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OBJECTIVE
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Swine Auction Committee contacted Elevantics to elevate the branding for their World Championship BBQ Contest Team. Their team name—Houston Pork Authority—served as a clever play on words referencing both the Port of Houston and the committee’s fundraising work with FFA students who raise and auction pigs. The committee wanted a brand identity that felt bold, memorable, and instantly recognizable at the world-famous BBQ competition.
To meet this goal, we created several logo concepts that tied in port-inspired elements such as cranes, containers, and maritime iconography. After reviewing the options, the committee selected a direction that blended strong industrial visuals with a fun, approachable BBQ personality. As a result, the final brand captured both the team’s heritage and the spirit of the competition.
Variations
To support the team’s wide range of activities, we also developed a secondary logo variation specifically for the official cook team. This version distinguished the competition team from the broader committee group while maintaining a cohesive visual identity. Moreover, it gave the cook team a sense of professional pride and recognition within the larger Houston BBQ community.
By adding this flexibility, we ensured the Houston Pork Authority brand could adapt across merchandise, apparel, signage, and promotional materials without losing consistency or impact.
THE EVENT
During the World Championship BBQ Contest, the Houston Pork Authority debuted their new brand in a fully themed tent experience. The space featured striking signage, a custom stage backdrop, and branded photo walls that attracted visitors and made for shareable social-media moments. Additionally, the cohesive environment helped the team stand out among hundreds of competitors, many of whom invest heavily in their presentation.
Guests, supporters, and fellow contestants all experienced the upgraded branding in action. The visual identity reinforced the team’s commitment to excellence while honoring the Swine Auction Committee’s mission to raise scholarship funds for FFA students.
