FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:   Elissa Ruffino (NIAF) 202/939-3106 or elissa@niaf.org

*Free Wine Tastings, Cooking Demonstrations, Italian Luxury Cars*

*Visit www.niaf.org/expoitalia*

Following the success of last year’s Expo Italia, the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) will again host a two-day best of Italy exhibition. The tradeshow showcases the best Italian food, wine, fashion and culture as part of the NIAF’s 36th Anniversary Convention Weekend. Expo Italia will be held on Friday, October 28, 2011, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturday, October 29, 2011, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C. Expo Italia is free and open to the public.

Vendors will offer samples of olive oils, chocolates and pasta, in addition to displaying top-of-the-line products from Italy. Highlights of the two days will include an opportunity to see the latest Italian luxury cars, including a Lamborghini and Maserati, sampling of Peroni Nastro Azzurro Beer, and wine tasting from Nuschese Wines of Capital Wines. There will be exciting auction preview set up on Friday, October 28, 2011 in the Expo Hall. Bid on tickets to 2012 Nationals game, tour some of the finest restaurants in Washington, D.C. and New York City, or grab the latest Prada handbag or a Ferrari item to wear.

The United States Bocce Federation will set up a bocce court during the expo with demos, instructions and celebrity games.

Additionally, guests also can attend the Victoria J. Mastrobuono Education Luncheon on Friday, October 28, from noon to 2 p.m., a conference, “The Italian American Vote, Does it Count,” featuring leading political strategists and D.C. insiders discussing the impact of Italian Americans on national elections. Glacier Vodka’s Salute to the Martini will include entertainment from the Radio King Orchestra and dinner on Friday, October 28, from 8 p.m. to midnight.

Exhibitor information, photos, floor plans, travel information and exhibit space request forms can be found on the NIAF website, www.niaf.org/expoitalia.

For more information, contact Rebecca Bartello at 202/939-3114 or rbartello@niaf.org. For events and ticket information for NIAF’s 36th Anniversary Convention and Gala Weekend, visit www.niaf.org/gala.

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the heritage and culture of Americans of Italian descent.