New for 2024 are a Premier Experience and a special appearance by celebrity guest chef Christian Gill. Gill, who will be a judge and emcee at the event, is no stranger to Southern cooking or food competitions. Inspired by the drop biscuits his grandma taught him to make as a child, he opened Boomtown Biscuits and Whiskey in Cincinnati, Ohio. Over the past few years, Chef Christian has parlayed his success in the restaurant business into becoming one of the fiercest competitors on Food Network. He’s beaten Bobby Flay, taken top prize on Guy’s Grocery Summer Games and been crowned champion on Giada’s Ultimate Thanksgiving Challenge.