AMC Networks Upfront
For the first time ever, all five networks comprising AMC Networks – AMC, BBC America, IFC, Sundance and WEtv – came together to present a single upfront under the umbrella of AMCN. This year’s ambitious event featured a multi-room staged experience and a star-studded dinner for over 600 VIP guests.
Upon arriving at Skylight Clarkson North, guests were immediately transported into the world of AMCN. An elegant arrival hall featuring key art of programming across all five networks led guests into the smart and sophisticated cocktail reception. Guests enjoyed savory hors d’oeuvres and prosecco until Scott Collins, President of AMC Networks Ad Sales, delivered welcome remarks and revealed the dinner.
On cue, drapes pulled open to reveal a massive, elegant dining room to the awestruck guests. Two giant, towering high resolution LED video walls, each 64’ in length, flanked the room, and a sea of tables sparkled custom-designed centerpieces of bell glass-enclosed lights. While dining on the gazpacho and mini lobster roll amuse bouche, provided by Abigail Kirsch, President & GM of AMC, and SundanceTV's Charlie Collier spoke about the upcoming programming on both networks while visual content adapted to the unique screens illustrated each point in perfect synchronization. Collier called Walking Dead star Norman Reedus to stage to time how long he could speak without mentioning the show (about 12 minutes).
After Collier’s remarks he welcomed Sarah Barnett, President & GM of BBC America, to the stage where she shared breathtaking, immersive footage from Planet Earth 2 and other exciting news. Collins then returned towel come with fanfare nearly 60 of the stars from across all AMC Networks, who made their way into the room and joined the guests at each table. Among others, Pierce Brosnan, Amanda Peet, Hank Azaria, Elijah Wood, Steve Buscemi, Carrie Brownstein, Norman Reedus, Kendra Wilkinson, Fred Armisen, and Mama June dined with guests and rotated tables between courses.
Following dinner, Marc Juris, President & GM of WEtv, and Jen Caserta, President & GM of IFC, both shared news about their respective networks’ upcoming slate and announced new partnerships and acquisitions. Collins then welcomed guests to yet another revealed space, the afterparty lounge, where guests took photos with their favorite AMCN celebs. Throughout the afterparty, guests enjoyed cocktails mixed with theatrical flair, danced to music spun by DJ Jon Black, and shared photos taken on a social media green screen photo booth where they dressed in AMC Networks programming-inspired costumes, like servers at Los Pollos Hermanos with talent like Romeo Miller.
MediaVillage journalist Simon Applebaum wrote of the event, “While other cable-distributed channels dropped out of the 2017 New York Upfront scene, AMC … bounced back with yet another unforgettable presentation.This time, however, AMC was joined by the other networks in its fold – IFC, BBCAmerica, SundanceTV and WEtv… To quote a Broadway song classic, ‘some enchanted evening.’ High-quality in all the key aspects, and kudos to all the talent for letting attendees get to know them.”
Empire was proud to continue our long-term partnership with AMC Networks and serve as overall event producer, provide concept, design, technical production, décor, and execution of all aspects of this very special upfront event.
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
