ITALIAN EXCELLENCE GALA & AWARDS 2026

ITALIAN EXCELLENCE GALA & AWARDS 2026 The Italian Excellence Gala & Awards is a prestigious annual celebration recognizing leading Italian and international personalities, organizations and achievements, and their contributions to business, culture, innovation and the Italian community in the United States and globally. ABOUT THE EVENT Join Los Angeles' influential business leaders, cultural figures, institutions and members of the international community for an evening celebrating the very best of Italian excellence. Now in its 8th edition, the Italian Excellence Gala & Awards brings together distinguished guests from Italy and the United States to recognize outstanding achievements, foster meaningful connections, and celebrate the extraordinary influence of Italian talent, creativity and ingenuity across industries. Past honorees have included Alessandro Del Piero, Giorgio Chiellini, Danilo Gallinari, Bianca Balti, Mariela Garriga, Stefania Spampinato, Antonio Folletto, Campari Group, and the Geena Davis Institute, among many other distinguished personalities and organizations. This year's Gala marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. In collaboration with Teatro Regio di Parma, one of Italy's most prestigious cultural institutions, the evening will celebrate the Los Angeles debut of Verdi Off—bringing the innovative spirit of Parma's acclaimed cultural festival to Los Angeles for the first time. Inspired by the legacy of Giuseppe Verdi, Verdi Off takes music and artistic expression beyond the traditional stage, creating unexpected encounters between opera, contemporary culture and the community. Its Los Angeles debut will launch a multi-year cultural journey connecting Parma and Los Angeles through performances, educational and community initiatives, and artistic experiences throughout the city. Throughout the Gala, guests will experience an elegant seated dinner, the 2026 Italian Excellence Awards ceremony, and live performances developed around this special collaboration with Teatro Regio di Parma and the launch of Verdi Off Los Angeles. The 2026 honorees and additional special guests will be announced in the coming weeks. More than an awards evening, the Gala offers a unique setting to connect with executives, entrepreneurs, cultural leaders, institutions and decision-makers while celebrating a contemporary vision of Italy—one rooted in extraordinary heritage and continually reinventing itself. EVENT PROGRAM 6:00 PM — Red Carpet & Cocktail Reception 7:00 PM — Seated Dinner, Awards Ceremony & Special Verdi Off Los Angeles artistic moments Program subject to change. PLEASE NOTE Black-tie attire required 21+ only Ticket required for entry Tickets are non-transferable unless otherwise authorized by the organizer