Founded in 2011, Techonomy Media has created a platform to host conversations at the highest level about the role of technology in our economy and society, the pace of change, and what that means for us and our world—all while advocating for greater understanding through the publication of editorial content and video journalism across a variety of platforms including online, print, and through conferences and events.

For the fourth year in a row, the Techonomy annual flagship conference took place at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Half Moon Bay, California, where 250 guests participated in three days of engaging and interactive keynote presentations, panel discussions, townhalls, and live debates.

To evolve and reinvigorate this future forward program, Techonomy turned to Empire to redesign and refresh the look and feel of the event. Working with a bold new color palette and brand design by branding agency, Oberland, Empire created new space designs that optimized the attendee experience while preserving harmony with the venue’s existing architecture and decor.

To optimize the utilization of the Ritz-Carlton’s main ballroom and create variety throughout the day’s presentations, Empire provided a stage design that allowed for one central, main stage and two smaller flanking stages. The side stages were angled to maximize sightlines and each was stage backed with a large format LED screen, which showcased content, slides, and image magnification when the main stage was live. When a featured taping of NPR’s live debate show, Intelligence Squared, was added to the program, the three-stage format was a natural fit, and truly enhanced the presentation of the debate.

Audience seating for the general session was comprised of comfortable and functional tiered seating, offering the guests who would spend upwards of 18 hours in the room over the course of the conference the option of relaxed lounge seating, upright theater-style chairs with side tables for coffee and water, and elevated “classroom-style” table and chair options for those taking notes on laptops.

For the meals, a clear, open span tent was positioned near the conference center overlooking sweeping ocean views. Empire curated a variety of furniture groupings to emulate a restaurant-feel. An assortment of banquettes, king’s tables, high tops, and bar-style runner tables were rearranged from meal to meal to maintain interest, encourage networking, and optimizing flow for each unique meal.

Furniture was added or removed on a function-by-function basis based on attendance to maintain the intimacy and bespoke nature of the event.

Many of Techonomy’s attendees and thought leaders remarked that this year marked a next-level experience and the client was thrilled with the results.

Empire was proud to work with the Techonomy Media team to deliver an extraordinary event.

To learn more about the Techonomy 18 Conference visit here

For the ninth consecutive year, Empire served as producer of ARTWALK NY–New York City’s foremost annual art auction fundraiser, benefiting the Coalition for the Homeless.

More than 750 Coalition supporters, artists, collectors, art-lovers, and celebrities gathered at Spring Studios for a night filled with more than 100 pieces of contemporary art in a silent and live auction.

The evening was generously presented by Italian fashion house Max Mara. This year, artists Marina Adams and Stanley Whitney were honored for their contributions to contemporary art, and Suzanne Siano was honored for her continued philanthropic support of the Coalition over the years.

During the live program, Aileen Agopian auctioned off a spectacular selection of artworks courtesy of some of the world’s most renowned artists, including Jenny Holzer, Kenny Scharf, Ed Ruscha, and the night’s honorees, Marina Adams and Stanley Whitney.

The evening began with hors d’oeuvres by Spring Place and cocktails graciously provided by Perrier-Jouët, Tito’s Vodka, Hendrick’s Gin, Qui Tequila, Stella Artois, and Ramona. Tasting stations were provided by a selection of New York’s best restaurants, including ACME, MIMI, The Odeon, Colonia Verde, Manhatta, Noted Tribeca, Brodo, Claudette, and Untitled. Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream offered several of their delectable unique flavors and Counter Culture with Everyman Espresso served up Americanos, espresso, and cappuccinos.

Throughout the night, guests bid on and purchased works from established and emerging artists while listening to upbeat tunes spun by DJ Mia Moretti and DJ Elle Dee.

ARTWALK NY, the Coalition’s largest annual fundraiser, supports their many programs that provide permanent housing, job training, emergency food and clothing, crisis services, and youth programs to over 3,500 homeless New Yorkers each day.

Working closely with the Coalition for the Homeless’ events team and title sponsor Max Mara, Empire served as executive producer of the event and was responsible for event design, production and logistics, décor, and restaurant coordination.

To learn more about the Coalition for the Homeless or to get involved and donate, visit http://www.coalitionforthehomeless.org/

Following the successful spring launch events produced by Empire in New York and San Francisco for Dartmouth College’s $3 billion capital campaign, The Call to Lead, Dartmouth’s leadership once again turned to Empire as their creative and production partner for a multi-city tour to expand the campaign’s reach and to promote its vision, impact, and progress.

These regional events, focusing on both campaign impact and Dartmouth’s 250^th anniversary, are meant to re-ignite ties between Dartmouth’s alumni and their alma, mater and to further promote Dartmouth’s strategic priorities locally, nationally, and around the world. The first four stops on the tour—in the fall of 2018—were Stamford, CT, Chicago, Boston, and Seattle.

Each event followed a similar format, with adaptations and localizations for each city. Upon arrival, guests were met with a Dartmouth-themed exterior presence and live music experience. Guests registered at branded, wooden “Call to Lead” check-in desks and then entered a theater space to enjoy a program. Décor included wooden chairs dressed with Dartmouth green cushions and hung with individual college pennants. The program began with a viewing of the “March of Time” video counting down the 249 years of Dartmouth’s history. Speakers included Chair of the Dartmouth Board of Trustees, Laurel Richie, and Dartmouth College President, Philip J. Hanlon, who delivered updates on the campaign and gift announcements that were customized for each location. Each program also featured two student-faculty pairs of presenters who highlighted the experiential learning and collaborations that help define the Dartmouth experience.

At the finalé of the stage program, a musical performance led to a reveal of a Dartmouth-themed reception. This featured replicas of major Dartmouth landmarks surrounded by a backdrop of the New Hampshire forest custom-printed in high-definition on scenic drape. Custom scenic pieces representing Dartmouth Hall, Baker Tower, and other campus landmarks filled the space, which also included intimate areas for curated conversations. A focal point of the reception space was a giant, free-standing bar inspired by the iconic Moosilauke Ravine Lodge. This centerpiece featured a canoe bar back and wooden roof with panoramic screens displaying high definition campus imagery through each of the four seasons. Each reception featured a trio of live musicians providing background music and an interactive photo-booth.

Empire worked closely with several Dartmouth departments, students, faculty, alumni, and volunteers, as well as many creative, communications, production, and events partners to plan and execute the events. Empire’s role included concept development, messaging, venue acquisition, budgeting, registration, scripting, screen content production, technical production, catering, permitting, security, scenic, décor, staffing, and guest logistics and experience.

The Call to Lead aspires to raise $3 billion overall to realize three overarching goals: advancing Dartmouth’s distinctive educational model to its fullest potential; making discoveries that improve the human condition; and preparing students for lives of wise leadership. To date, more than 81,600 donors have committed a total of $1.84 billion to the campaign through gifts of all sizes.

Dartmouth will present multiple regional campaign and 250th anniversary celebrations through November 2019.

Empire is a leading producer of high-level events, both on and off campus, for Ivy League schools and many of the world’s leading educational institutions.

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Empire was recently engaged by world-renowned wedding designer Colin Cowie to deliver a variety of talent for a private wedding at the Le Toiny Hotel in St. Barthelemy.

For this intimate event for approximately 100 guests, Empire secured The Tenors to perform a five song, a capella performance during the wedding ceremony. Located directly on the beach with unbelievable views of the ocean,The Tenors serenaded the family, wedding party, and guests with the songs “Everything I Do, I Do It For You”, “Smash Into You”, “Maybe I’m Amazed”, “The Best Thing About Me”, and “Let Me Love You”.

For the main party, Empire secured international superstar DJ Paris Hilton as a surprise musical guest to spin a two-hour, high energy dance set. Guests enjoyed her elegant stage presence while dancing the night away–some even danced with her on-stage!

In addition to The Tenors and Paris Hilton, Empire booked the synchronized swimming team The Aqualillies to provide atmospheric swimming throughout the evening.

Empire is one of the world’s leading sources of headline entertainment for private events and celebrations.

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On November 30, 2018, EBONY Magazine presented the 7th annual EBONY Power 100 Gala, honoring the nation’s 100 most powerful and influential individuals who have had a positive impact on the African-American community. These include Ebony Icon Award recipient, Motown Records, and the inaugural Chairman Award recipient, former BET Networks Chairman & CEO, DebraL. Lee.

This year’s Ebony Power 100 returned to the iconic Beverly Hilton's International Ballroom and was hosted by Chairman Emeritus of Ebony Media Operations, Linda Johnson Rice, Chairman and CEO, Michael Gibson, and Co-Chair, Willard Jackson.

Following red carpet arrivals in the Wilshire Ballroom, media room activations, sponsor activations, and an elegant cocktail reception, approximately 640 guests were seated for a dinner program emceed by comedian, actor, and humanitarian, Chris Tucker.

Over the course of the evening, attendees were entertained by musical performances, including Motown artist, JAMES DAVIS, and a rousing finalé performance by NE-YO, who brought the audience to their feet.

DJ Spicoli performed throughout the event, and DJ Clark Kent spun at the post-reception in the International Foyer and Terrace, where guests also enjoyed a variety of activities and sponsored social sharing stations.

Celebrities and A-listers in attendance and featured onstage included This is Us stars, Susan Kelechi Watson and Melanie Liburd, JB Smoove from Curb Your Enthusiasm, Ryan Wilson and TK Petersen of The Gathering Spot, and the President of Motown, Ethiopia Habtemariam.

The Ebony Power 100 was presented by Nationwide, as well as other sponsors including United Airlines, Lexus, Diageo, and Motown. The event also partnered with the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, raising funds throughout the evening through a text to pledge.

Empire was honored to serve once again  as event producer for the Ebony Power 100, responsible for venue logistics, décor, production, talent coordination, registration, videography, event logistics, and onsite management.

Empire partnered with Endeavor to celebrate 21 years of leading the high-impact entrepreneurship movement. This year’s gala celebrated the creation of over 1.5 million jobs by Endeavor Entrepreneurs and showcased Endeavor’s powerful global network of over 500 game-changing entrepreneurs and international industry leaders.

The Gala took place at Spring Studios and opened with a cocktail reception overlooking New York City's trendy Tribeca neighborhood. Guests enjoyed hors d'ouevres served on innovative hand-carried serving racks by PinchFood Design and sampled Rabbit Hole Distillery products from a laboratory-style bar as they circulated among exhibits showcasing Endeavor Entrepreneur products in food and beverage, retail, fashion, technology, and more. Signature cocktails featuring blueberries by Endeavor Entrepreneur company Grupo Interrupción* were served on an automated conveyor belt as well as an ever-changing array of Endeavor Entrepreneur products like Banza Mac and Cheese, Beesline lip balm, Pacari Chocolate, and more, for guests to take home.  

Following cocktails, all guests were invited to a seated dinner in the massive, minimalist Studios 3 & 4. The dinner program included keynote remarks by Endeavor Global’s Chairman, Edgar Bronfman Jr., and honored Bill McGlashan, Founder and Managing Partner of TPG Growth and CEO of The Rise Fund. At the conclusion of dinner, guests enjoyed a performance by Warner Music artist, Matt Maeson.

After dinner, guests moved downstairs to Endeavor's Scale Up Party in the cocktail space, now transformed into a nightclub. The afterparty featured music by Hannah Bronfman.

Empire collaborated with the Endeavor team to plan and execute this carefully-orchestrated event, for which every aspect of the design showcased the organization's mission and success stories. Designs included scenic exhibits, custom printing highlighting Endeavor’s global impact, and furniture fabrications that visually represented various Endeavor Entrepreneurs' inventions and business models.

Empire is a leading producer of innovative not-for-profit galas and proud to support this organization that has transformed local economies through innovation, job creation, and mentorship.

To learn more about Endeavor, please visit endeavor.org.

Empire served as the producer of The Studio Museum in Harlem’s 50th anniversary celebration, with artistic direction by Red Maple Leaf. The annual Gala took place at the historic Park Avenue Armory in New York City with over 800 artists, philanthropists, cultural leaders, civic leaders, and business leaders in attendance, to celebrate the Studio Museum’s important role in promoting the work of artists of African descent as the Museum prepares to construct a new home at its longtime location on Manhattan’s West 125^th Street.

Guests made their way to cocktails by walking through some of the Armory’s historic and magnificent reception rooms. Upon entering the Wade Thompson Drill Hall, one of the largest unobstructed spaces in New York City, guests’ attention were drawn to a statement floral installation located in the middle of the cocktail space, surrounded by highboys with matching centerpieces and black sequin linens.

To signal the start of dinner, 30-foot high drapes were pulled back to reveal the rest of the Drill Hall. Guests were invited to the dinner space with a swell in music performed live by JukeBox Atlanta. A grand stage with sheer drape and long hanging crystal garlands, flanking screens, and tall statement centerpieces highlighted by pinspots on each table also drew the guests’ attention to dinner.  

The evening’s program featured remarks by Co-Chairs Jacqueline L. Bradley, Kathryn C. Chenault, Carol Sutton Lewis, and Dr. Amelia Ogunlesi; Thelma Golden, Director and Chief Curator; and Raymond J. McGuire, Chairman of the Board. First Lady of New York City, Chirlane McCray, presented the Studio Museum with a Mayoral Proclamation to commemorate the Museum’s historic 50 year legacy. The 13th annual Joyce Alexander Wein Prize, supported by George Wein, was presented to Los Angeles-based artist, Diedrick Brackens, confirming the rise of a boundary-defying young artist who has emerged within only the past seven years. Nancy Lane, a long-time member of the Studio Museum’s Board of Trustees, and currently the Chair of the Acquisition Committee, Co-Chair of the Building Committee, Chair of the Program and Collection Committee, and a member of the Nominating Committee, was also recognized that evening.

The evening ended with dancing on the sleek black dance floor to another live set by Jukebox Atlanta, and desserts in what was previously the cocktails space.

The Gala raised over $4 million in support of the Studio Museum’s operating costs, including key initiatives such as the collaborative, community-enriching in Harlem exhibitions and programs.

Empire was proud to work closely with the Studio Museum and Red Maple Leaf teams to deliver a flawless and memorable evening for The Studio Museum in Harlem.  

For more information on The Studio Museum in Harlem, please visit https://www.studiomuseum.org/​

Medidata is a global technology company with a passion for Life Sciences that is transforming clinical development across the globe. Medidata recently hosted their 19th Annual NEXT Conference at Spring Studios in New York City, hosting over 1,100 attendees.

Known for its tagline “Where Science Meets Technology Meets the Future,” Medidata NEXT provides a space where like-minded professionals, developers, data scientists, researchers, executives, and Medidata product experts connect, learn, and inspire each other.

Medidata took over every available space of Spring Studios, filling the venue with multiple sessions of thought-provoking content and an “Innovation Lounge” where attendees could fill up their coffee, grab a bite to eat, and network among sponsors and colleagues. Fourteen custom-built product demos showcased Medidata’s current suite of solutions for biotech and pharmaceutical companies that enable them to bring life-saving therapies to market more efficiently and effectively.

Composed of overlapping general sessions and eight distinct breakout tracks, Empire was tasked with optimizing the space for both large and small audiences for various sessions. Among the solutions deployed was a production design that allowed for the general session space to be converted into two separate, fully-equipped breakout session spaces and back again multiple times over the course of two days. Accomplishing this technical engineering feat while ensuring flawless execution required detailed planning and advance technology design.

Empire and Medidata’s marketing and event teams worked together seamlessly to bring the Medidata brand to life across every inch of Spring Studios. Bold, expressive signage stretched across the exterior and interior walls, while a series of bright LED screens presented Medidata’s visual identity to reinforce their position as the leading innovator and disruptor in Life Sciences.  

Empire is proud to collaborate with Medidata on this annual, top-tier business event.

To learn more about Medidata NEXT and to view excerpts of NEXT 2018, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OH73SHvy1Z8&feature=youtu.be

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The Call for Code Initiative is a multi-year, global rallying cry for developers to use their skills and mastery of the latest technologies to drive positive change across the world through the code they create. Call for Code brings startup, academic, and enterprise developers together and inspires them to solve the most pressing societal issues of our time.

In its inaugural year, Empire worked hand-in-hand with Creator David Clark Cause and Founding Partner, IBM, to produce the first-ever Call for Code Global Prize Celebration at The Regency Ballroom in San Francisco.

For 2018, the Call for Code Global Challenge invited developers to create solutions that significantly improve preparedness for natural disasters and relief when they hit. The response to this first-of-its-kind competition was astounding: Developers from 156 nations took part in the Call for Code, investing an estimated 1 million developers towards a specific mission to alleviate human suffering. The initiative had the support from a cross-section of experts, and humanitarian and international organizations including United Nations Human Rights Office, The American Red Cross, and the Linux Foundation.

On arrival guests were met at the entrance by a mounted team of San Francisco first responders. The Awards event kicked off with a cocktail hour which included activations focused on hurricanes, wildfires, and earthquakes. Each activation had three elements–projected video footage of natural disasters, screen content to display developer solutions, and tablet computers with corresponding data. Guests were invited to interact with these activations and discover the impact natural disasters have once they hit.

The stage program began dramatically with an immersive sound environment in the dark that transported the audience into the middle of a natural disaster which led to the introduction of program host, Kate Parker, Meteorologist and Science Reporter at The Weather Channel. Other program participants included Deputy Fire Chief of the City of Palo Alto, Geo Blackshire, Chief of External Relations of UN Human Rights, Laurent Sauveur, Developer Evangelist, JOMA, and Communications and Policy Lead at Project Lantern, Subalekha.

Of the top three finalists, Project OWL was named the winner for their innovative IoT and software solution that keeps first responders and victims connected in a natural disaster. The winner was chosen by a panel of eminent judges that included former President Bill Clinton.

Call for Code concluded with an upbeat performance by Local Natives, who are also committed and interested in coding technology.

“Empire CEO J. B. Miller and his entire production team did a fantastic job creating a dynamic, immersive event for the inaugural Call for Code Global Celebration”, said Call for Code creator David Clark. “My team, as well as the team at IBM were thrilled with the results, yet I was not surprised, as I’ve engaged Empire countless times over the last 18 years, and they delivered, as they always have.”

To learn more and/or join next year’s Call for Code, please visit https://callforcode.org

Following the success of Harper’s BAZAAR's A-list “BAZAAR ICONS” event in New York City, the celebration continued in Tokyo with the help of Empire Entertainment Japan.

Attended by the leaders of the fashion, beauty and entertainment world, the star-studded event hosted over 150 celebrities and VIP guests taking over the exceptional Joel Robuchon Restaurant in Ebisu.

BAZAAR ICONS began with a grand VIP entrance before a large crowd of onlookers and flashing paparazzi cameras, continued into the multi-floor restaurant to the Bulgari Tunnel video shoot, and then into the main room where guests lounged, sipped champagne, and danced to a special headline performance by Japan’s most influential guitarist, Char.

Among the many celebrity and VIP attendees were Carine Roitfeld, Theodora Richards, Alexandra Richards, Mori Hikari, Yamada Yu, Tominaga Ai, Becky, MAKIDAI, ELLI-ROSE, Ellie (Chim↑Pom), Licaxxx, Hatakeyama Chiaki, Nagai Mijika, Julia Abe, Saila Kunikida, Kana Oya, Char, Ishimura Tomomi, Emi Meyer, Iruka, ATSUSHI (Dragon Ash), Mika Ahn, Kansai Yamamoto, Momoko Abe, CHIHARU, MIKI EHARA, Yuka Mannami, Kiko Arai, Rila Fukushima, Ai Hashizume, and Rina Fukushi.

Empire was proud to produce yet another successful BAZAAR ICONS event, once again proving its expertise in producing high-profile events around the world.

BAZAAR ICONS 2018 IN TOKYO DIGEST MOVIE

BAZAAR ICONS 2018 IN TOKYO: PARTY SNAP

BAZAAR ICONS 2018 IN TOKYO: INSTAGRAM POSTS

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