FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

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

MEDIA ADVISORY

WHERE: The Washington Hilton
1919 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20009

NIAF will host its annual convention weekend from October 22-23, 2010 at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C. The Foundation’s 35th Anniversary Gala will be held Saturday evening, concluding two days of activities. The NIAF 2010 annual convention offers the best of Italy in Washington, D.C. All conferences are free and open to the public.

Friday, October 22, 2010
• Expo Italia – Showcasing the Best of Italy!
Columbia Hall – Terrace Level, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Screening of “Journey of Hope: Joe Leone’s L’Aquila Earthquake Relief Fund”
Georgetown East – Concourse Level, 10:30 a.m. to noon
• The Victoria J. Mastrobuono Education Luncheon with Nick Valvano, CEO of The V Foundation, and actor Joe Pantoliano, founder and president of No Kidding, MeToo!
International Ballroom East – Concourse Level, noon to 2:00 p.m. Cost: $65
•“Let’s Talk About It – A Spotlight on Women’s Health” with NIH Director Francis S. Collins, M.D.
Jefferson Room – Concourse Level, 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
•Discussion of “It Happened In Italy,” a documentary by Elizabeth Bettina
Expo Italia, Columbia Hall – Terrace Level, 3-4 p.m.
•Discussion of “Amore: The Story of Italian American Song” a book by Mark Rotella
Expo Italia, Columbia Hall – Terrace Level, 4-5 p.m.
•Screening of “No Kidding, Me 2!!,” a documentary by actor Joe Pantoliano
Lincoln East/Monroe – Concourse Level, 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday, October 23, 2010
•NIAF National Council Network/Youth Networking Continental Breakfast
Lincoln Room – Concourse Level, 9-11 a.m. •Expo Italia – Showcasing the Best of Italy!
Columbia Hall – Terrace Level, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
•Special presentation by Dana Gioia, former Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts
Columbia Hall, 10-11 a.m.
•Youth Council Forum—Workshop focused on the Italian American youth of today
Georgetown Room – Concourse Level, 10:30 a.m. to noon
•“Indulge in the Real Flavors of Italy without a Ticket! – Italian Wine & Food Seminar” 
presented by the Italian Trade Commission
Columbia Hall – Terrace Level, 11 a.m. to noon
•Celebrity Luncheon and Sports Roundtable “Talking Points!” featuring ESPN’s Tony Reali andSal Paolantonio and Univision’s Fernando Fiore
International Ballroom East – Concourse Level, noon to 2 p.m. Cost: $70
•Screening of “Crimebuster: A Son’s Search For His Father” by NIAF Grant Recipient Louis Dematteis
Jefferson East – Concourse Level, noon to 2 p.m.
•Live Auction at Expo Italia
Columbia Hall – Terrace Level, 2-3 p.m.
•Discussion of “It Happened In Italy,” a documentary by Elizabeth Bettina
Expo Italia, Columbia Hall – Terrace Level, 3-4 p.m.

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.