100% of the registration fee, over to another ACF product (i.e., membership, certification or an event). If utilizing the rollover amount for an event, we will allow for a one-time rollover and you must register within 12 months. The refund must be requested in writing and be sent to events@acfchefs.org.