This inaugural event introduced Academia Barilla to opinion leaders, journalists and food lovers from around the world. It took place inside Academia Barilla's brand new instructional facility dedicated to the development of the Italian gastronomic arts.

The inauguration began with a press conference where a distinguished panel of speakers presented the mission and the activities of Academia Barilla, and answered journalists' questions. The panel included Guido Barilla, Chairman of Barilla, Gianluigi Zenti, Director of Academia Barilla, members of the Advisory Board of Academia Barilla, Birthe Linddal Hansen of the Copenaghen Institute for Future Studies, and Scott Conant, Executive Chef of L'Impero restaurant, recipient of the James Beard Foundation Award.

The inauguration was also honoured by the attendance of Paolo Barilla, the Vice-president of Barilla, Tim and Nina Zagat, the founders of the Zagat Guide, and Giuliano Bugialli, one of the greatest authorities on authentic Italian cuisine in the US.

While the discussion focused on the mission, philosophy and activities of Academia Barilla, topics such as the future of Italian gastronomy, the importance of authenticity and the role of tradition and innovation also incited avid discourses.

During the press conference three rising stars of Italian gastronomy in Italy and in the US prepared in front of the guests an authentic Italian dish. The demonstration, performed by Moreno Cedroni, Scott Conant and Nicola Bindini, inaugurated the Visiting Chef Program of Academia Barilla.

After the press conference journalists and visitors took an interactive tour of the Academia Barilla instructional spaces, culinary laboratories and demonstration kitchens where Academia Barilla chefs introduced them to the nuances of the structure, the equipment and the teaching methods.