104th Annual Italian American Awards Gala will Feature Mike Del Pozzo, President of PepsiCo US Beverages, Who Will Receive the Prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at UNICO’s Signature Celebration of Heritage, Service and Excellence
NASHVILLE, TN / ACCESS Newswire / October 30, 2026 / Get ready for a magical weekend in Music City as UNICO National brings its exciting 104th Annual Convention and Italian American Awards Gala to Nashville, Tennessee, on July 31, 2027.
Celebrating its proud Italian American heritage with the high energy and lavish excitement of one of America’s most iconic cities, UNICO will welcome business and community leaders, distinguished guests and friends from across the country for a convention that promises to be inspiring, enchanting – and truly memorable.
The centerpiece of the convention weekend will be the 104th Annual Italian American Awards Gala on Saturday, July 31, 2027, in downtown Nashville. It will be a celebration honoring extraordinary Italian Americans whose achievements exemplify leadership, service and impact.
The evening’s distinguished honoree will be Mike Del Pozzo, President of PepsiCo US Beverages, who will receive UNICO National’s highest honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award. Del Pozzo will be celebrated for his outstanding accomplishments as a business leader, joining an extraordinary roster of past UNICO honorees. Past UNICO recipients and invited guests include Antonio Neri, CEO of Hewlett Packard Enterprise; Fred Voccola, Kaseya co-founder; Anthony Capuano, CEO of Marriott International; Ralph LaRossa, CEO of PSEG; Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman of ESPN; Lieutenant General Bob Caslen, Jr., U.S. Army (Ret.); and sports icons Diana Taurasi, Mario Andretti, Joe Flacco and Joe Montana-a remarkable collection of leaders who have excelled at the highest levels of their professions.
“We are going to Nashville to celebrate in a big way,” said Brian Guarco, President of UNICO National. “Our 104th Convention will bring together the very best of UNICO-our friends, families, and our supporters-to recognize Mike Del Pozzo’s extraordinary career, celebrate our heritage, and most importantly, give back to others.”
“We are thrilled to celebrate Mike and his many achievements. We want this to be a weekend people truly remember for years to come. The gala will be an incredible evening, but the heart of UNICO will be there as well- Service Above Self and fulfilling our charitable mission of community impact,” said UNICO National Executive Vice President Steven Calantone.
The Nashville convention will showcase UNICO’s ever expanding nonprofit mission. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1922, UNICO provides more than $1 million each year in scholarships and charitable assistance, supporting important causes, including mental health and wellness, cancer research and prevention, adult autism assistance, Cooley’s Anemia, veteran services, food banks and shelters, and other local community needs. The organization also promotes Italian language study and works to preserve Italian American culture and heritage through its network of approximately 100 chapters nationwide.
“This is more than a gala-it is a celebration of who we are and what we can accomplish together,” added Calantone. “We are bringing our Italian American spirit to Nashville, and we intend to make it an extraordinary experience underscored by a strong sense of purpose.” Founded in 1922 on the principle of “Service Above Self,” UNICO National is the largest Italian American service organization in the United States, dedicated to preserving Italian American heritage while making a meaningful difference in communities nationwide.
Mark your calendar! Nashville awaits. Saturday, July 31, 2027 – 104th Annual Italian American Awards Gala.
Tickets and sponsorships are available at consultant@UNICO.org
Contact: UNICO National
202-750-0248
consultant@UNICO.org
SOURCE: UNICO National
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
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