4th Annual Italian American Future Leaders Convention

The 4th Annual Italian American Future Leaders Convention (IAFL4) — Jan. 16-19, 2026, at Amerant Bank Arena in South Florida — is an all-expense-paid celebration of our heritage, a hub for networking, and a space to explore the opportunities and obstacles shaping our community today.

THE PERKS

• Cultural Strategy & Networking Sessions: Engage in impactful workshops and panel discussions on the future of our culture, and build lasting connections with fellow Italian American students and professionals.

• Exceptional Cuisine: Savor gourmet Italian dishes and a full lineup of catered meals.

• Open Bar & VIP Entertainment: Enjoy your favorite drinks in a lively VIP setting, complete with Italian American karaoke.

• Exclusive Access: Meet prominent Italian American leaders and influencers, and celebrate together at exclusive social events that showcase the best of our heritage.

• All-Expense-Paid: First-time attendees (“Fellows”) receive a complimentary 3-night hotel stay. Plus, all meals, entertainment, drinks and event tickets are covered for every IAFL4 participant.

• Airfare & Transportation: If you belong to one of COPOMIAO’s 74 member organizations, inquire about reimbursement for your airline ticket and transportation to and from the airport.

Basil M. Russo serves as national president of both the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations (COPOMIAO) and the Italian Sons and Daughters of America (ISDA).

Italian American Future Leaders (IAFL), an independent nonprofit and fellowship platform, is dedicated to uniting the next generation of Italian American changemakers with breakthrough national conventions, immersive cultural experiences, and collaborative think tank dialogues.

IAFL is sponsored by the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations (COPOMIAO) and the Italian Sons and Daughters of America (ISDA).

IAFL was founded by Basil Russo, and John Viola & Patrick O’Boyle — hosts of the viral Italian American Podcast.

See the IAFL highlight reel below.

Sabino Curcio & Rocco Loguercio — the multi-million follower influencers behind Growing Up Italian — are co-sponsors and leaders of the annual IAFL Convention. This year’s programming is once again led by IAFL Executive Director Andrea Mauck.

Get your applications in today, space is limited!

Ages 21 – 35 are eligible to apply.

Formed in NYC in 1975, the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations (COPOMIAO) — a national coalition of 74 cultural, educational, fraternal and anti-defamation groups — seeks to promote our history and traditions for today’s generations, and tomorrow’s.