Pizza Convention

Pizza Convention, the pizza congress in Rome

Pizza Convention is the professional congress entirely dedicated to pizza, one of the most recognizable symbols of the 'Made in Italy' brand and the Mediterranean diet. The event takes place in Rome, in the Lazio region, and approaches pizza not just as a dish, but as a craft, a culture, and a supply chain: from the legal protection of the pizzaiolo's profession to training, from the conscious use of flours to front-of-house service management, and even the new frontiers of gluten-free and modern pizzeria design. Conceived by the Excellence platform by entrepreneur Pietro Ciccotti and curated by food and wine journalist Laura Mantovano, the congress brings together established masters, young talents, institutions, and industry companies for two days.

Officine Farneto, the heart of the event

The event is held at Officine Farneto, at via dei Monti della Farnesina 77, in the northern part of Rome between the Della Vittoria and Farnesina districts. It is a spacious post-industrial loft surrounded by greenery, an event space of over a thousand square meters that hosts show cooking, contest arenas, conference rooms, and tasting areas. Its location, just a stone's throw from the Foro Italico and the Tiber, makes the venue easily accessible and turns it into a true headquarters for Italian pizza for two days.

The program: contests, show cooking, and tastings

The two days alternate between professional competitions, live demonstrations, and in-depth discussions. Among the most anticipated contests are the Arena Sorì challenges reserved for pizzaiolos under 35, focusing on round pizza and pizza in teglia (pan pizza), the competition dedicated to fryers, and the Roman leg of the Vera Pizza Napoletana Champion, the championship promoted by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN). The show cooking features some of the most well-known names in Italian white art alongside emerging talents, in a continuous dialogue between tradition and innovation.

Protecting the pizzaiolo's craft

The common thread of the congress is the professional recognition of the pizzaiolo. One of the symbolic moments is the presentation of the manifesto «Pizzaiolo: a craft to be protected», with the participation of institutional representatives and trade associations. Pizza is presented as an artisanal and cultural heritage to be defended, valuing training, the raw material supply chain, and the dignity of a profession that has made Italy famous worldwide.

Women and pizza

An important space is dedicated to the female role in the sector: in Italy, female pizzaiolos still represent a small percentage of the category, a technical but also cultural fact. For this reason, the congress awards the «Maestra della Pizza» recognition to prominent professionals and hosts talks dedicated to growth and inclusion perspectives within pizzerias.

Spicchi di Stelle, the gala evenings

Closing each day is «Spicchi di Stelle», the evening appointment with tastings signed by the great interpreters of Italian pizza, in a journey that combines research, taste, and conviviality. A festive finale that consolidates Pizza Convention as a meeting point for industry professionals, enthusiasts, and the curious in the setting of the Capital.