Palillo, who lived in Palm Beach, was best known for his performance as Arnold Horshack on the 1970's sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter. He had extensive stage credits and served as artistic director of Palm Beach's Cuillo Centre for the Arts.

Performers and speakers will include actors Anita Gillette and Robert Bartley, literary agent Elaine Devlin, Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs (Welcome Back, Kotter's Freddie Washington), and Joseph Gramm, Palillo's life partner.

In addition, Kotter stars John Travolta, Gabe Kaplan, and Marcia Strassman along with Donna Pescow have written statements to be read at the event. Other highlights include a reading from Palillo's play, The Lost Boy and a special video tribute. Lawrence Leritz is directing/producing, with co-producers Bob Dio and Elaine Devlin.