There are luncheons, golf tournaments, cookouts, and MEATXPO floor events, such as the Welcome Reception, Suppliers’ Luncheon and Grand Finale. Not to mention the Annual Gourmet Sausagefest, in which members’ delicious sausage products compete for the Hold the Mustard Award.

“NMA’s events are fun for the whole family. My children have enjoyed themselves time after time,” says Curry Roberts, CEO of Richmond, Virginia-based PM Holdings, LLC.

At the NMA’s 60th Annual Convention in San Francisco March 1-4, 2006, Donald Miller of Evergood Sausage Co. accepts the ‘Hold The Mustard’ award.

NMA ANNUAL GOURMET SAUSAGEFEST WINNERS OF YEARS PAST:

1994 - Saag’s Products, Inc. - Liver Sausage with Pistachio Nuts
1995 - Farmer John Meats - Natural Casing Meat Wieners
1996 - Montibella Sausage Company - Chicken, Potato & Sun Dried Tomato Sausage
1997 - Silva Sausage Company - Linguica – Portuguese Sausage
1998 - Wimmer Meats - Natural Casing Wiener
1999 - Uncle Louie Sausage Company - Sweet Onion Sausage
2000 - Hill Meat Company - German Brand Sausage
2001 - California State University, Fresno - Bulldog Pepper Jack Sausage
2002 - Busseto Foods - Sopressata Calabrese
2003 - Hemplers B.B. Meat & Sausage Co. - German Brand Smoked Sausage
2004 - Dakota Brand Sausage - Halal All Beef Hot Links
2005 - South Dakota State University - “The Campanile Nile” Smoked Sausage with Cheese and Jalapenos.
2006 - Evergood Sausage Co. - Chipolte Sausage

NMA members bestow the “Hold the Mustard” Award to one great sausage product at the Annual Gourmet Sausagefest.

Of course, the real reward comes just from being there to taste what delectable meat products NMA members make!

Entry is open to all NMA General Members producing sausage and similar products. The winner is then selected by attendees in a blind taste test to determine the best tasting product based on personal preferences. This is a fun and tasty event everyone enjoys attending!

Other Fun Activities

Golf Tournament - Tournaments are held both at the Annual Convention and the Summer Conference. Great care is taken in selecting a challenging and picturesque course.

Spouse Tour - Tours are offered at the Annual Convention and the Summer Conference. The tours offer spouses and guests the opportunity to learn more about the local surroundings.

Wine Tasting - NMA’s staff selects a variety of delicious wines for this MEATXPO event. Held on the Supplier Exposition floor the first day of the trade show, this is a fantastic opportunity to mingle with attendees.

Welcome Reception - Friends and associates join together during the Annual Convention and MEATXPO to welcome NMA’s newest members, and enjoy beverages and hors d’ oeuvres.

Supplier’s Luncheon/Party - NMA and contributing supplier members host a fantastic buffet luncheon as a congenial networking opportunity for everyone to enjoy.

Finale Event – This dinner is always an experience. From a real life cowboy cookout with all of the “fixins” to a scenic cruise around Lake Geneva, NMA is sure to provide a memorable close to its Annual Convention and Conference.