MEDIA ADVISORY

EVENT: NIAF 35th Anniversary Convention and Gala

SPONSOR: The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF)

WHEN: Friday, October 22, 2010
9 a.m.- 6 p.m. Events, 8:30 p.m. Evening Entertainment
Saturday, October 23, 2010
9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Events, 6 p.m. Reception, 7 p.m. Dinner and Awards

WHERE: The Washington Hilton
1919 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC (202/483-3000)

More than 3,000 guests from the United States and Italy will attend the National Italian American Foundation’s 35th Anniversary Convention and Gala on October 22 and 23, 2010 at the Washington Hilton in the nation’s capital. Giuliana DePandi Rancic, anchor and managing editor of E! News and star of the Style Network show “Giuliani & Bill,” will serve as the gala’s emcee.

In keeping with our tradition of hosting the president of the United States, President Barack Obamahas been invited to attend. Confirmed celebrities include actors Michael Badalucco, Dennis Farinaand Joe Pantoliano, 1960s rocker Bobby Rydel, director Chris Columbus and sports great Daryle Lamonica.

This year’s gala honorees include:
•Dott. Fulvio Conti, CEO of ENEL S.p.A.;
•Aurelio De Laurentiis, Italian film producer and President of the Naples Soccer Club;
•Tom Izzo, Head Coach of Men’s Basketball at Michigan State University;
•Christopher J. Nassetta, President & CEO of Hilton Worldwide;
•Dr. Thomas M. Scalea, Physician-in-Chief at the University of Maryland R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center;
•Joe Uva, President and CEO of Univision Communications, Inc.

During NIAF’s convention weekend, the Foundation will host Expo Italia, a two-day exhibition showcasing the best of Italy, an Auction Showcase and a Sports Roundtable. The convention will also feature a conference focusing on Breast Cancer Awareness and a seminar on the Culture of Italian Food and Wine followed by wine tastings.

Tickets to Saturday’s black-tie gala begin at $400 per person. Proceeds benefit NIAF’s educational programs. For tickets or sponsor information, contact Jerry Jones at 202/387-0600 or jerry@niaf.org, or register online at www.niaf.org.

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.