FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

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

*Free Wine Tastings, Cooking Demonstrations, Live and Silent Auctions*

(WASHINGTON, D.C. – September 29, 2010) Following the success of last year’s Piazza d’Italia, the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) will host a two-day best of Italy exhibition, Expo Italia. The tradeshow showcases the best Italian food, wine, fashion and culture as part of the NIAF’s 35th Anniversary Convention Weekend. Expo Italia will be held on Friday, October 22, 2010 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday, October 23, 2010 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.

The Italian Trade Commission will host “Indulge in the Real Flavors of Italy without a Ticket! – Italian Wine & Food Seminar” on Saturday, October 23 from 11 a.m. to noon. Vendors also will offer samples of olive oils, chocolates, gelato (ice cream) and pasta, in addition to displaying top-of-the-line products from Italy. Famed chef Rosella Rago will also be on hand to give a “surprise” presentation on Saturday from 3 to 4 p.m.

Additionally, guests can attend the Live Auction at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 23, bidding for theSilent Auction Showcase spans the two days.

Special presentations examining the arts and music with Dana Gioia, former director of the National Endowment of the Arts, discussing “Dumbing Down Our Public Culture: Why the Arts Matter to America” and author Mark Rotella speaking about his latest release “The Story of Italian American Song,” are also part of the Expo schedule of events. The National Gallery of Art brings one of its curators to center stage at the Expo to discuss behind the scene of exhibit creation.

Elizabeth Bettina, author of “It Happened in Italy: Untold Stories of How the People of Italy Defied the Horrors of the Holocaust,” will discuss her new book with Vincent Marmorale, New York State Council for the Social Studies and Human Rights Committee Chairperson.

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 Beatrice Santacroce at 202/939-3120 or beatrice@niaf.org. For events and ticket information for NIAF’s 35th 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.