It's also a series as I learned yesterday. I'd think that you'd have to commit to the majority of events or arrange for a suitable replacement. Tom is also right, that you need to be able to vend at $10/per plate. I hadn't planned on it, but I ended near the Walmart where Mike Davis was doing his appearance yesterday. He had his pit going, and another large cooker that I suspect was borrowed or provided to manage feeding the masses. He got there early to set up, and had to remain for several hours....in what was about to become a madhouse. I hauled ass to get out of the parking lot for ground zero of NASCAR mania!
For a first year invitational event to test the waters, I don't see a problem with being selective and taking the best resume possible. Just about every name I've heard has some credentials. If I'm Prilosec, I'm looking at that. I'm also looking at putting on a show for the fans. I think I'd rather have them see the big motorhome with pull behind rig, than me pulling up in a truck and unloading a couple of WSMs and EZ-UP.
This is about business, promoting BBQ, and KCBS. I'm fine with the way they've chosen to start.