WTI Magazine #22    2014 Mar, 21
Author : Italy-America Chamber of Commerce of Texas      Translation by:

Italy will "rediscover" America - in Houston on April 5 and 6, when exhibITALIA, a large-scale exhibition of all things Italian, opens at the downtown George R. Brown Convention Center. The announcement was made Feb. 5 at kick-off reception hosted by the Scavolini, one of Italy's best known kitchen and bath companies.

"Houston represents an emerging market for Italian manufacturers," commented Alessia Paolicchi, executive director, Italian-American Chamber of Commerce Texas.
Italian businesses and companies are taking a renewed look at Houston with the city's robust economy and welcoming, diverse population."

Organized by the Italian-American Chamber of Commerce of Texas with assistance from Unioncamere, the exhibition will bring together representatives of producers of goods and services from many regions of Italy to showcase "Made-in-Italy" artisanal and industrial products, share information about Italy's culture and tourism, design and technology, food, and fashion.

For centuries "made in Italy" has signified a quality of design and craftsmanship that is unsurpassed. The touch, the taste, the sound, the feel, the attention to detail, turning the mundane into a thing of beauty; all are synonymous with Italy.

Visitors to ExhbItalia will experience a bit of Italy for everyone, from high-end fashion shows and jewelry to building materials and technology.

Foodies will participate in cooking classes and watch chef competitions. A food court will offer tastings from local Italian restaurants (Quattro from the Four Season with chef Maurizio Ferrarese, Amalfi with chef Giancarlo Ferrara, Carmelo's and Achille with Chef Achille Epifani) and bar (Fellini Cafe') prepared by many Italian chefs; and some of Italy's finest vineyards will pour samplings from their appellations.
Children will have fun with the activities in the Kid's Corner.

"This initiative constitutes a new and important opportunity to promote the "Made in Italy" model in one of the most important metropolitan regions of the United States. Houston is a sophisticated and selective market with a demonstrated appreciation for the best Italy can offer," declared Fabrizio Nava, Consul General of Italy in Houston. 

The spring exhibition will introduce many quality producers of goods and services new to the Texan market. An online Exhibitalia3D website will showcase several of the products exhibited. Italian women's entrepreneurship will be highlighted with "pink" with several companies participating.

ExhibItalia will be open from 10 am to 9 pm on Saturday April 5 and on Sunday, April 6. Admission is $12, presale $9 (free for children under 12). For more information, visit www.exhibitalia.com or call, 713-626-9303.

The Italy-America Chamber of Commerce of Texas (IACC), established in Houston in 1992 as a non-profit corporation, promotes trade relations between Italy and the United States and encourages the development of Italian business in Texas