Thinking about organizing a BBQ competition? Two of the most popular sanctioning bodies are the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) and the Steak Cookoff Association (SCA).
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Christie Vanover, champion pitmaster and organizer of two of the largest comps on the West Coast, has hosted both. Here, she breaks down the real costs and key differences so potential organizers can decide which route is right for them.
The Basics: What’s the Same
Regardless of the format, contest organizers take on full responsibility, from budgeting to logistics. Common tasks include:
- Collecting team fees and sponsorship revenue
- Securing the venue and necessary permits
- Renting tents, tables, chairs and toilets
- Paying sanctioning and rep fees
- Covering travel and lodging for reps
- Managing dumpsters, water and waste
- Funding the prize purse and trophies
- Organizing judges and necessary supplies
Vanover emphasizes that organizers need to be good at planning and math. Revenue has to cover expenses, and it helps to run the numbers before making any commitments.
KCBS vs. SCA: A Cost Comparison
Here’s a breakdown using a 25-team event as the baseline:
| Expense | KCBS | SCA (Double) |
|---|---|---|
| Sanctioning Fee | $400 | $600 |
| Rep Fee | $200 | $300 |
| Team Fee (25 teams) | $375 | $125 |
| Prize Purse | ~$8,500 | $3,600 |
| Steaks (organizer buys) | N/A | ~$1,700 |
| Trophies | $750–$1,000 | ~$500 |
| Judge Supplies | ~$200 | ~$200 |
| Dumpster & Toilets | ~$1,000 | ~$1,000 |
| Tent/Table Rentals | $2,000-$6,000+ | Similar |
| Location Rental | Free to up to $5,000 | Free to up to $5,000 |
| Total Estimate | ~$15,000 | ~$11,500 |
If you’re able to find a great location that doesn’t charge a fee and provides a covered area with tables, you can save thousands of dollars on rental fees.
Revenue and Cash Flow
Team entry fees vary:
- KCBS: Typically $300–$350 per team = ~$8,750 for 25 teams
- SCA (double): $160 per steak x 2 = $8,000 for 25 teams
“Right out of the gate, if I’m planning a KCBS for 25 teams, I know I’m going to be about $6,000 in the hole just to start. Then for an SCA, I’m in the hole about $3,500 to start, which means you’ve got to get sponsors or you’ve got to get more teams,” she said.
Other Key Differences
- Meat: KCBS teams bring their own meat. SCA requires organizers to supply all steaks, including extras.
- Trophies: KCBS has more categories, which means more trophies.
- Judging: KCBS gives organizers instant access to judge qualifications and contact info. With SCA the organizer has to get that information from their rep.
- Team Communication: With KCBS, the organizer can ask for emails at registration. With the SCA registration portal, contact information isn’t readily available.
- Team Footprint: KCBS teams often have trailers and multiple cookers. SCA teams usually operate from smaller setups.
- Sign-Up Timing: SCA teams often register at the last minute, making planning difficult. Vanover has seen this trend trickle into KCBS events too.
Which Format Is Easier?
Vanover prefers KCBS in part because organizers collect the money directly. That cash can be used to pay vendors and cover event costs as they arise.
With SCA, the sanctioning body collects the registration fees and cuts the organizer a check on the day of the event, meaning the organizer must front all expenses, sometimes exceeding $11,000, weeks in advance.
SCA has fewer categories and a set prize structure, which simplifies planning. But the steak selection process adds logistical challenges. KCBS involves more moving parts, but it gives organizers more control and visibility.
Her Advice to New Organizers
Vanover recommends shadowing an experienced contest organizer to understand how things work locally. Another great starting point: helping an event secure sponsorships. If you’re community-connected and organized, contest planning could be a perfect fit.
She invites anyone considering this path to reach out with questions. “I’m always learning too,” she said. “And I’m happy to help others get started.”
