After the successful editions held in Varese, Bologna and Florence, the Italian Federation of American Football (FIDAF), in collaboration with RGP Northwest Ohio, Jobs Ohio and the Rome City Institute, and under the patronage of the City of Rome, is pleased to announce the Fourth Italian Business Forum, scheduled for Monday, May 5, 2025, at the Rome City Institute, Lungotevere Arnaldo da Brescia 15.

Entitled “Rome–Ohio: A Bridge Between Sport, Business and Academia,” the Forum offers a unique opportunity for dialogue among businesses, institutions and universities. The highlight of the event will be the official launch of the Rome City Center for Sports, Diplomacy and Innovation (CSDI), a new international hub that aims to promote sport as a tool for cooperation, dialogue, and innovation.

The day will begin at 10:30 AM with dedicated networking sessions between businesses and representatives of RGP Northwest Ohio, Jobs Ohio, and the University of Toledo. The official opening will follow, along with three thematic panels:

“Toledo and Ohio – A Model Mix of Sport, Business and Academia,” featuring Paul Zito (Vice President of International Development, RGP Northwest Ohio/Jobs Ohio) and Louis E. Tosi (Partner at Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick; Representative of the University of Toledo; Advisory Board Member of Rome City Institute and NIAF – National Italian American Foundation);

“Building Bridges Through Sport Diplomacy,” presenting the new CSDI with Antonio Cincotta (Executive Director, Rome City Institute) and Valerio Mancini (Director, CSDI);

“Naturhouse & The Business of Nutrition: Talent, Growth and Opportunity,” with Raffaello Pellegrini (CEO, Naturhouse).

FIDAF will close the event, followed by a networking aperitif.

“After successfully exploring the synergies between sport and business, this edition aims to highlight the growing importance of education and sport diplomacy as tools for development and international cohesion,” said FIDAF President Leoluca Orlando, who hopes for strong participation from institutions and the local business community.

The event is free of charge, but registration is required here.