National Italian American Foundation

NIAF Miami Reception

Thursday, September 17, 2026
Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science  ·  Miami, Florida
Reserve Your Place Sponsorship Opportunities
Date
Thursday, September 17, 2026
Time
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Venue
Frost Museum of Science
Vista Terrace, Floor 4  ·  Miami, FL
Ticket Price
$500 per person
Attire
Cocktail Attire

About the Event

An Evening of Celebration

Join the National Italian American Foundation for a distinguished cocktail reception in Miami, hosted by Joseph D. Gulino, Esq., NIAF Vice Chair International. The evening brings together civic, business, and cultural leaders to honor a figure whose career has elevated the cruise industry worldwide and exemplified the entrepreneurial spirit and vision that Italian Americans have long contributed to American commerce and culture.

Rick Sasso

2026 NIAF Honoree

Rick Sasso

Chairman, MSC Cruises North America

NIAF Dea Roma Special Achievement Award
in the Cruise Industry

Rick Sasso, Chairman of MSC Cruises North America, has been a popular and well-respected figure in the cruise industry for 53 years.

In April 2004, Sasso was appointed President of MSC Cruises USA and was tasked with positioning MSC Cruises for growth in the North American market. In August 2016, he assumed the role of Chairman of MSC Cruises North America, focused on preparing the market for the next stage of MSC Cruises' growth in the region.

In 1999, Sasso was named "Cruise Industry Executive of the Year" by a leading travel industry trade magazine. In 2011, he received the coveted "Hall of Fame" recognition from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) for his many efforts and accomplishments that have led to significant contributions in the growth of cruise vacations. Over the years, he has also served as Chairman of both CLIA and the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), as well as Chairman of CLIA's Marketing Committee.

After holding key positions at Costa Cruises and Chandris Cruises, Sasso joined the senior management team that launched Celebrity Cruises in 1990 and then served as CEO, playing an instrumental role in establishing it as a top premium cruise line.

In 2012, Sasso published Unselfish World, a book based on his philosophy of encouraging ourselves and others to be the most unselfish individuals we can be.

Sasso lives in Palm Beach, Florida, with his wife of five decades, Carmen. He has two grown children and four grandchildren.

Venue

Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science

The Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science is one of Miami's most iconic landmarks, set against the stunning backdrop of Biscayne Bay in the heart of downtown Miami. A world-class destination for discovery and innovation, the Frost Museum provides an extraordinary setting for an evening dedicated to celebrating achievement, heritage, and the enduring bond between Italy and the United States.

1111 Biscayne Blvd  ·  Miami, Florida 33132

Reserve Your Place

Tickets

A limited number of tickets are available for this exclusive reception. We invite you to reserve your place and join us for a memorable evening in Miami.

Individual Ticket

$500

Per person. Join distinguished guests for an evening honoring Rick Sasso and celebrating Italian American achievement.

Reserve Your Place

About Us

The National Italian American Foundation

Founded in 1975, the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., and the largest representative body of the more than 20 million Italian American citizens living in the United States. NIAF's mission is to celebrate and advance the inspiring achievements and uplifting values of Italian culture and presence in America, and to strengthen and empower ties between the United States and Italy.

Funds raised through NIAF events directly support scholarships, grants, and heritage travel programs that preserve Italian culture for future generations.

Visit NIAF.org