There’s a buzz building around one of Atlanta’s most anticipated cultural and business events this fall: the Made in Italy Expo, taking place September 15–22, 2025. But this isn’t just another lifestyle fair - it’s a strategic effort to elevate how Italy is perceived in both consumer and business circles across the Southeastern United States.

Behind the scenes, a powerful collaboration is fueling this initiative: the Italia America Reputation Lab (IARL) and the Georgia Chapter of the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Southeast (IACCSE). Together, they’re blending storytelling, strategy, and high-level connections to position the “Made in Italy” brand as more than luxury labels and great pasta (although there will be plenty of that, too).

IARL brings a unique approach - it’s a nonprofit focused on boosting Italy’s reputation in the U.S., through research, assessment, cultural engagement, and strategic initiatives, utilizing its very own patented reputation analysis methodology. Meanwhile, the IACCSE is rooted since decades in the business southeast world, representing over 300 Italian (and American) companies, from startups to global powerhouses, such as Pirelli, EssilorLuxtottica, Jas Forwarding, Fincantieri, Pininfarina and many more.

The collaboration works because it brings both vision and boots-on-the-ground execution. IARL shapes the narrative, helping tell the deeper story behind Italian excellence, while IACCSE (GA CHAPTER) makes the connections, fills the rooms, and drives real business conversations.

This year’s Expo is what organizers are calling a “teaser edition” - a compact but high-impact version of what will become a yearly flagship event starting in 2026. Think of it as a taste of what’s to come, with a program that spans:

• Food and wine engagements
• Fashion and design installations
• Showroom activations
• A boutique Italian film festival
• Industry talks and business roundtables

It’s all designed to engage both everyday consumers (B2C) and business leaders (B2B) - and show that Italy’s global value goes far beyond romantic images of Tuscany and Rome.

What’s especially exciting about the Made in Italy Expo is how it’s becoming a platform for Atlanta and Georgia, not just for Italy. The event has built strategic partnerships with key local agencies, including the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the City of Atlanta itself.

These institutions see the Expo as more than an international celebration - they see it as a chance to brand Atlanta and Georgia as premier destinations for business, investment, and tourism. Whether it’s Italian companies considering expanding operations here, or international travelers looking for cultural experiences, the message is clear: Georgia is open for global business and rich in opportunities.

As one city official noted: “When you welcome Italy, you’re welcoming one of the world’s most iconic and aspirational brands. But you’re also sending a message to the world that Atlanta is where global culture and global commerce intersect.”

Why Corporate Support Matters – Enter JAS Forwarding

One of the clearest examples of how Italian industry is backing this effort comes from JAS Forwarding, a global logistics company with roots in Milan and headquarters in Atlanta. JAS isn’t just a sponsor - they’re a key reason this Expo can even happen.

Think about it: how do you get wine from Sicily, leather goods from Florence, and industrial technology from Veneto all in one place, in perfect shape, and ready to shine? That’s where JAS comes in. Their logistics know-how ensures everything runs smoothly behind the scenes, from customs clearance to last-mile delivery.

But JAS’s role isn’t just operational - it’s symbolic. They represent the kind of Italian company that thrives globally because of quality, reliability, and innovation. By supporting the Expo, they’re helping Italy say that story to a wider audience - loud and clear.

What’s in It for Consumers?

For the everyday visitor, the Made in Italy Expo will be a feast for the senses. They’ll get to:

• Taste unique wines, spirits and foods
• Watch and learn through live demos and engagement
• Browse curated fashion and design items
• Attend movie screenings straight from Italian recent released
• Meet the makers behind the brands

It’s not just about shopping or tasting - it’s about understanding the value and meaning behind the products. That’s part of IARL’s mission: connect the dots between Italy’s heritage, quality, and innovation, and help people truly feel the “Made in Italy” difference.

And for Businesses?

On the B2B side, the Expo is a goldmine. Executives from Italy and the U.S. will gather for networking, industry panels, and potential partnerships. The goal? Spark new collaborations in everything from fashion and logistics to advanced manufacturing and sustainability.

IACCSE–GA plays a crucial role here, leveraging its extensive network to make introductions, schedule meetings, and create the kind of high-value interactions that often take months to arrange.

The reputation work that IARL is doing behind the scenes - using data, trends, and strategy to position Italian industries in the U.S. market - adds then a unique layer. This is not just a business fair; it’s a full-spectrum campaign to elevate Italy’s identity in the minds of decision-makers (and consumers).

A Blueprint for the Future

Georgia has become a key hub for Italian investment in the U.S., especially in sectors like logistics, manufacturing, fin-tech and health-tech.  With that in mind, the Made in Italy Expo is designed to be more than a one-time event - it’s a model. If it succeeds here, it can be replicated across the country, bringing more exposure and opportunity to Italian companies while deepening Italy’s cultural presence in America.

That’s why this teaser edition matters. It’s a chance to build momentum, test new ideas, and prove that the “Made in Italy” label is not just about tradition - it’s about the future.

And by partnering with Georgia’s top economic and tourism development agencies, the Expo becomes a double-sided tool: helping brand Italy in the U.S., and helping brand Georgia to the world.

A Collective Effort Worth Watching

As the event draws closer, more partners are coming on board - from airlines and luxury brands to media outlets and institutions. But the core remains unchanged: the collaboration between IARL, IACCSE–GA, local government agencies, and forward-thinking sponsors like JAS Forwarding is what makes this whole thing possible.

Together, they’re creating a vehicle - not just for sales or spectacle - but for reputation-building. And in today’s global market, reputation is everything.

So, whether you’re a curious foodie, a fashion lover, or a CEO looking to expand into the U.S., the Made in Italy Expo will have something for you.

And if the teaser is this promising, just imagine what’s coming in 2026.

More info: https://madeinitalyexpo.org/