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In 1933, the city of Chicago organised the ‘A Century of Progress’ International Exposition, which Italian philately remembers for Italo Balbo’s transatlantic flight and the ‘triptych’ stamp issues (see photo). That was the last world exposition before the war: the international bureau had assigned the next one to Italy, and it was supposed to be held in Rome in 1942, but, as is well known, it did not take place because war had broken out in 1939. The city had, however, prepared and started to build the citadel where EUR 42 (Esposizione Universale Roma 1942) was to be held in the characteristic architectural style of the period, namely the Rationalist style. The district, south of the city in a previously empty area, was completed after the war, developed significantly, and today is one of the most characteristic areas of the city, with large tree-lined avenues, main thoroughfares, and majestic buildings: a highly evocative setting less than half an hour from the city centre on one side and the airport on the other.

It is in this area (also full of good restaurants) that the Italian Federation is organising ITALIA 2026, the international exhibition of philatelic literature. The venue is all-in-one: a large modern hotel (see photo) where the exhibition, the participants’ accommodation, the conferences, the jury’s work, the Palmares dinner, and the FEPA Congress will be held. There will also be other related philatelic events (details in the next note), although there will be no commercial section.

There are several innovations or moments of excellence in the exhibition. First of all, the Regulations: they were prepared for FEPA by a working group led by Giancarlo Morolli RDP, former VP of FEPA, which refines certain points and, above all, systematically opens not only to research works but also to those of popularisation and promotion: more possibilities for high-level medals for everyone, then.

Then, the IT side. Applications are filled in via a truly online form, without PDFs to download, sign, and re-upload; even the payment of the registration fee (very low, only €50) is done online.

Furthermore, the work of the jury. It will not take place during those three days, but starting from June, online, with dedicated software that will allow the jurors to study the works calmly, evaluate them, and share their judgments with the other jurors. A jury of specialists in the sector: Giancarlo Morolli RDP as president, then Wolfgang Maassen RDP, José Ramon Moreno RDP, Bernard Jimenez RDP, Chris Harman RDP, Ari Muhonen, and Gerald Heschl. And they will not just provide scorecards, but a concise yet detailed judgment on each work.

To whom is participation open? To everyone: writers, publishers, editors; to printed works and websites; to monographic publications and periodicals.

How do you register? You go to italia2026.filatelia.info, click on “Application Form” and follow the simple procedure.

Do you need more information? Please, write to the Commissioner General, bruno.crevatoselvaggi@gmail.com.

Of course, the exhibition has the FEPA Patronage.

Finally, delegates attending the FEPA Congress who wish to stay at the hotel on Saturday night are invited to book through the Organising Committee (using the same email address) rather than directly with the hotel; this will ensure they receive the preferential rate.

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