Help Blue Suede BBQ bring Memphis-style barbecue to Paris! We’re raising $10,000 to cover vendor fees, ingredients, and travel to Barbecue Expo, April 11–13, 2026. Donate or share to support a veteran-owned small business and taste that Southern smoke overseas. Corporate & municipal sponsorships available!
Campaign Story
I’m Chris, founder of Blue Suede BBQ and a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel who spent two decades leading teams and building operations that excelled. Blue Suede BBQ grew from a passion for Memphis barbecue and a commitment to community and veteran support. I bring authentic rubs, slow-smoked meats, and storytelling—every dish honors tradition and service.
Being accepted to exhibit at Barbecue Expo in Paris would allow me to:
- Showcase Memphis-style barbecue to new, international audiences.
- Secure retail and partnership opportunities to scale production locally and internationally.
- Raise awareness and funds for veteran-focused community events back home.
Your donation helps cover the concrete costs that make this trip possible: booth space, the food customers will taste, and the travel and logistics to get our team and equipment there. Any funds raised beyond the goal will be used to expand product demos, ship more samples for retailer meetings, and support hiring veteran employees.
Perks and Thank-Yous
- $10 — Social Shoutout: Public thank-you on Blue Suede BBQ social channels.
- $25 — Digital Postcard: A behind-the-scenes photo and note from Paris.
- $75 — Exclusive Recipe: Digital recipe card for a signature rub and cooking notes.
- $150 — VIP Pack: Digital postcard + recipe + exclusive early access to a future pop-up RSVP.
- $500 — Sponsor Recognition: All above + your name/logo listed on our event banner and on our website for one year.
Timeline
- Fundraising completes by January 15, 2026.
- Purchase vendor space and begin travel bookings by January 20, 2026.
- Final preparations, packaging, and shipping in March–early April 2026.
- Event attendance: April 11–13, 2026.
How You Can Help Right Now
- Donate what you can.
- Share this campaign with friends, family, and local businesses who love BBQ.
- Connect us with potential sponsors, shipping partners, or media contacts.
Corporate/Municipal Sponsorship Tiers and Benefits
- Title Sponsor — $4,000
- Benefits: Prominent logo placement on booth banner and apron in Paris; logo and link on event press releases and Blue Suede BBQ website home banner for 12 months; dedicated social media campaign (3 posts + 2 paid boosts); product placement at booth; Two (2) 3-day event passes; on-site verbal recognition during demos.
- Recommended for: Barbecue suppliers, distilleries, major foodservice suppliers, or municipal tourism partners seeking significant visibility.
- Presenting Sponsor — $2,000
- Benefits: Large logo on booth signage; logo on campaign page and email newsletter for 6 months; 1 dedicated social post; product sampling opportunity; Two (2) 2-day event pass.
- Recommended for: Breweries, food distributors, mid-size suppliers.
- Supporter Sponsor — $1,000
- Benefits: Medium logo on booth signage; listed on website sponsor section for 6 months; group thank-you social post; product placement in sample trays.
- Recommended for: Local businesses, small manufacturers, chambers of commerce.
- Contributor Sponsor — $500
- Benefits: Name listed on sponsor board at booth; mention in one social post; inclusion in group sponsor thank-you email.
- Recommended for: Small shops, service providers, civic groups.
- In-Kind Sponsor — Negotiable
- Examples: Foodservice product donations, refrigerated transport, packaging, printing, travel discounts, lodging, equipment loans. Benefits mirror cash tier of equivalent value and include product co-branding opportunities.
