UN Women hosted their third annual HeForShe event, a global solidarity movement in support of women’s rights and full equality between women and men.

The HeForShe 10x10x10 Gender Parity Report took place at the beautiful Cipriani 42nd St. and brought together Heads of State, CEO’s of global corporations, and leaders of the world’s top universities to review the impact the #HeForShe campaign has made in each of these sectors internationally for the gender equality.

Empire acted as the overall event producer handling the audio, video, staging, scenic aspects, and stage management of the program.

Hosted by Under-Secretary-General of the UN and the Executive Director of UN Women Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, and MC’ed by Senior Advisor to the Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women Elizabeth Nyamayaro, the event featured each of the IMPACT and Thematic Champion’s strategies for effective change.

A highlight of the morning was His Excellency Peter Mathurika, President of Malawi’s moving speech and accompanying video of his nation’s work to end early childhood marriages. Other notable speakers included the CEO of Barclay’s, Jes Staley, Chairman of Price Waterhouse, Cooper Bob Mortiz, His Excellency Sauli Niinstö, President of Finland, His Excellency Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, CEO of Vodafone, Vittorio Colao, and John J. DeGioia, President of Georgetown University.

The event served not only as a reflection of the progress made, but pointed to the future of the initiative as six new champions were named to move the cause of gender equality forward in each of their specific sectors.

Some of the new champions include Andrew Wilson, CEO of Electronic Arts, Bruce Cleaver, CEO of De Beers, Giles York, and Chief Constable of the Sussex Police. These new champions have committed to making gender equality an “institutional priority”, agreeing to monitor the commitments annually. For more information on UN Women and the HeForShe initiative, go to http://heforshe.org

Casper (the sleep company) goes to Casper (the city in Wyoming) for the Eclipse!

On August 21st, 2017, the earth crossed the shadow of the moon, creating a total solar eclipse that travelled across the entire USA – and one of the best places to view this astronomical event was Casper, WY. So Casper (the sleep company) hit the road to create a once-in-a-lifetime luxury camping experience for 50 lucky customers and fans.

Partnering with Under Canvas, Alamo Draft House, and Outdoor Voices, Casper set up a pop-up campground 15 miles outside of town at the Trout On Inn, a picturesque venue along the shores of the North Platte River.

Upon arrival, guests were checked in to luxurious Safari tents provided each outfitted with two twin beds featuring Casper mattresses and bedding. Lunch was served out of Casper, WY’s own Mad Flatters food truck, and outdoor apparel company Outdoor Voices organized float trips down the river and yoga in the fields. As afternoon activities came to an end, guests were treated to a sunset BBQ.

Following dinner, expert astronomer and Director of the Center for Astronomy and Physics Education Research, Stephanie Slater, in town herself for the eclipse, stopped by and offered her insights into the cosmic coincidence and its effects on the human race throughout history.

The evening closed with a screening under the stars of Close Encounters of the Third Kind presented by Alamo Draft House on their renowned inflatable screen set in the horse corral.

A cowboy breakfast was set in the morning where guests enjoyed pancakes and coffee in eager anticipation of the coming eclipse. As the path of the moon’s shadow passed through the country, and total darkness eclipsed broad daylight guests looked up to marvel at the sight.

A farewell lunch was served by Impossible Burger.

San Francisco’s Chandran Gallery hosted British-born Artist Shantell Martin’s month-long solo exhibition at their gallery’s Geary Street location. Her show, titled “Charge Your Self”, included site specific, immersive wall drawings, canvas works, ceramic objects, and other installations of her signature black and white art. Known for her immersive art installations, this specific exhibit explored connections between commitment, positive energy, and self-love.

Shantell Martin’s unmistakable drawings are visible both inside and outside of the gallery, as well as underfoot on a floor installation.

During a series of opening events, the multi-media artist welcomed guests into the space, delivered a live, interactive drawing demo and performed an improvisational music concert, using declarative and powerful word-based paintings as the basis for the performance.

Shantell Martin’s live appearances and installations have included a collaboration Kendrick Lamar for American Express at Art Basel, an interactive installation for Alicia Keys's Keep a Child Alive Black Ball, high profile events for Samsung, and work with institutions such as the MIT Media Lab, Autodesk, and New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.

Eschewing traditional art world norms, Martin’s work purposefully bridges fine art, performance art, technology, and commercial work. Her artwork has appeared in the Brooklyn Museum, Museum of the Contemporary African Diaspora, Bata Show Museum, and at the prestigious Albright Knox Gallery in Buffalo, New York.

Shantell Martin is a creative force whose talents transcend individual genres of expression and forms and she is celebrated worldwide both for her innovative artworks and site specific installations, but also for her live drawing, keynote speeches, musical performances, and technology collaborations.

Shantell Martin is represented by Empire’s new Empire Artists division which represents a new generation of creators and artists.

For inquiries, please contact info@empireentertainment.com or call 212.343.1645

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When Microsoft and creative agency Dialogue Live sought a world class thought leader to deliver inspiration and insight to an important audience of global business decision makers, they turned to Empire to deliver the appropriate candidate. Empire ultimately delivered Ian Bremmer, an American political scientist who specializes in U.S. foreign policy, states in transition, and global political risk.

Set “In the round” at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C., an audience of nearly 18,000 people watched as Ian Bremmer participated in a 30-minute fireside chat with Microsoft President and Chief Legal Officer, Brad Smith, discussing recent geopolitical events and the role the technology sector can play in advancing solutions to some of the world’s biggest issues.

The conversation also touched on a wide range of current affairs, including climate change, education, trade, and regulation, and the implications it has on business and society. The conversation ended with a discussion on artificial intelligence and its impact on jobs, and how the role of industry will change to advance sustainability.

It was evident that both the audience and Microsoft were inspired by Ian Bremmer’s insights, as they remained in rapt attention throughout the discussion.

Empire handled the negotiation and contracting of Ian Bremmer, coordination of all logistics, as well as all onsite management.

Empire is a leading resource in delivering keynote speakers, political experts, and speakers of all areas of expertise for a variety of organizations.

To watch the full discussion, visit: https://partner.microsoft.com/en-us/assets/2017/08/04/16/26/754561

OZY, the start-up media brand focused on bringing its readers the new and the next, brought their second installment of OZY Fest to Central Park's Summer stage.

This year’s line up featured the best in musical, intellectual, culinary, and artistic talent, and OZY Fest 2.0 enjoyed substantial growth from the previous year in terms of audience, media coverage, and stature.

Empire, working together with OZY, delivered several of the festival’s tent-pole headliners including closing headliner Jason Derulo, Samantha Bee, Malcolm Gladwell, Zara Larsson, and Eddie Huang.

Empire is a leading source for A-list talent for festivals, and public and corporate events throughout the world.

Empire was called upon to recommend and contract some of the most interesting keynote speakers in the world for a Fortune 500 company’s annual incentive and retreat program in spectacular Banff, Canada. The client collaborated with Empire to arrange a lineup that would wow their leading employees. Day one of the conference featured a moderated conversation and debate with David Axelrod (the Chief Strategist for President Obama’s campaigns) and conservative commentator and syndicated columnist, Dr. Charles Krauthammer. The two men shared their views on the current political and economic climate, with both providing tremendous insight and humor throughout the discussion.

The second day kicked off with a surprisingly emotional keynote from Dr. Robert Gates, who served as the 22nd United States Secretary of Defense from 2006 to 2011. Dr. Gates teared up when talking about how difficult it was for him to send young American soldiers into battle in Iraq and Afghanistan, and allowed the attendees a look inside his thinking while he served under Presidents George W. Bush and Obama.

Immediately following Dr. Gates, Empire presented Brian Muirhead, the current Chief Engineer for the NASA Engineering and SafetyCenter. Brian’s discussion of the Mars missions he has been involved with fascinated the attendees before they headed out for their afternoon activities.

The final speaker was J.R.Martinez, the wounded U.S. Army Veteran best known for winning season 13 of ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars”. Martinez’s message of never letting obstacles stand in your way and always looking for new peaks to climb left the audience on a high note on their final day in Banff.

For the evening events, the client asked Empire to suggest the ideal concert performer for a beautiful outdoor amphitheater surrounded by the Canadian Rockies. After much discussion, it was agreed that Grammy-winners Train would fit the bill, and they didn’t disappoint. Performing shows on two consecutive evenings, the band played hits including 2001’s Grammy winner for Best Song, “Drops of Jupiter”, as well as their most recent smash “Play That Song” (and all of their hits in between such as “Hey Soul Sister”, “Drive By”, “Meet Virginia”, “Marry Me”, “50 Ways to Say Goodbye”, and “Save Me San Francisco”). And the crowd also was thrilled with the band’s choice of covers which included “Ramble On”, “Under Pressure”, and especially “Don’t Stop Believing”, during which lead singer Pat Monahan invited a couple of attendees onstage to sing along.

Empire is proud of our track record in securing many of the world’s leading speakers and performing artists for special events in Canada and other international destinations.

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To welcome in the next generation of the NMD shoe line, adidas sought out to create a bi-coastal pop-up experience in both Los Angeles and New York City. The activations themselves featured repurposed shipping containers which included a camera obscura and retail space, allowing passersby to experience the optical illusion through a unique photo booth experience.

Consumers received a printed copy of their camera obscura experience and were welcomed to engage with the retail portion of the pop-up displaying exclusive NMD product. In New York City, the installation was decorated with photography from Dondre Green, a street photographer hailing from the Bronx.

Over the course of a week, the New York City pop-up located in Soho saw over 1,000 customers pass through, just blocks away from two of the brand’s flagship storefronts.

Empire, in partnership with Roundhouse Agency, was tasked with sourcing the location of the pop-up as well as securing all necessary permitting and providing on-site support to ensure a smooth event from end to end. We are proud to once again work with the adidas brand and continue to act as a leader in producing global fashion brand events.

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​Empire was proud to help produce the "SUPER ENERGY" fashion event for Kansai Yamamoto, one of the most famous Japanese designers, at the dynamic Roppongi Hills Arena.

The day-long festival is part of a massive effort to lift Japan out of the post-3/11 tsunami doldrums and energize it as it gets ready to host the 2020 Olympic Games.

The show featured approximately 250 big names, including Hip Hop artist, Tyga, actor/film director, Yusuke Iseya, model, Akimoto Kira, model/talent, Ahn Mika, model/artist, Tsuchiya Anna, actress/photgrapher, Miyuki Matsuda, movie commentator/talent, LiLiCo, and many more. The show also featured original clothing from Kansai Yamamoto’s archive collection and a range of performances that lit up the stage.

Other highlights of the show were energetic performances from the African Percussion Group "Wagan Ndiaye Rose with sophie ker gi" and the 100 brass band and dance department of Gakuen Hachioji Senior High School. It was a night of electric stage performances, unique acts, and various workshops backed by the voice of Kansai Yamamoto.

The family-friendly "SUPER ENERGY" event drew around 10,000 people.

Empire is a major producer of public events and is very proud to be a partner of this year's celebration.

For the fifth consecutive year, Empire served as producer of the Fragrance Foundation Awards, the fragrance industry’s premier event celebrating outstanding achievement and creativity.  

Held at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall, the evening began with guest arrivals and an elegant cocktail reception in the Hall’s outdoor sunken plaza and soaring glass atrium. Amidst a series of freestanding walls, printed with this year’s design motif, guests mingled and sipped champagne while attending celebrities walked the red carpet and posed for photographers.

Once seated in Alice Tully Hall, the evening's host, comedian and actor, Joel McHale, kicked off the star-studded award program in his signature style. His humorous opening monologue covered the Fragrance industry and this year’s nominee achievements.

Notable program participants included Hall of Fame Honoree and CEO of Puig, Marc Puig, Lifetime Achievement Perfumer, and Master Perfumer of Firmenich, Harry Frémont. Country singer Trisha Yearwood performed a moving rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow".

Celebrity presenters and attendees included Karlie Kloss, Katie Holmes, Carolina Herrera, Judith Light, Adrian Grenier, NinaGarcia, Debi Mazar, Dascha Polanco, Jessica Pimentel, Mario Contone, Tommy Dorfman, Elettra Wiedemann, Carly Chaikin, Annie Parisse, Anna Clumsky, Lais Ribiero, and Rose Gilroy.

Following the seated Awards program, guests returned to the Alice Tully Hall atrium which had been transformed during the program into an elegant, seated dinner—the perfect summer evening dining experience.

The evening ended with an afterparty held at the Lincoln Restaurant where guests danced to music by fashion-favorite DJ Mia Moretti.  

The Fragrance Foundation Awards bring together virtually every luxury and consumer brand in the fragrance industry, including Estée Lauder, Ralph Lauren, Tom Ford, Diana Vreeland, Burberry, Giorgio Armani, ToryBurch, Marc Jacobs, Victoria’s Secret, Michael Kors, Givenchy, Elizabeth Arden, LVMH, Puig, Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel, Cartier, Jean Paul Gaultier, Hermès, Lancôme, Zegna, Clinique, and Gucci.

Empire is a leading producer of events, award shows and programs for the luxury brand, fragrance, cosmetics, and fashion industries.

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When TNT wanted to launch its new series, WILL, an unconventional period drama centered on a young William Shakespeare, they turned to Empire to deliver an attention-getting premiere event to reflect the unique character of the series.  

The premiere took place in the center of New York City on the iconic Bryant Park lawn. Empire worked closely with the Park to secure the venue and all permissions and to present the episode on the giant 40’x20’ screen used for the Summer Film Festival.  

After a set by DJ Jon Blak, themed festivities, and red carpet arrivals, the episode was introduced by EVP of TNT Original Programming, Sarah Aubrey, as well as executive producers Craig Pearce (The Great Gatsby, Moulin Rouge!, Romeo+ Juliet) and Shekhar Kapur (director and Golden Globe nominee for Elizabeth).

On a perfect summer evening, guests sat atop colorful blankets on the expansive lawn and enjoyed treats from Hester Street Fair vendors, including the aptly named “To Banh Mi or Not to Banh Mi”.  

Following the episode, Vanity Fair Senior Writer Josh Duboff brought the cast onstage fora live discussion, including Laurie Davidson, who plays William Shakespeare, Olivia DeJonge (The Visit, Hiding), Colm Meaney (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Hell on Wheels), Mattias Inwood (The Shanara Chronicles), Jamie Campbell Bower (Sweeney Todd, The Twilight Saga) and Ewen Bremner (Trainspotting, Snowpiercer).

After the stage presentation, the cast and friends headed over to the Bryant Park Grill which had been tented and transformed into a festive Elizabethan party hall. Shelves stacked with books and skulls, tapestries, and British rustic furnishings were juxtaposed with posters that combined the aesthetics of Elizabethan England with edgy punkrock street art, setting the perfect tone for the party.

Guests enjoyed British pub food and drinks while participating in a branded photo booth, tattoo, and calligraphy activities, all to a soundtrack of the Sex Pistols, The Clash, and The Jam.

For this large-scale public event and VIP afterparty, Empire was responsible for securing the venues, handling all staging and technical production, audience logistics, and activities as well as the décor, design, and production of the afterparty.  

Empire is a frequent producer of large-scale premieres and is a trusted activation partner to networks and studios in the all-important New York City market.  

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