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25 www.baristamagazine.com ATTENDING DC CAMPUS IS A PRIZE IN ITSELF FOR CHAMPIONS OF LATTE ART AND COFFEE IN GOOD SPIRITS THERE'S NO STIPULATION that Dalla Corte Espresso Systems host a retreat for baristas to prepare them for the world stage in latte art and coffee cocktails. It's not a requirement of Dalla Corte for being the espresso machine sponsor for the World Latte Art (WLAC) and Coffee In Good Spirits (WCIGS) Championships. The Milan, Italy–based family company just wants to do it, to support the baristas and see them succeed. The annual event invites all national champions in Latte Art and Coffee In Good Spirits to travel to Milan for three days of practice, collaboration, and celebration in preparation for the international competitions. DC Campus is legendary—and it's only three years old. No other forum like this exists for the exchange of ideas between coffee professionals—truly. The specialty-coffee industry continues to develop innovative and inspiring events for baristas, and there's room for any kind of coffee event. Be assured, though, that DC Campus will always be among the most special. Organized by the indefatigable, not to mention beloved, Antonella Cutrona of Dalla Corte, DC Campus works on a model of "live, learn, share," as it heralds on the camp t-shirts. Yes, I said, "camp," because that's what this feels like: It's small enough that attendees Opposite page, at top: This year's installment of DC Campus—the Dalla Corte— hosted training event for national champions in La e Art and Coffee In Good Spirits—included trips outside the lab, such as a visit to La Costa winery, where Claudia Crippa led the baristas on a sunset hike through the vineyards which ended in an extensive wine tasting. Below: DC Campus participants pose for a photo at La Costa before dinner. This page: Days were spent at Dalla Corte's lo space in Milan, where participants practiced pouring techniques and drink building, and learned from the champions in aendance. Here, Coffee In Good Spirits Champion of Greece, George Koustoumbardis, listens to advice from 2013 World Coffee In Good Spirits Champ Victor Delpierre of France. As Dalla Corte is making a big push in the North American market, there is discussion of a DC Campus—type event in the near future. With Dalla Corte sponsoring the U.S. Lae Art Championship, there is an increasing demand from American baristas for access to and information about these machines. B o o k 1 - 4 6 . i n d d 2 5 Book 1-46.indd 25 5 / 1 5 / 1 4 1 0 : 2 8 P M 5/15/14 10:28 PM