What Were Producing

Spring of Le Brasch

Spring of Le Brasch

Tokyo, Japan

April 2018

Since the late 1800s, this top watchmaker company has written some of the finest chapters in the history of haute horlogerie, including a number of world firsts. To continue their rich legacy, it was a natural choice for this luxury brand to have Empire Japan lead all aspects of their three-day event.

With the theme "Spring of Le Brasch", held at the beautiful G735 Gallery in Tokyo, Empire transformed this modern luxury car gallery to the lush Vallée de Joux. With over 200 brand guests in attendance, all were instantly transported from Tokyo to the beautiful greenery of the Vallée de Joux, Switzerland.

The highlights of the evening were an original menu by acclaimed French restaurant Joel Robuchon and an original live performance by Empire Artist's very own juggling extraordinaire, Yuusaku Mochizuki.

Empire is a leading producer of events and programs for luxury brands throughout the world. ​

All Hands and Hearts – Fight for Education (3rd Annual)

All Hands and Hearts – Fight for Education (3rd Annual)

New York City

February 2018

​All Hands and Hearts, Co-Founded by philanthropist and supermodel Petra Nemcova, called on Empire once again to produce their Third Fight for Education gala in the renowned Cipriani Wall Street.

On February 15, leaders from finance, sports, and fashion gathered to support the All Hands and Hearts mission to address immediate and long-term needs of communities impacted by natural disasters by engaging and leveraging volunteers, partner organizations, and local communities.

The action-packed evening was kicked off by internationally-acclaimed tenor James Valenti singing the National Anthem. After the moving performance, Petra invited All Hands and Hearts volunteer, former NFL star, and Good Morning America anchor Michael Strahan to speak about his recent experiences with the foundation as they worked to rebuild Houston after the devastation ofHurricane Harvey.

After his moving remarks, All Hands and Hearts co-chair Tina Lindstrom took to the ring to introduce their new partnership with Equinox and thank guests for their attendance. Then, veteran sports announcer Mark Fratto stepped into the ring to begin announcing the night’s roster of bouts.

The evening proceeded with six fights featuring amateurs in finance representing JP Morgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Siris Capital Cantor Fitzgerald, among others. The highlight of the night was the last fight between All Hands and Hearts Co-Chairs, Tina “TNT” Lindstrom and Kathleen “Kitty” Kelly, and showcased the women’s fierceness as well as their dedication to the cause.

In between the action, Sotheby’s auctioneer Ben Doller led the live auction of eight lots, including a trip to Mexico City to experience the famous Formula 1 on the Mexico City Grand Prix F1 track, and a special VIP package to NYFW.

Throughout the elevated evening, the nearly 400 guests were treated to a three-course meal of spring salad, entrée choices of world-famous Cipriani pasta, short rib or sea bass, and family-style desserts for a sweet finish.

Empire was proud to be a part of this creative fundraising event, having been the producer of All Hands and Hearts’ annual events for the last eight years, and is a leading producer of not-for-profit events globally.

To learn more about All Hands and Hearts, please visit https://www.allhandsandhearts.org/

Sheryl Crow Performs in Las Vegas

Sheryl Crow Performs in Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV

February 2018

Empire presented nine-time Grammy Award-winning artist, Sheryl Crow, and her full band for a corporate audience in Las Vegas. Approximately 500 guests of all ages packed the Palazzo Ballroom at the Venetian Hotel and Casino for the private performance.

The audience flocked to the stage as Sheryl Crow performed all of her greatest hits including, "All I Wanna Do", "Everyday is a Winding Road", "My Favorite Mistake", "Soak Up the Sun", and of course, "Leaving Las Vegas."

Empire was responsible for proposing, negotiating, contracting, and advancing all logistical and production elements for Sheryl Crow’s performance.

Empire is a leading provider of talent for corporate events and celebrations around the world.

i.am angel Foundation TRANS4M Gala

i.am angel Foundation TRANS4M Gala

Los Angeles, CA

February 2018

For the seventh year, Empire teamed up with visionary artist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist will.i.am to produce the annual TRANS4M Gala, benefiting his i.am angel Foundation.

This year’s gala honored Sean Parker, Chairman of the Parker Institute, for Cancer Immunotherapy, which is responsible for uniting laboratory and clinical efforts that will lead to the immunological treatment, control and prevention of cancer. The evening was co-hosted by Marc and Lynne Benioff, Ron Conway, Dean Kamen, Laurene Powell-Jobs, Van Jones, Ken and Teri Hertz and The Anneberg Foundation.

The i.am angel foundation supports charitable activities and programs providing college scholarships (i.am scholarship), college preparation (i.amCollege Track), and opportunities in STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), and remains committed to TRANS4M-ing will.i.am’s hometown neighborhood of Boyle Heights in East Los Angeles.

350 supporters gathered at Milk Studios for an intimate evening that showcased the foundation’s programs and students. i.am angel’s donors enjoyed cocktails and hors d'oeuvres as they engaged with students in a variety of demonstrations related to i.am angel’s STEAM programs.

After cocktails, guests made their way to The Hangar, which was transformed into an elegant dining room with long rustic wooden tables juxtaposed with the venue’s steel and urban vibe. Flourishes including hanging greenery, pin-spotted tabletop florals, and flickering candlelight for a warm yet forward-looking style.

The program was emceed by the Roast Master General, Jeff Ross. As the evening progressed, guests listened to heartwarming student testimonials and a fireside chat between will.i.am and honoree, Sean Parker. Later in the night, auctioneer Zack Krone took the stage with special guest auctioneer and comedian, Chris Tucker.  Together they led guests to bid on VIP experiences that ranged from a VIP U2concert experience to a vegan dinner and lifestyle experiences with Moby and will.i.am. The evening raised more than $1.6 million that will support ongoing STEAM education programs..

The evening finished with a high-energy double-bill performance by Black Eyed Peas and Earth Wind & Fire.

Empire is honored to continue our long-term partnership with the i.am angel Foundation and to serve as producer of this exclusive event.

For more information on this innovative foundation, please visit www.iamangelfoundation.org

CoreMedia Systems 25th Anniversary Concert featuring O.A.R.’s Marc Roberge and Questlove

CoreMedia Systems 25th Anniversary Concert featuring O.A.R.’s Marc Roberge and Questlove

New York City

January 2018

Empire was proud to work with CoreMedia Systems to produce their 25th Anniversary benefiting the Good Tidings Foundation. The high-profile charity concert featured celebrity talent with the goal of raising funds for the Good Tidings Foundation, a children’s charity that looks to equally support arts, education, athletics, and dreams for youth from communities in need all over the country.

Guests were welcomed to Gotham Hall, meticulously decorated in jewel-toned hues of blue and green velvet with gold accents to complement the golden dome of the 19th century building. Empire transformed the historic former bank into a sleek and modern lounge with a smoking room luxe atmosphere. Over 700 attendees enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres, food stations, and specialty cocktails along with a photo booth activation, silent auction, and an interactive digital graffiti wall.

The concert featured upbeat music from DJ Natasha Diggs, a main stage performance from Marc Roberge of O.A.R. and friends, and guests danced the remainder of the night away to tunes from famed DJ Questlove.

The host of the event, CoreMedia Systems, Inc. develops and supports CoreDirect, the advertising industry’s most widely used direct-response media management software. The system is used by more than 100 direct response agencies and marketers to plan, buy, manage, measure, and optimize direct response media campaigns.

Glenn DeKraker, the company’s founder and CEO, addressed the crowd along with Larry Harper, the founder o fGood Tidings, who invited famed New York Yankees pitcher, CC Sabathia to the stage to say a few words about the Good Tidings Foundation and announce their latest project in the Bronx to refurbish a Boys and Girls Club. During the evening, CoreMedia graciously presented a check of $334,000 as a donation to the Good Tidings Foundation, raised through the generous contributions of clients and friends in the direct response industry.

Empire served as the overall event producer, coordinated all logistics, catering, décor, talent acquisition and coordination, technical production, program, staffing and onsite management. Empire was proud to partner with CoreMedia Systems (www.coremedia-systems.com) to support the Good Tidings Foundation. To learn more and donate to the Good Tidings Foundation, please visit www.goodtidings.com.

The Ebony Power 100

The Ebony Power 100

Los Angeles, CA

December 2017

EBONY Magazine presented the 6th annual EBONY Power 100 Gala honoring the nation’s 100 most powerful and influential African Americans, along with Ebony Icon Award recipient, Maxine Waters, and the inaugural John H. Johnson Award recipient, Robert F. Smith, at the iconic Beverly Hilton's International Ballroom.

The event was hosted by the CEO of Ebony Media Operations, Linda Johnson Rice, The Chairman of Ebony Media Operations, Michael Gibson, and The Vice Chairman of Ebony Media Operations, Willard Jackson.

Following red carpet arrivals, media room activations, and an elegant cocktail reception, approximately 600 guests were seated for a dinner program emceed by Blackish star, actor and comedian, Deon Cole.

Over the course of the evening, attendees were entertained by musical and dance performances, including tap dancers from the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, an acoustic performance by Willow Smith, and a rousing finalé performance by Bell Biv Devoe.

DJ Cipha Sounds performed throughout the event and 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 on stage included Pastor Michael Walrond Jr., Essence Atkins, Tristan Mack Wilds, and Angela Rye.   Additional attendees included Magic and Cookie Johnson, Sugar Ray Leonard, Laila Ali, Anthony Anderson, and many more.

The Ebony Power 100 was presented by Nationwide Insurance, with other noteworthy sponsors and partners including United Airlines, Cadillac, Hilton Worldwide, Shea Moisturizer, and Diageo.

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

A Showcase Event for the New Pier 17 / Seaport District NYC Rooftop for The Howard Hughes Corporation

A Showcase Event for the New Pier 17 / Seaport District NYC Rooftop for The Howard Hughes Corporation

New York City

December 2017

The Howard Hughes Corporation partnered with Empire to present a holiday event to showcase the brand-new Pier 17 rooftop, located at the Seaport District NYC. Before a panorama of nighttime views overlooking lower Manhattan, the East River, and iconic Brooklyn Bridge, esteemed clients, employees, and friends christened the rooftop, opening the newest chapter in this historic location.  

This was the first event held at the new Pier 17 building, which began construction in 2014 after the previous building was damaged in Hurricane Sandy. Guests to this special event were invited to preview the new building and its one-of-a kind rooftop space, which was partially-tented for the event.

Guests arriving at the pier were greeted by a candlelit walkway leading them up to check-in. Upon disembarking on the rooftop, guests stepped into an elegant, all-black main space glowing with blue Astera light tubes designed to maximize the views of the skyline. Onstage, Vargas Productions and the BSKI Band kept the energy high with alternating sets of DJ-spun tunes and popular dance hits.

The interior space was flanked by two clear navi-trac tent structures, allowing guests to enjoy the breathtaking views while they enjoyed built-out lounge spaces featuring a towering Champagne Bar and Bourbon Bar, signature cocktails prepared at the 16’ diamond-cut ice bar by Okamoto Studio, and an eclectic menu of delicious foods provided by Olivier Cheng Catering.

Large French doors and a lighted path of LED tubes beckoned guests outside to the viewing deck to take in the gorgeous views and a live carving of an ice sculpture, while sitting by inviting fire pits overlooking the East River, wrapped in warm blankets and sipping hot apple cider toddys.

Sponsors for the night included Lincoln, who featured a fully-loaded Navigator on the roof, and Heineken.

The night was filled with holiday spirit as attendees danced the night away atop of Pier 17.

Empire is honored to have produced this milestone event in this historic and vibrant new location.

To learn more about Pier 17 and Seaport District visit www.seaportdistictnyc.com

Environmental Defense Fund’s 50th Anniversary Gala

Environmental Defense Fund’s 50th Anniversary Gala

San Francisco

November 2017

Since 1967, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) has worked tirelessly to solve the world’s biggest environmental problems. To celebrate 50 years of “finding the ways that work”, EDF wanted to gather longtime supporters, partners, and associates to thank them and outline the pivotal steps on the path ahead.

To match the magnitude of the accomplishment, EDF hosted an event in San Francisco. Working with EDF from the beginning of the process, Empire helped source and secure the perfect venue and backdrop for the event, Terra Gallery.

More than 225 attendees enjoyed mingling during a cocktail hour, complete with a full bar, hors d’oeuvres, and a live jazz guitarist.

Guests then moved upstairs for the stage program and seated dinner. Following the over-arching theme of the “Four Waves” of environmentalism, host Margaret Hoover (author, activist, and CNN analyst) introduced two original videos generated specifically for the event: the first documenting the growth of the environmental movement and EDF’s role in it, and the second focusing on EDF’s work harnessing the power of partnerships to achieve environmental progress.

Kathleen McLaughlin, SVP, Chief Sustainability Officer, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., sat in conversation with host Margaret Hoover to discuss how the EDF/Walmart partnership has helped the retailer eliminate several chemicals of concern from consumer product on their shelves, and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from their global supply chain had on company-wide sustainability at a corporate level.

To further drive home the message of impact, EDF welcomed a rancher, farmer, and fisherman to share stories on how EDF programs have directly benefited them and their industries, while advancing conservation for species and ecosystems.

The keynote speech was provided by former Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus, who discussed the importance of partnering with EDF during his tenure, which helped the Navy and Marine Corps substantially reduce fuel consumption and improve energy security.

EDF President, Fred Krupp, who has led the organization for the past 33 years, rounded out the night with an impactful speech. His message acknowledged the challenges ahead, but offered hope that EDF – with the help of people in the room and others like them – could continue to make progress on the most pressing environmental problems facing the world.

Empire is proud to have produced this anniversary event and supports the work and mission of the EDF.

To learn more about the Environmental Defense Fund, please visit www.edf.org.

Fashion at Lincoln Center Presents an Evening with Louis Vuitton

Fashion at Lincoln Center Presents an Evening with Louis Vuitton

New York City

November 2017

For the fourth time, Empire was honored to partner with Lincoln Center for their annual Fashion at Lincoln Center Gala, taking place at Alice Tully Hall. This year’s gala was An Evening with Louis Vuitton, honoring the brand’s Artistic Director of Women’s Collections, Nicolas Ghesquiere.

On-stage remarks were made by Steve Swartz, Glenda Bailey, Jennifer Connelly, Paul Bettany, and Nicolas Ghesquiere himself. Guests in attendance included Nicole Kidman, Jayden Smith, Michelle Williams, and Sophia Turner, among many others.

The event featured a headline performance by French singer-songwriter and visionary, Woodkid, performing five songs including his track ‘OTTO’ that was specially composed for Louis Vuitton’s Paris fashion show and Nicolas Ghesquiere. With the support of a hand-picked 38-piece orchestra, custom-made set design and a surprise guest appearance by iconic French actress Catherine Deneuve, Woodkid and the accompanying ensemble received a standing ovation from the exuberant crowd after delivering one of the most unique performances to ever grace the Alice Tully Hall stage.

Following the stage program and performance, guests were invited into the Hall lobby for dinner, where the elegant table settings were surrounded by a multi-media installation featuring various Louis Vuitton content curated specially for the event.

Empire was responsible for all stage program and performance production, curating the orchestra, facilitating off-site musical rehearsals, set-design, technical production, lighting design, and the lobby installation, among other elements.

Empire is a leading producer of high-end events for luxury and fashion brands and is proud to partner with Louis Vuitton, Lincoln Center, and Woodkid on this highly successful event.

Microsoft Connect

Microsoft Connect

New York City

November 2017

Microsoft hosted their three-day in-person and online developer event, Connect();, at Spring Studios in New York City.

Led by Microsoft Cloud and Enterprise Group EVP Scott Guthrie, Connect(); is a key communications event for the Microsoft developer community and functions as an annual platform for announcements and demo’s in Cloud, DevOps, Mobile, Data, and AI. At Microsoft Connect(); developers are introduced to important new tools and services that enable them to build the apps and software programs of the future that will have a positive effect on people’s lives. Spring Studios once again served as the ideal setting for an event dedicated to impact, innovation, and openness.

To balance the Keynote room’s sun-filled space with the need to beautifully illustrate data-driven content, three large-scale, high-resolution LED screens were custom-built to fit within the existing window frames. An additional series of transparent columns were lit from within and created two “walls” on each side of the room, masking the extensive back of house space required to support the technical program in the open plan space while visually supporting Microsoft’s themes of open-ness, flexibility, and transparency. The same visual aesthetic was extended into every aspect of the event and incorporated radiating graphics and HUD interface elements, communicating that “information is everywhere.”

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

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