8th Annual Shorty Awards
Hailed as the Oscars of social media, the Shorty Awards honor the best influencers, celebrities, and brands on popular social media platforms such as Snapchat, Periscope, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and more. The 8th Annual Shorty Awards returned this year to The Times Center. Streaming live on YouTube to over 100,000 viewers, the event highlighted popular digital talent, animals, blogs, and content, alongside traditional celebrities.
Mamrie Hart, ranked #2 on Buzzfeed’s list of “10 YouTubers to Know,” hosted this year’s program, while Pitch Perfect 2’s Flula pumped up the show as the house DJ. Presenters ranged the gamut from internet stars such as Hannah Hart, Rhett & Link, Lele Pons, and Frankie Grande, to America’s favorite weatherman, Al Roker, Fuse TV’s Chris Gethard, and LMFAO’s Redfoo.
The competition was fierce this year with over 3.4 million votes, nearly double that of last year. Winners of the signature Shorty Awards Whale Tail included Jimmy Fallon, Misty Copeland, Katie Couric, Adele, Jiff Pom, Baddie Winkle, Lindsey Sterling, Kevin Hart, Hannah Hart, Casey Neistat, and Snapchatter of the Year – DJ Khaled. Not to mention Pizza Rat walking off with the Shorty Award for GIF of the Year.
International R&B sensation Nico & Vinz hit the stage for a special musical performance with their hit song, “Am I Wrong”, and new track from DJ Spinking “League of Your Own.” Once again, the entire program was simulcast to a separate viewing party downstairs where guests were able to network while enjoying the delicious caterings of Cleaver and Co, beer from Sixpoint, and signature cocktails in teal wax-dipped glasses from Maker’s Mark. Winners from this year’s brand and organization competition accepted their trophies on their very own stage where they were invited to record their acceptance speeches as well.
We’re proud to partner with The Shorty Awards for our second year and we wish a huge congratulation to all the influencer and brand winners this year!
Guests received their first taste of technological innovation at registration, where they were welcomed by name on a reactive LED screen installation covering the full width of the entry wall. A large lunch café was created with a décor scheme that incorporated custom-built, ceiling-high steel LED frames draped with foliage to create smaller, intimate restaurant-style spaces that displayed both technology and nature.
A series of breakout sessions presented content targeted to attendees’ varied interests, while imagery displayed throughout the venue showcased real-life applications of how products designed to empower developers help to unleash the power of data and reimagine possibilities that will improve our world.
Every element of Microsoft Connect(); from registration, breakfast and keynote, to lunch and evening cocktails, were custom-designed to communicate exacting brand messaging and to deliver a high-touch guest experience to this important audience. The keynote and breakout sessions were livestreamed through an onsite studio built for this purpose and content was watched online by millions around the world.
Empire is proud to collaborate with Microsoft on this annual, top-tier business communication event.
To view excerpts of Connect(); 2017, please visit https://www.microsoft.com/connectevent
