Endeavor’s “Elsewhere” Gala
Elsewhere. Not just what’s next, but where’s next. Endeavor’s annual gala became a defining moment to spotlight markets often overlooked by venture capital, yet filled with entrepreneurs pushing against all odds. Rooted in Endeavor’s belief that the future of innovation is global, the evening challenged guests to rethink where transformational technology comes from, and where it’s headed next. Alongside Endeavor, we transformed this broad vision into a full immersion discovery, introducing the “Gateway to Elsewhere.”
After a program centered on the power of Elsewhere, guests stepped into a travel-inspired reception that made Elsewhere feel real and ready to explore. Subtle airport cues were everywhere, escort cards as boarding passes, overhead wayfinding, and even a central arrivals board disguised as a bar. As flight attendants offered curated food experiences, guests explored discovery-led activations. Nestled in the terminal sat “The Elsewhere Newsstand”, a Hudson News-inspired photobooth highlighting the launch of Endeavor’s new magazine. Before departure, everyone visited “Baggage Claim”, where a spinning wheel awarded a special gifts from Endeavor Entrepreneurs closing the journey on a high note.
Working closely with Endeavor, our team led program flow, technical and creative development, and the build of entrepreneur-forward interactive elements.
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
