

"The goal of Fiera Italiana is for the JCCIA to showcase the culture of Italy and the Italian American heritage to Chicagoans and visitors of Daley Plaza," says event producer Michelle Durpetti, managing partner of McGowan Durpetti & Associates. "As an Italian American myself, it is an honor to be a part of such a great event that everyone can enjoy."
Fiera Italiana, an open-to-the-public event, is an opportunity for the JCCIA along with assistance from area businesses, to share its mission and celebrate Italian American heritage. Live entertainment is planned for each day of the festival during the busy lunch hour between noon and 1 p.m. In addition to top performers from the Chicago area, visitors enjoy shopping, wine tasting, culinary demonstrations, dining, fashion events, artistic showcases, musical recordings and strolling performers on the plaza.
The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans is an independent non-profit association dedicated to preserving Italian American heritage and providing a unified voice for metropolitan Chicago's Italian American community. Founded in 1952, the JCCIA serves as a congress for more than 65 Italian American organizations, as well as a clearinghouse for information about the Chicago area Italian American community. Working alongside the JCCIA are its three divisions: the Women's Division, West Suburban Women's Division and Young Professionals Division.
For more information about Fiera Italiana, contact McGowan Durpetti & Associates at (312) 994-2620. For more information about the JCCIA, visit www.jccia.com.
After reviewing numerous nominations, Michelle Durpetti of McGowan Durpetti & Associates, a Chicago-based event production firm, has been selected for Exhibit City News’ 40 under 40. To qualify, honorees needed at least 5 years of experience in trade show and association-related industries and show ingenuity, creativity and leadership in his or her career.
Durpetti, 30, has always enjoyed event planning and hoped of owning her own event company one day. In March 2008, Durpetti launched McGowan Durpetti & Associates with business partner, Denise McGowan.
With 10 years experience, she is a driven and dedicated woman to her company. Her attention to detail and witty personality are added benefits to working with Durpetti. The firm has produced events of all sizes, including Chicago Gateway Green’s Green Tie Ball in 2007 and 2008, and most recently the 4th Annual Texas Hold’Em charity tournament which raised a record $35,000.
This honor will be featured in the August issue of Exhibit City News. In the meantime, check out McGowan Durpetti’s website at http://www.mcgowandurpeti.com/
Too bad we haven't found a mirror app for our iPhones yet.