Italian Expo

Only eight months after Houston’s first Italian Expo debuted in September 2009, the international event returned to give Houstonians yet another ‘Trip to Italy without the Jetlag’ when the second edition took place from May 2 - 23 at the George R. Brown Center.

“The goal of Italian Expo is to promote Italian businesses while educating others about Italy today and all that it has to offer the U.S. In doing this, it has become an event that offers something the entire family can enjoy”, said Paolo Fronza, Executive Director of the Italy America Chamber of Commerce-Texas (IACC). Organized by the IACC, Italian Expo showcases Italy’s finest products and culture by specifically highlighting the areas of food, wine, fashion, home design, tourism, art, and entertainment.

Italian Expo weekend commenced with a private ribbon-cutting ceremony that was hosted by IACC President Luciano Topi and included many special guests such as, Ed Gonzalez, Vice Mayor Pro-Tem Council Member, Peter Brown, Head of Mayor’s International Affairs, Archbishop Vincent Rizzotto, and Marina Mocci, Representative of the Italian Consulate in Houston. Following the inauguration, the doors opened to the public where guests discovered that this year’s Italian Expo was not only in a larger hall, but it featured more exhibitors, more entertainment, and even a new supervised kid’s play area so parents could peacefully sample from a selection of over 150 Italian wines.

Upon entering, guests were greeted by the beloved Italian lifestyle through art displays and “Piazza Taormina”, a relaxing area complete with fountains, a gelateria, coffee shop, restaurant, live music, and even a large screen TV that broadcasted live Inter Milan’s victory over Bayern Munich for the UEFA Champions League Final Game. Every aspect of Italian culture filled the rest of expo hall, from the large Spec’s sponsored food and wine tasting area to Houston’s finest Italian restaurants serving up authentic dishes. Top-of-the-line interiors were featured in the modern home exhibits, and luxury automobiles ranging from antique to modern Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Ducatis, Vespas, and even the renowned Fiat Cinquecento and even the Formula 1 race car were on display. Cultures collided in the International Flea Market where Italian and American merchants sold a variety of goods, from jewelry, leather handbags, ceramics, linens, and art pieces. Meanwhile, the stage was always occupied with entertainment ranging from fashion runway shows, dance performances and musical concerts. In addition, one could experience the real Italian style in the evenings where VIP events were held, complete with a cocktail receptions, fashion shows, and exclusive performances.

Overall, 22,000 guests participated in all the events that the three-day weekend entailed. We anticipate Houston’s third edition of Italian Expo that will be held next year from May 13-15; however, until then, Italian Expo’s next stop will be in Chicago from September 17-19, 2010!