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Terms and Conditions

Terms and Conditions

Great Lakes Barbecue Association (GLBBQA)

Last Updated: 1/23/2026

1. Organization Overview

The Great Lakes Barbecue Association (GLBBQA) is a non-profit organization founded in 2007. GLBBQA promotes barbecue culture throughout the Great Lakes region, including Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Canada, through education, events, competitions, and community engagement. The Association also supports selected charities and worthwhile causes.

GLBBQA operates as a membership-based, educational, and community-focused organization and is not a commercial food service provider.

2. Acceptance of Terms

By becoming a member, registering for an event, making a donation, or otherwise participating in GLBBQA activities (“Participation”), you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions (“Terms”). If you do not agree, please do not participate.

3. Membership

  • Membership is open to individuals and organizations interested in barbecue, outdoor cooking, and related activities.

  • Membership benefits may include access to events, competitions, classes, educational materials, communications, and member-only opportunities.

  • GLBBQA reserves the right to deny, suspend, or revoke membership for conduct that violates these Terms or is inconsistent with the Association’s mission.

4. Events, Classes, and Competitions

  • Participation in events, cooking classes, and competitions is voluntary.

  • Participants are responsible for following all posted rules, safety guidelines, and local health or venue requirements.

  • GLBBQA does not guarantee event outcomes, awards, placement, or specific instruction results.

5. Fees, Dues, Donations, and Payments

  • Membership dues, event fees, and donations are listed in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise stated.

  • Payments are processed securely through Stripe or another authorized payment processor.

  • By providing payment information, you authorize GLBBQA to charge applicable fees, including recurring membership dues where selected.

  • GLBBQA does not store full payment card information.

6. Refunds & Cancellations

  • Membership dues and donations are non-refundable, as they support the ongoing mission of the Association.

  • Event or class registration fees are non-refundable unless explicitly stated otherwise for a specific event.

  • Recurring memberships may be canceled prior to the next billing cycle to avoid future charges.

  • Refunds required by law will be issued to the original payment method.

Refund requests or billing questions must be submitted in writing to [[email protected]].

7. Charitable Activities

GLBBQA may support selected charities or causes through events or fundraising activities. Contributions made to GLBBQA are used to further its mission.

8. Chargebacks & Payment Disputes

Members and participants agree to contact GLBBQA first to resolve any billing or payment concerns before initiating a chargeback. Excessive or abusive chargebacks may result in suspension or termination of membership or participation privileges.

9. Intellectual Property

  • All GLBBQA logos, event names, publications, recipes, educational materials, and content are the intellectual property of GLBBQA unless otherwise stated.

  • Materials may be used for personal, educational, or non-commercial purposes only.

  • Commercial use, redistribution, or reproduction without prior written consent is prohibited.

10. Photography & Media

By participating in GLBBQA events or activities, you grant GLBBQA permission to use photographs, video, or recordings taken during events for promotional, educational, or archival purposes, unless you notify GLBBQA in writing otherwise.

11. Assumption of Risk

Participation in outdoor cooking, grilling, competitions, and related activities involves inherent risks, including fire, heat, sharp tools, and food preparation. Participants voluntarily assume all such risks and agree to follow reasonable safety guidelines.

12. Disclaimer of Warranties

GLBBQA provides educational content and community activities for informational and recreational purposes only.
All services and materials are provided “as is” without warranties of any kind.

13. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law:

  • GLBBQA shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.

  • GLBBQA’s total liability shall not exceed the amount paid by the participant to GLBBQA in the preceding 12 months.

14. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless GLBBQA, its officers, volunteers, and organizers from claims arising from your participation, violation of these Terms, or misuse of GLBBQA materials.

15. Termination

GLBBQA may suspend or terminate membership or participation for non-payment, rule violations, or conduct harmful to the Association or its community. Termination does not entitle the member to a refund.

16. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Michigan, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.

17. Changes to Terms

GLBBQA may update these Terms periodically. Continued participation constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

18. Contact Information

Great Lakes Barbecue Association (GLBBQA)
Website: https://glbbqa.com
Email: [email protected]