“Italy’s Sports Diplomacy”
Hon. Silvia Marrara | Chief of Sport Diplomacy Office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Italy
Hon. Silvia Marrara, born in Reggio Calabria, Italy, is the Chief of Sport Diplomacy Office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Italy (Rome). With a degree in Political Science from the University of Messina, she has held key diplomatic roles in Islamabad, Damascus, Kuala Lumpur, and Pretoria. Marrara is a Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, awarded in 2018.
“Italy’s Sports Diplomacy”
Hon. Michele Mistò | Consul General of Italy
Hon. Michele Mistò, born in Como, Italy, is the Consul General of Italy in Miami, appointed in August 2023. With advanced degrees in international law and a PhD in Comparative Public Law, he has held key diplomatic roles in Copenhagen, Podgorica, and Moscow. Mistò is a Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic and a recipient of Montenegro’s Medal of Merit.
“How Major Sporting Events Drive Economic Growth in South Florida”
Mathew Ratner | Director, Sports & Entertainment Tourism | Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
Mathew Ratner, Director of Sports and Entertainment Tourism, spent 10 years as Associate Director, working on bids for the Miami Super Bowl and College Football National Championship. He now leads efforts to promote Miami as a hub for major events and supports local partnerships. He holds a master’s degree from Florida International University and a bachelor’s from the University of South Florida.
“FIFA World Cup 2026: What to expect in Miami”
Nicolo’ Zini | VP of Commercial Development | FIFA World Cup 2026™ Miami Host Committee
Nicolò Zini is the Vice President of Commercial Development for FWC26Miami. Previously, he led partnerships at Inter Miami CF and held business development roles at FC Barcelona. With a Master’s in Sport Business from NYU, Nicolò brings extensive experience in sports partnerships and business growth across the Americas.