Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/504216
14 / the tasting panel / may 2015 THE MESSAGE 14 / the tasting panel / may 2015 Brief Encounters Whether THE TASTING PANEL goes to the brand execs or the brands call us, there is an abundance of news to report, from the latest releases to behind-the-scenes experiences with some of the world's most influential importers, winemakers, distillers . . . well, you name it. We may not have enough pages in each issue to devote as much attention as we would like to each person whose path we cross, but please note that if it's in the publication, we deem it noteworthy. —Meridith May, Publisher & Editorial Director THE MESSAGE Manhattan Cocktail Classic Changes Venue, Management—and Then Plans A fter announcing a change in venue and management for 2015, the six-year-old Manhattan Cocktail Classic cancelled plans for its gala and four days of trade seminars less than a month before its debut in a new location. The second biggest party in the nation, after NOLA's "Tales," the MCC has, in past years, been held on three floors of the historic New York Public Library on Fifth Avenue. Last month the new festival organizers announced a move to the iconic Cipriani Wall Street, another New York City landmark that formerly housed the Merchants Exchange, the U.S. Customs House and National City Bank. Veteran event producer Michael Blatter was slated to manage the multi-day drinks fest. The announcement came via emails to people in the drinks trade and on the organization's web site. New York–based representatives for the MCC confirmed the event was cancelled but declined further comment. The MCC web site noted tickets for the Opening Night Gala and the Industry Invitational, as well as sponsorship fees, would be refunded. Blatter had previously told THE TASTING PANEL the "extreme challenges" of producing the event at the NYPL was but just one reason to move it from Midtown to Downtown. He also said they "wanted to add some new excitement to the event" and "provide more robust opportunity for sponsors."—Lana Bortolot Event producer Michael Blatter was set to manage the Manhattan Cocktail Classic gala.