Exhibitor & Partner Information

THE S.L.A.B.: SCHEELS National Championship of Barbecue®

The National High School BBQ Association® (NHSBBQA®) invites industry partners, sponsors, colleges, brands, and education-aligned organizations to apply for exhibitor and activation space at the 2026 National Championship of Barbecue.

THE S.L.A.B.® (Students Learning About Barbecue) is the premier national event for high school barbecue and live-fire education, bringing together top student teams from across the country alongside educators, administrators, families, and Career & Technical Education (CTE) leaders.

This four-day national championship blends competition, education, workforce development, and community engagement—making it a powerful platform for brands and organizations that support students and schools.

Event Details

THE S.L.A.B.: SCHEELS National Championship of Barbecue®
Dates: June 7–10, 2026
Location: SCHEELS Colony Grandscape
City: The Colony, Texas

Exhibitor Move-In & Move-Out

Move-In
Sunday, June 7, 2026
7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Limited early access may be available based on booth size and placement.

Move-Out
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Move-in and move-out schedules may be adjusted to best support student competitions, awards ceremonies, and programming.

Exhibitor Applications

Exhibitor applications will open at:

Tuesday, January 20, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM (Central Time)

Applicants will receive an email with a direct application link. The Exhibitor Information Page will include:

• Exhibitor policies and guidelines

• Booth sizes, layouts, and placement options

• Sponsorship and activation opportunities

• Key deadlines and event logistics

Booth Pricing

Booth pricing for the 2026 National Championship will increase by $100 per 10×10 space to support:

• Expanded student programming

• Enhanced event infrastructure

• National-level production and operations

A complete pricing schedule will be provided with application materials.

Application Review & Acceptance

All exhibitor applications are reviewed by the NHSBBQA® Exhibits & Partnerships Team to ensure alignment with our educational mission and student-focused environment.

Once reviewed, applicants will receive an email confirming application status.

Accepted exhibitors will receive:

• A registration link

• Payment and invoicing instructions

• Exhibitor logistics, schedules, and resources

Payment Schedule

To secure exhibitor space, organizations may submit payment in full or a 50% deposit.

• Booth Deposit Due: April 1, 2026

• Payment in Full Due: May 1, 2026

Booth space not paid by the applicable deadline will be released.

Exhibitor Agreement

All exhibitors must review and accept the NHSBBQA® Exhibitor Agreement as part of registration.

Organizations indicating non-profit status may be asked to provide supporting documentation.

Why Exhibit at THE S.L.A.B.®

Exhibiting at THE S.L.A.B.® provides direct access to a national audience committed to education, workforce readiness, and student success.

Benefits include:

• Direct engagement with students, educators, and school decision-makers

• National brand exposure aligned with CTE, education, and workforce development

• Authentic activation opportunities in a live-fire, hands-on learning environment

• Early access to future talent, educators, and program leaders shaping the next generation

Contact Information

For exhibitor, sponsorship, or partnership inquiries, please contact:

Chef Mike Erickson
National Director
National High School BBQ Association®

Principal@HSBBQ.org
1851 FM 2571, Smithville, Texas 78957

Ready to Join THE S.L.A.B.® 2026?

Exhibitor applications open January 20, 2026.
We look forward to partnering with organizations that believe in students, schools, and the power of hands-on learning.

COME EAT OUR HOMEWORK!®