The 6th annual Smoking School will be held July 17 & 18, 2026. The goal of this school is to help people better understand the techniques for successful smoking of their favorite meats, to be able to enjoy the process, and share with friends and family. We welcome you to experience this unique learning experience where you will enjoy learning from the best pitmasters out there and enjoy eating smoked foods the entire time. This year will have more expansive partner and sponsor exhibits with lots of surprises along the way.

We have opened up registration with a limited number of spots available up to 120 attendees. The program will be from 6-8 pm ET on July 17; then, 8 am-4 pm ET on July 18. The location for the event is on the UTIA AgCampus in Knoxville, TN.

Once registration is completed details about the upcoming school will be shared as we get closer to the event.

REGISTRATION

Pitmasters

George Ewart
Dead End BBQ
Knoxville, Tennessee

Started his journey from neighborhood block parties to becoming a renowned pitmaster and educator in the world of barbecue is a testament to his passion and dedication to his craft. It all began with friends and neighbors recognizing his talent and urging him to enter BBQ competitions. Through hard work and determination, Dead-End BBQ and George rose to prominence, earning titles such as State Champions of Tennessee and representing the state at prestigious events like the Jack Daniels World Championship Invitational Barbecue competition. However, George’s contributions extend beyond the realm of competition. He has become a mentor and educator, sharing his expertise with aspiring pitmasters and enthusiasts alike. Through classes and workshops hosted at Dead-End BBQ, George imparts his knowledge of fire, smoke, and grilling techniques to those eager to learn. His involvement in helping create the UTIA Smoking School demonstrates his commitment to fostering a community of barbecue aficionados and expanding the appreciation for this culinary art form. His dedication to teaching ensures that the tradition of barbecue continues to thrive, passing down techniques and secrets honed over years of experience to the next generation of pitmasters. George Ewart’s story is not just about barbecue it’s about community, education, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in the world of smoked meats. George is our resident pitmaster at the UTIA Smoking School.

Mike Davis
Lotta Bull BBQ
Grand Prairie, Texas

We are honored to welcome Mike Davis, one of the most accomplished pitmasters in the history of competition barbecue, as our featured Guest Pitmaster for this year’s UTIA Smoking School. Mike launched LOTTA BULL BBQ, LLC in 1999 and quickly became a dominant force on the national barbecue circuit. Cooking alongside his wife of 48 years, Debbie Davis, Mike built a reputation for excellence, consistency, and world‑class flavor—earning him recognition as one of the true legends of modern barbecue. Over an extraordinary career, Mike has collected an elite list of titles, too many to list here! At the height of competition, Mike cooked in as many as 40 contests in a single year and produced one of the most dominant seasons in barbecue history with 11 Grand Championships and 11 Reserve Grands in 2006. Along the way, he earned fan‑favorite honors at major national events and delivered memorable performances at prestigious contests across the country. Today, Mike and Debbie operate their Lotta Bull BBQ food trailer, serving the same championship‑level barbecue that made their name known across the U.S., while keeping plenty of time set aside for what matters most: church, family, and traveling to cheer on their grandkids. We are proud to have Mike Davis join us as Guest Pitmaster sharing his expertise, his storytelling, and the unmistakable passion that has shaped a career spanning more than two decades at the top of the barbecue world.