08/10/2026
🇦🇱 A Successful 78th AANO Convention — Celebrating 80 Years of AANO! 🇦🇱
What an incredible three days of tradition, knowledge, inspiration, friendship, and Albanian pride at the 78th Annual Convention of the Albanian-American National Organization (AANO), held as we proudly celebrate 80 years of AANO!
From Friday through Sunday, our convention brought together AANO members, families, friends, professionals, community leaders, volunteers, and supporters for a wonderful celebration of our heritage and our future.
FRIDAY began with the National Board Meeting, followed by an inspiring symposium, “The Future of Healthcare: Data, Discovery and Human Lives.” Five distinguished Albanian doctors shared their knowledge and perspectives, with the symposium moderated by Samantha Shkreli, Miss Globe USA 2025. The evening continued with a welcoming cocktail reception.
SATURDAY started with yoga led by Dodona Roboci, President of AANO Naples, followed by beach volleyball and time together enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
Later, our Paint & Sip session brought creativity and Albanian pride together as participants painted the Albanian eagle against a red-and-blue horizon. The session was led by our very own AANO Queen, Allonja Wilson.
🎤 The evening continued with the inspiring workshop by Ermal Mamaqi, “Ose e gjej një rrugë, ose e krijoj një rrugë” — “Either I find a way, or I create a way.” The night continued with our beautiful banquet dinner, where AANO recognized Bekim Murati with the Community Service Award and Besnike Zelka with the Lifetime Devotion to Authentic Albanian Folk Costumes Award.
🎓 We were also proud to announce the 13 students receiving AANO scholarships in 2026, investing in the next generation of Albanian-American leaders.
💃🕺 The evening came alive with Albanian music, dancing, and celebration, reminding us of the strength and joy of our community.
🇦🇱 SUNDAY began with a closed National Board Meeting, followed by an open meeting where the new AANO board officers were elected and sworn in. The day continued with an enjoyable Albanian Desserts & Coffee session, celebrating some of the flavors and traditions that connect us to our heritage.
The convention concluded with a warm evening reception at De Facto, an Albanian coffee shop, bringing everyone together one more time.
A successful convention like this would not be possible without the dedication of our volunteers, donors, sponsors, participants, presenters, and everyone who contributed their time, talent, and support. ❤️
Thank you for making the 78th AANO Convention and our 80th Anniversary celebration so special!
This is only the beginning of our memories from this wonderful weekend. More photos and stories from each session will be shared in the coming days.
🇦🇱 80 Years of AANO — Honoring Our Past, Celebrating Our Present, Building Our Future. 🇦🇱
