During spring break 2020 (March 29 – April 4) the Smith Family Business will be leading a new student trek to Italy to explore many significant family businesses, Italy history and culture. The trek will begin in Milan and travel through Verona and Tuscany, finishing in Rome.

1. 2020 Italy Family Business Trek
March 29 – April 4, 2020

2. Italy trek: “Families, Foodies and Hospitality”
March 29 – April 4, 2020

3. 3 Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
The Smith Family Business
Initiative at Cornell is dedicated
to supporting and strengthening
the network of owners, leaders
students, and alumni that work in,
with or for a family business.

4. 4 Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
Why Italy?
• In Italy there are estimated to be around 784,000 family businesses –
more than 85% of the total number of business – constituting around
70% of employment
• 66% of Italian family businesses are fully managed by family members
– Compared to 26% of French businesses and just 10% in the UK
• Italian family businesses are also set apart by their longevity: of the
world’s 100 oldest businesses, 15 are Italian and, of these, 5 – Fonderie
Pontificie Marinelli (founded in 1000), Barone Ricasoli (1141), Barovier
& Toso (1295), Torrini (1369) and Marchesi Antinori (1385) – are among
the top ten oldest family businesses still active today.

5. 5 Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
Monday, March 30 – Milan
• Alessandro Minichilli, Associate Professor Bocconi University
(http://faculty.unibocconi.eu/alessandrominichilli/)
• Ermenegildo Zegna (www.zegna.us)
– Zegna is an Italian luxury fashion house. Founded by Ermenegildo Zegna in 1910, in
Trivero, Biella Province of the Piedmont Region of Northern Italy, Ermenegildo Zegna
remains one of the most renowned businesses in Italy.
– Benedette Zegna is the 4th generation family member
– Trivero is their home operation and 1.5 hours from Milan.

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9. 9 Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
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10. 10 Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
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Tuesday, March 31 – Verona
• Michael Cortalletti ‘99, Food Democracy, Verona (http://fooddemocracy.it/)
• Michael is an entrepreneur and business angel. Michael owns three premier
restaurants in Verona Italy. Mr. Cortelletti is a visiting lecturer at MODUL University
where he teaches in the Food and Beverage Management program.
• Nardini Grappa Distilleries (https://www.nardini.it)
• The distillery is part of Les Hénokiens, an international club made up of family
companies that are at least 200 years old. At the present time the company is
managed by Giuseppe, Cristina, Angelo, Antonio and Leonardo Nardini.

12. The Arena

15. 15 Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
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Wednesday, April 1 – Tuscany
• LEVONI S.p.A. ( https://www.levoni.it/)
• For over a century Levoni have been synonymous with high quality cold cuts and exquisite
recipes that tell the whole tradition of Italian delicatessen.
• Nicolas Levoni is a 4th generation member of the Levoni family.
•Castello Banfi - Il Borgo (https://castellobanfi.com)
• Banfi was founded in 1978 thanks to the will of the Italian-American brothers, John and
Harry Mariani. From the beginning, the goal of the two brothers was to create a state-of-
the-art winery combined with the most advanced science in the vineyards for the
production of premium wines.
• Christina Mariani-May, President & CEO
• James Mariani, Board member

16. Tuscany

18. “In Rome you survive.
In Tuscany you live.”
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20. 20 Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
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Thursday, April 2 - Rome
• Hotel Vannuci (www.hotel-vannucci.com)
• The Tuscan property of Roberto Wirth MMH ’75. Plans include a cooking class and
dinner at the Estate. Roberto is a 5th generation hotelier and 2nd generation owner of
his family’s properties.
•Cornell Hotel Society Annual Meeting Welcome reception
• Il Palazzetto by Hotel Hassler

22. Rome

23. 23 Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
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Friday, April 3 – Rome
• Cornell Hospitality Symposium
• Lunch
• CHS 2020 Meeting | Westin Excelsior, Winter Garden
• The conference organizers have requested our trek attendees present on their
Italy experience at the conference.

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Saturday, April 4 – Rome
• Café illy (https://www.illy.com)
• illycaffè was founded in 1933 in Trieste, Italy by Francesco Illy with the dream to
offer the best coffee to the world. Francesco’s 1935 invention of the illetta,
considered the blueprint for modern espresso machines, revolutionized coffee
preparation. Today, illy is actively led by the third generation of the family. Illy is
synonymous with premium Italian coffee in over 140 countries worldwide under
the guidance of Ernesto’s son, Andrea Illy, who continues the tradition of
innovation and coffee excellence, and Daria Illy, the fourth generation, who is
Coffee Culture Director.
• Hassler Roma (https://www.hotelhasslerroma.com/)
• Situated at the top of the Spanish Steps, Hassler Roma, owned by Mr. Roberto
Wirth, is a 5-star property in Rome. Mr. Wirth, born deaf at birth, has overcome
great obstacles to become one of the premier hoteliers in the world.

27. Hassler Roma

29. CODE OF ETHICS AND PERSONAL BEHAVIOR WHILE ON THE SFBI TREK
It is the expectation of the SFBI program administration that students, who travel on behalf of the program, conduct themselves in
a manner that will continue to inspire public confidence and trust in Cornell University and those associated with it.
1. Participants conduct and behavior to, from, and during the trip and all events should reflect respect for the group, the college,
university and the individual. This includes private activities and social gatherings.
2. Participants are expected to attend all business meetings, scheduled event programs, social events and tours as directed by
the trek leader. If you are unable to attend, it is your responsibility to make the appropriate notifications.
3. Participants must be prompt and prepared for all sessions and meetings.
4. Participants are to report any accidents, injuries, illness, or significant incidents to their trek leader or a program staff member
immediately.
5. Although alcoholic beverages are not prohibited during the trek we ask that you consume responsibly, obey the local laws, and
conduct yourselves in an appropriate manner.
Please keep in mind the trip (and related activities) are integral components of an academic growth opportunity.

30. WHAT TO KNOW
Dates
• Sunday, March 29 – Saturday, April 4, 2020
Transportation
• You are responsible for transportation to Milan and from Rome
• In country, the trek will coordinate all transportation
Lodging
• Sunday, March 29 – Friday, April 3 is currently included
Meals
• Most meals are included, with exceptions for built in free time

31. WHAT TO KNOW
Cornell Hotel Society Annual Meeting
• We will have the opportunity as a group to present at the CHS meeting on the
experience of our trek
Approximate cost
• $2500 – $3000 US, excluding your own arrival and departure travel
Credit option
• If academic credit is needed, an independent study can be set up for qualified
students through Margarita Tsoutsoura
Commitment
• We will need a personal commitment ASAP with a cash deposit no later than
January 24, 2020. Space is limited.