FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

(WASHINGTON, D.C. – September 20, 2007) Following the success of last year’s Piazza d’Italia , the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) will again host a two-day best of Italian food, wine, culture, fashion, and travel exhibition as part of the NIAF’s 32nd Anniversary Awards Convention Weekend. Piazza D’ Italia will be held on Friday, October 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday, October 13 from 9 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 4 p.m. at the Hilton Washington & Towers in Washington, D.C. Piazza d’Italia is free and open to the public.

Exhibitors include Colavita, MaxMara, D’Italia, Lavazza, Poltrona Frau Furniture, AV Imports and Pollio Cheese . Vendors will offer samples of Italian wines, olive oils, cheeses, gelato, pastries, and display top-of-the-line products from Italy. Maserati, Ferrari and Lamborghini luxury sport vehicles also will be on display.

New this year will be a Book Pavilion with works by Italian-American authors including “Rome With Kids” by J.M. Pasquesi and “The Fall of Mussolini” by Philip Morgan. Authors will be on hand to sign books and discuss their work.

Additionally, guests can attend a travel seminar “Discovering Italy: Food & Wine Itineraries, Agritourism Holidays and Spas” on Friday, October 12 from 9:30-11:30 a.m., and an Italian wine tasting at 2 p.m. On Saturday, October 13, there will be a singing performance by soprano Giorgia Fumanti at 10 a.m., an Italian cooking demonstration at 11 a.m., and a gelato demonstration at 2 p.m.

Piazza d’Italia is sponsored by NIAF and the Italian Ambassador to the United States, Giovanni Castellaneta , in cooperation with the Italian Trade Commission and the Italian Government Tourist Board. Exhibitor information, photos, floor plans, travel information, and exhibit space request forms can be found on the NIAF Web site, www.niaf.org/piazza. For more information, contact Kristi Pappalardo at 202/939-3109 or kristina@niaf.org. For events and ticket information for NIAF’s 32nd Anniversary Awards Convention Weekend, visit www.niaf.org.

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., and dedicated to preserving the heritage of Italian Americans. Visit www.niaf.org.