Register Now for the Daniel Energy Partners Permian Basin 9th Annual BBQ Cook-Off – Nov 10 – Nov 11, 2026 – Midland, TX

Dates: November 10–11, 2026
Location: Scharbauer Sports Complex, 5514 Champion Drive, Midland, TX 79706

Event Overview

Daniel Energy Partners returns with its 9th Annual Permian Basin BBQ Cook-Off, powered by Upright Digital and presented by Merit Advisors and Western Midstream. Drawing more than 6,000 energy executives, operators, investors, decision-makers, sponsors, and industry teams, the event combines high-value networking, live entertainment, and KCBS-sanctioned barbecue competition in a signature West Texas setting.

More than 100 cooking teams compete for top honors, including Grand Champion, Reserve Champion, Best Brisket, Best Ribs, Best Wild Game, Best Cocktail, Best Team Tent Experience, and the Fan Favorite championship belt. Guests can also enjoy VIP hospitality, brand activations, cigar rollers, boot shines, vintage beer trucks, backyard games, and live entertainment.

The Cook-Off also supports charitable organizations across the region. With at least $150,000 committed to charity in 2026, the event is approaching $1 million in cumulative charitable impact. The winning teams select the organizations that receive the guaranteed charitable contributions.

Event Schedule

• Tuesday, November 10, 2026: 6:00–10:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, November 11, 2026: 12:00–11:00 p.m.

From a Client Barbecue to a Permian Basin Tradition

The event began in 2017 as a small client barbecue hosted by John Daniel, bringing nearly 300 clients and colleagues together around good food and informal conversation. With support from Armada Pressure Control and a borrowed smoker, the gathering laid the groundwork for what would become one of the region’s leading energy industry events.

As more companies joined with cooking teams and used the gathering to entertain clients and build relationships, the event became the Simmons Energy BBQ Cook-Off in 2018. It received Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioning in 2019 and returned as the Daniel Energy Partners Permian Basin BBQ Cook-Off in 2021, with production support from Upright Digital.

Live music has become another defining feature, with past performers including Josh Abbott Band, Pat Green, Kevin Fowler, Roger Creager, Tanner Usrey, Shane Smith & the Saints, Cory Morrow, and Band of Heathens.

Charitable beneficiaries have included Bynum School, High Sky Children’s Ranch, Fix West Texas, West Texas Food Bank, redM Foundation, Midland Children’s Rehabilitation Center, and other organizations serving the region.

About the Hosts

Daniel Energy Partners

Daniel Energy Partners is an independent energy market intelligence firm focused on the traditional energy sector, particularly oilfield services and capital equipment. Its research combines field visits, facility and factory tours, trade show participation, and direct conversations with public and private industry executives.

The firm’s industry relationships and research span exploration and production, oilfield services, refining, midstream, power, and capital equipment. Daniel Energy Partners also maintains connections with private equity firms, institutional investors, and insurance providers, helping connect energy businesses with strategic financial partners.

Upright Digital

Upright Digital is a marketing, content, and event agency specializing in brand strategy, storytelling, and event experiences. Its services include creative direction, content production, marketing, sponsorship development, sales, event production, and guest experience.

The agency has helped produce industry gatherings such as the AIQ Global Energy Soiree, THRIVE Energy Conference, and the Daniel Energy Partners Permian Basin BBQ Cook-Off. It also operates a content studio producing podcasts focused on energy, technology, and business, including Energy Espresso, In-Basin Observations, Energy in Transition, The IT Crowd, Highly Capable, Oilfield360, and PetroNoia.

Join the Permian Basin Energy Community

Be part of two days of barbecue competition, industry networking, entertainment, and charitable giving at one of the Permian Basin’s signature energy gatherings.