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From Campfire to Cook-Off

About the BBQ

You're invited to UCON's most cherished and widely attended event of the year.

Guests gathered at a past UCON BBQ & Chili Cook-Off
The gathering

Over 40 Years Strong

Thursday, August 6. Walnut Grove at the Alameda County Fairgrounds, Gate 8, Pleasanton. The 2026 UCON BBQ brings together over 1,200 people from across Northern California's construction industry, for a summer evening of real BBQ, a serious chili competition, live music, and the kind of industry networking that actually happens when you take the ties off.

It started in 1980 with a handful of contractors and has been running every summer since. The industry has changed a lot in over 40 years. The BBQ hasn't. That's exactly the point. If you've been before, you already know. If you haven't, 2026 is the year.

Who's coming

The Whole Crew, One Camp

General contractorsSubcontractorsTradespeopleProject managersIndustry vendorsAssociate membersOffice teams
Event leadership

Event Chair

Will Murphy, Event Chair

Will Murphy

Event Chair
Argent Materials, Inc.

Will has spent six years at Argent Materials, a leading concrete and asphalt recycling operation and aggregate supplier in Northern California. Working his way from Sales Representative to Sales Lead, he built strong relationships across the construction sector and specializes in sustainable, cost-effective solutions for contractors. A longtime UCON Associate Committee member for two years, Will brings that same hands-on commitment to his role as 2026 Event Chair.

From the leadership

Straight from the Camp Counselors

"Getting to chair this event is something I don't take lightly. We've got a great crew putting it together, and we're adding some things in 2026 that I think are going to make it better than ever. Get your tickets early. Spots go fast."
Will Murphy
Will Murphy Event Chair · Argent Materials, Inc.
"The BBQ is the one night of the year where everyone in this industry actually slows down. We've got members who've been coming for 30 years. We've got first-timers who don't know anyone yet. By the end of the night, they all know each other. That's the whole point."
Alan Guy
Alan Guy President · Anvil Builders Anvil Builders
The evening

Camp Schedule

4:30 PMRegistration opensCheck in at Gate 8 and settle in at Walnut Grove.
5:00 PMChili Cook-Off tasting: voting begins!Sample every team's chili and cast your vote.
5:45 PMChili Cook-Off: voting endsLast chance to get your votes in.
6:00 PMWelcomeA few words to kick off the evening.
6:15 PMChili Cook-Off awardsThis year's champions are crowned.
6:30 PMFood stations openBarbecue and all the fixings, served up hot.
8:00 PMEvent conclusionOne more plate, one more story, and home.
Getting there

Find the Campgrounds

Venue

Alameda County Fairgrounds
Walnut Grove · enter at Gate 8 (new entrance)

Address

2005 Valley Avenue, Gate 8
Pleasanton, CA 94566

Parking

On-site parking available at the Fairgrounds. Enter at Gate 8.

Directions

Open in Google Maps

Alameda County Fairgrounds: UCON BBQ event map showing parking, entrance, and event areas

Enter via Valley Avenue, Gate 8 · Walnut Grove, Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton CA 94566

Let's make camp

Head to Base Camp

Tickets for August 6 are available now. Come hungry, come ready.

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