It’s time to celebrate!

This year, NIAF celebrates 35 years of representing the Italian American community. So, plan to join us at NIAF’s 35th Anniversary Convention and Gala Weekend in Washington, D.C. – the most prestigious Italian American event in the nation’s capital.

Held October 22-23, 2010 at the Hilton Washington, this star-studded weekend will be packed with conferences, speakers, receptions and parties, all culminating with NIAF’s black-tie 35th Anniversary Gala Dinner.

Don’t wait! CLICK HERE to reserve your tickets today!

This year’s gala honorees include film producer and president of Naples Soccer Club Aurelio De Laurentiis, who will receive the NIAF United States-Italy Friendship Award; Fulvio Conti, CEO of Enel S.p.A., who will receive the NIAF Special Achievement Award for International Business; Tom Izzo, head men’s basketball coach for Michigan State University, who will receive a NIAF Lifetime Achievement Award in Sports; Christopher J. Nassetta, president & CEO of Hilton Worldwide, who will receive the NIAF Special Achievement Award in Business; Dr. Thomas Scalea, physician-in-chief of the R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, who will receive a NIAF Special Achievement Award in Science and Medicine; and Joe Uva, CEO of Univision Communications, Inc., who will receive the NIAF One America Award.

Additionally, we are proud to announce that Giuliana DePandi Rancic, anchor and managing editor of E! News and star of the Style Network show “Giuliana & Bill,” will serve as the evening’s emcee.

Look for more announcements of honorees in the coming months. Other guests will include NIAF Chairman Jerry Colangelo, former FBI Director and NIAF Vice Chair Hon. Louis J. Freeh, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and NIAF Board Member Gen. Peter Pace, NIAF Vice Chair and CEO of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting Patricia de Stacy Harrison and former NIAF Board Member Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

A number of special celebrity guests have already committed to attend, including:

• Brooklyn-born actor Michael Badalucco, star of television shows “The Practice,” “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” “Cold Case” and “Ally McBeal” and films “O Brother Where Art Thou?”, “You’ve Got Mail” and “Bewitched.”



• MLB legend Rick Cerone, a catcher with a 17-year career playing for the Cleveland Indians, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers, Boston Red Sox and more.



• Director and screenwriter Chris Columbus, known for his films “Gremlins,” “The Goonies,” “Home Alone,” “Home Alone 2,” “Mrs. Doubtfire,” “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” and “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.”



• Actor Dennis Farina, star of television’s “Law & Order” and a number of films including “Reindeer Games,” “Saving Private Ryan,” “Snatch, “Miami Vice,” and “What Happens in Vegas.”



• Film, television and stage actor Joe Pantoliano, star of such films as “The Matrix,” “Bound,” “Bad Boys,” “Memento,” “The Goonies,” “The Fugitive” and “Risky Business” and founder of the No Kidding, Me Too Coalition as a vehicle for people in the entertainment industry to fight mental illness.



• Former teen idol and 1960s rocker Bobby Rydell, known for his hits "Wild One," "Volare," "Swingin' School," "Kissin' Time," "Sway," "I've Got Bonnie" and "The Cha-Cha-Cha." Rydell still performs as a solo artist and as part of “The Golden Boys” with Frankie Avalon and Fabian.

• Interested in Advertising or Sponsorships?
  Download our Souvenir Journal Advertising Form (pdf format). Please contact Jerry Jones with any questions regarding advertising and sponsorships at 202.939.3102 or at jerry@niaf.org



• Want to purchase tickets? Click here or contact Jerry Jones at 202-939-3102 or jerry@niaf.org.
  


• Click here to view and download the Weekend Schedule (pdf format)



• Expo Italia - Showcasing the Best of Italy! Sign up for an exhibit booth, contact Beatrice Santacroce at 202-939-3120 or e-mail beatrice@niaf.org.
  Click here to download the 2010 flyer (pdf format).



• Interested in donating an item to NIAF’s Celebrity Auction? Contact Alessia Dinkel at alessia@niaf.org or 202-939-3117.



• CLICK HERE to book a Hilton room at our preferred group rate.



• GALA CONFERENCE
  
  Join the NIAF and leading researchers, oncologists, and breast cancer survivors in a panelist discussion on the latest in preventative strategies for breast cancer, including the newest recommendations for diet, lifestyle and mammography screenings. Learn More >>