Unless they’re being paid for it – either by the sponsor, or by you paying for your sessions. Preferably both.
(Remember: I speak for no one but myself.)
Otherwise, why would they be so upset about people partying before the official start of Tales? When I initially heard that they’d told media not to attend “unofficial” events, I thought that was amusing. Then I heard they’d told everybody that.
Then I saw on Twitter:
Oooooo! You even insult the people who aren’t doing an “Official Event”!
Ask yourself this: why is the management of Tales of the Cocktail so scared that you’re possibly going somewhere else during this week? Even before the opening ceremonies begin?
Seriously. I’m curious why they think this specific event is so fragile that having outside events would destroy it. Ann and crew have built an amazing event that brings folks together from around the world.? But if you don’t play along, they don’t want you in the same ballpark or even the same city.
I have no product. I am selling nothing (though I will admit: I am giving away some t-shirts at the price of material). I have no company behind me.
Why does Tales hide behind accusations of ambush marketing and threats of bans instead of allowing individuals and companies to do as they wish outside of Tales? This is a big city – there’s room for all kinds of things. Why won’t Tales admit that the only reason they crack down on “ambush marketing” is due to greed?
I changed my mind. All t-shirts are free. Find me for one.
I think there is space for everybody during July in New Orleans.
99% of the best festivals I go to (movies, jazz, samba, juggling or whatever) benefit tremendously from parallel events. It brings a more laid back atmosphere sometimes. In other occasions, parallel events allow for new (and sometimes smaller) voices to express different points of view about relevant topics that could not be included in the main event.
Sometimes you just need time off from the main stream packed events, sometimes you want to meet new people or maybe you just want to get sloshed with friends out of the main stream.
In my opinion Tales could really benefit from this type of initiative, not only by making money; but by allowing the community to express itself in different ways (as its quite common in artistic circles).
Events like Pig n Punch, Tuesday Tasting and the Rematch are a must, at least for me. I guess most people that travel as far as I do to have drinks with friends and join the cocktail crowd in July appreciate them too.
#am_amen!
I went , a few years back, when it was calm and lots of fun..Its too much now..too big, too greedy, too cliquey. Can you imagine how much of this money goes to Mr & Mrs Cocktail? please…thats who you are giving your money too.