John Legend & Norah Jones Perform for Robb Report
For more than 40 years, Robb Report has consistently transported its global community to the most extraordinary destinations, experiences, and events. In late 2019, it more than lived up to that reputation by hosting an exceptional event: a special invitation-only gathering of the world’s largest megayachts in the Red Sea, for a celebration of food, music, and culture.
Robb Report created a luxury resort on a former Egyptian outpost in the Red Sea (Sindalah Island, now part of the NEOM economic zone) to host 400 guests from 38 countries over four days. Invitees ranged from business leaders and politicians to oceanographers, artists, and philanthropists. A program of unique discussions and experiences was unveiled, from open-air concerts featuring a line-up of Grammy Award-winning musical names, to exceptional culinary events with some of the world’s finest chefs.
Empire was thrilled to work with the Robb Report to contract and deliver performances by John Legend and Norah Jones for this exceptional event.
Michelin-starred British chef Jason Atherton hosted an exclusive pop-up restaurant, serving a seven-course tasting menu inspired by the local region, while Egyptian-American, Michelin-starred Michael Mina and Saudi chef Almaha Aldossari welcomed guests to their own relaxed Beach House dining experience.
From art masterclasses with Lucy Freud, daughter of artist Lucian Freud, to cultural excursions with local guides, plus numerous sporting opportunities from kite surfing to fishing, guests enjoyed four days of unparalleled luxury and adventure. Exploring one of the great diving locations, all were able to experience first-hand the stunning marine world of the Red Sea—which has some of the best-preserved coral reefs on the planet—whether by transparent kayak, snorkeling, or scuba diving.
A bespoke spa was also created by luxurious Swiss specialists Waldhaus Flims, which took care of those who just wanted to relax.
By bringing over 65 of the world’s largest superyachts to the region, Robb Report has created the most rarefied, annual marine event in the world: the best of the best on the ocean.
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
