SPECIAL EVENTS

Houstonians will be able to tour Italy and experience “La Dolce Vita” without even leaving the country by attending the third annual Italian Expo being held June 3-5, 2011, at George R. Brown Convention Center’s Exhibit Hall D.

Italian for “The Good Life,” this year’s theme will draw families and tourists with free admission for kids and a variety of entertainment at affordable prices. The cultures of Italy and Houston will come together with a featured fashion competition between eight emerging local designers and a culinary arts competition with many of Houston’s top Italian chefs presenting the finest in Italian cuisine. Each competition will allow Italian Expo guests to participate and vote for their favorites for a fun and interesting interactive experience.

"Americans appreciate the Italian quality of life and they can enjoy all the delights and pleasures of Italy without using a passport through the Italian Expo experience," said Paolo Fronza, Executive Director of the Italy- America Chamber of Commerce of Texas, the organization that hosts this annual event. Italian Expo showcases Italy’s finest products and culture by specifically highlighting the areas of food, wine, fashion, home design, tourism, art, and entertainment.

The three-day Italian Expo hosts over 21,000 attendees and 150 Italian and American exhibitors. Guests will have the opportunity to savor many culinary delights with Spec’s sponsored food and wine tasting area featuring over 30 gourmet vendors and Houston’s finest Italian restaurants serving authentic dishes. Diverse entertainment will be offered, ranging from fashion runway shows, dance performances, musical concerts, and an interactive kid’s play area. Fine Italian luxury cars and motorbikes, like Ferraris and Ducatis, will be on display. And guests can enjoy the ultimate shopping experience by being able to purchase a variety of original Italian gifts, such as beautiful leather handbags, fine jewelry, and handmade artisan crafts.