SIBOS is an annual banking and financial conference organized by the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication in various cities around the world. It has been held in Amsterdam, Sydney, Copenhagen, Boston, Berlin, Helsinki and other cities.

This year Empire was asked to produce the conference reception for a major British multinational banking and financial services company.

Held at The Hyatt Regency Osaka, Empire was responsible for all aspects of production from design and layout, to lighting and catering, making sure that the high standards of the bank were met and an enjoyable evening was had by all

Showcase of Traditional Performing Arts at Haneda Airport, Japan. The Haneda Airport International Passenger Terminal played host to a "Short Trip" to the world of Japanese traditional performing arts in which visitors at the terminal could enjoy an informal taste of some of Japan's unique performing art forms.

Traditional Japanese song and dance was performed on an open stage, including a spectacular lion dance, “shamisen” and “koto” playing, with "Shinnai" ballad singing by strolling musicians. Visitors could also take part in a Japanese tea ceremony, or watch and even try the skills of Japanese musical instrument-making craftsmen.

Empire Entertainment Japan was comprehensively responsible for planning, managing and manning the event which gave those leaving and entering the airport terminal a highly authentic, yet delightful taste of Japanese culture.

In connection with the Microsoft Windows 8 worldwide launch, PC giant, ASUS Computer International, turned to Empire Entertainment to produce the launch of their highly anticipated Windows 8 lineup of products.Held at the elegant and modern Espace venue in Midtown Manhattan, the event was attended by 200 of the New York’s top technology media outlets.

The event featured a carefully-scripted onstage presentation that combined the company Chairman's enthusiastic presentation of the products with performances by the world-renowned techno-illusionist Marco Tempest, who wowed the crowd with his interactive virtual magic.

The main focal point of the presentation was a massive LED screen, which displayed the precise custom video content was created for the presentation. The Chairman and Marco interacted heavily with this screen throughout the presentation as they introduced the new products using the large LED wall as their canvas.

As a surprise finale to the show a closing recap video of all of the products, each combined with an onstage illusion by Marco, led to a reveal moment where two huge kabuki curtains flanking the left and right of the stage were suddenly dropped revealing long sleek display tables featuring all of the products just introduced. The media were on their feet and using the products just moments after the presentation ended as wait staff appeared to serve celebratory glasses of champagne.Working closely with the client's talented design team in Taiwan, Empire created all elements of the event including highly-finished stage design, furnishings and demo tables all consistent with the design excellence of ASUS. These elements included a custom LED trimmed stage, demo stations and two 8’ wide ASUS logos that were lit from within with LED lighting.

Empire is the leading producer of cutting-edge product launches that utilize state-of-the-art design and technology and is a strong partner for international brands looking to launch their products in the world's most important media market“ New York City.

When Mindshare, one of the world's largest advertising & media buying agencies sought to create an original branded entertainment work for their client Kimberly-Clarke, they turned to Empire as their production company and creative partner. Shedding light on a topic often discussed in hushed whispers, feminine product Poise and their agency Mindshare teamed up Empire to crete and present The Hot Flash Road Show - a traveling sketch comedy show based on the trials and tribulations of Menopause. The show was written by the Daily Show writer Mo Gaffney and featured Daytime Emmy award-winning co-host of ABC’s “The View,” Sherri Shepherd, and nine time Emmy award-winning actress, Cloris Leachman. Together with the All Girl Review, an all-female comedy troupe straight out of Second City in Chicago, Shepherd and Leachman brought the house down in live performances in New York City and Los Angeles with original skits entitled "The Last Two Eggs," "If Men Had Menopause," and a show-stopping musical performance entitled "Menopositive." Bookending the sketches, pre-recorded interstitial "Couch Talk" videos featured hilarious outtakes of candid interviews with everyday women talking about their experiences with The Change in the manner of When Harry Met Sally. The live events in New York and Los Angeles were also taped for broadcast and livecast to remote audiences.In addition to the olive show, the program also featured a pre-show branded experience with product displays presented in Poise-themed purple lighting while powerful female anthems from Aretha Franklin, Alicia Keys, and Donna Summer set the tone for the evening.For this unique branded entertainment initiative, Empire worked closely with Mindshare served and served as the overall production company responsible for concept development, venue acquisition, staging design, technical production, camera facilities and livecast, branded installations, as well as audience and talent logistics. To learn more and to see excerpts of the Hot Flash Road Show visit:http://www.poise.com/personal-stories-and-blogs/the-2nd-talk/the-2nd-talk-eventsEmpire is proud to work with world class advertising agencies, media buyers and marketing firms to create original branded entertainment content of all types.

On October 18, 2012, Empire was proud to serve as production partner to Elizabeth Rose Consulting to produce the inaugural Tyra Banks presents the Flawsome Ball.Hosted by Tyra Banks, the event supported the Lower Eastside Girls Club. Founded in 1996, the mission of the Lower Eastside Girls Club (LESGC) is to provide a place where girls and young women 8-23 can grow, learn, have fun, and develop confidence in themselves and their ability to make a difference in the world. With the catchphrase “I Love My…,” the Flawsome Ball celebrated the flaws in all of us.The star-studded evening began with a yellow carpet and an elaborate cocktail reception where variations on the catchphrase were interspersed with live circus performances by the House of Yes and a “smize” photo booth. Once guests moved into the majestic Capitale main ballroom they were trested to a sumptuous seated dinner by chef, Marcus Samuelson, surpassed only by the rich stage program.

Throughout the evening, guests were treated to performances by the female drum core, Brooklyn Express, electric violinist Sarah Charness, and artist’s Nicolina & Lexi Bella. In addition, the girls of the LESGC participated in the show through videos, onstage moments, and a very special spoken word piece.Friends and supporters of Tyra Banks and the LESGC, including Rosario Dawson, Clay Aiken and Simon Doonan joined Tyra Banks on stage throughout the program. In addition, led by auctioneer, Lucy Sexton, the event included a cash call and a very rowdy live-auction, for a date with former boxer, model and America’s Next Top Model judge, Rob Evans.To top off an incredible night, Grammy-nominated artist Drake and DJ Future took to the stage, and had the entire room on their feet as they performed their hits: “Take Care,” “The Motto,” and “Best I Ever Had,” “Make me Proud,” and “Find Your Love.”Empire Entertainment served as event producer of the main ballroom and stage program, which included stage and production management, and coordination of all talent and technical logistics and production.

Empire is a leading producer of celebrity-driven not-for-profit events.

On the evening of October 10th, 2012, Reel Works hosted its 3rd Annual Benefit Gala at the Edison Ballroom in Times Square, New York City. Reel Works welcomed over 230 guests including Academy and Emmy award winning screenwriter, producer and playwright, Aaron Sorkin, Academy Award winner Fischer Stevens, Alessandro Nivola, Elizabeth Gilles, and Zoey Deutch.Reel Works is a youth filmmaking program based in New York City that matches students with film and television professionals who serve as mentors.

The gala began in the mezzanine level of the Edison Ballroom where guests were invited to mingle and enjoy elegant cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres while they participated in the extensive silent auction. Items for the auction included Google Nexus 7, Apple iPad, backstage passes for The Daily Show and an Aaron Sorkin autographed poster of HBO’s The Newsroom. Custom movie posters featuring the movies of the six teens that were nominated by their peers for the night’s featured F. John Occult Award decorated the cocktail area.

After cocktails, guests were invited downstairs to a gourmet three-course meal and full award program featuring The Daily Show comedian Al Madrigal as emcee for the evening. Featured remarks included Reel Works founders, John and Stephanie Williams honoring long time Reel Works supporter, Emily Mortimer, with the Inspiring Artist Award. Reel Works alumni welcomed to the stage Actor Jeffery Wright to the stage to accept the award for The Visionary Artist Award. The Reel Works Junior Advisory board awarded the 2012 F. John Outcalt Award to Emily Batista for her movie, My Skin. Nickelodeon star, Avan Jogia invited Kelleigh Dulany, VP of Corporate Responsibility at Viacom Entertainment Group to the stage to accept the Corporate Leadership Award on behalf of Viacom. The evening concluded with a stellar performance by Grammy Nominated artist, Karina Pasian who dedicated her hit, Winner to all of the teen nominees of the evening.As guests left the ballroom a highlights from the evening that the Reel Works students edited together in real time throughout the evening played on the big screen.

Event sponsors included Viacom, HBO, Vivendi, Empire Entertainment, and C2 Media among others. Dave Bernath, Executive VP, Program Strategy and Multiplatform Programming of Comedy Central was the Event Chair of the event.Working closely with the Reel Works’ team, Empire Entertainment served as sponsor and overall producer of the Reel Works Gala 2012. Empire was also responsible for aspects ranging from event design, technical production, layout design and logistics and music.

To learn more about Reel Works or to donate, please visit, ReelWorks.org.

On September 14th, 2012, Omotesando Hills held their “Special Party 2012”. For this exclusive party, Empire Entertainment Japan was asked to handle casting. For the stage, Empire invited Ms. OOJA, Risa Ono and MEG. As DJs, Empire cast DJ KIKIORIX and DJ KAWASAKI.DJ KIKIORIX kicked off the music while guests perused the shops, enjoying the exclusive atmosphere with complimentary champagne in their hands. Ms. OOJA then appeared on the main stage to sing several of her hit songs. Risa Ono, one of the first Japanese artists to gain fame singing bossa nova in Japan then appeared on stage to perform several well loved songs. Finally, MEG greeted the crowd with her dancers before her own amazing performance. DJ KAWASAKI spun the discs with jazz-fusion songs for the rest of the evening. Responsible for stage production and casting, Empire was able to deliver yet another successful event to Omotesando Hills.

Kenny G was invited to perform his live act in Japan. He performed his hit numbers to an audience of 5,000 at Japan’s Yokohama Arena. Empire provided transportation and logistics services between the airport, hotels and venue, and talent management for Kenny and his team in communicating with transport, hotel and venue staff. Empire supported Kenny with his Japanese speeches, and with interpretation between the stage managers, Kenny and his technical team.

Leading cosmetic industry giant, L'Oreal Paris unveiled their newest innovation in hair care: Advanced Hair Care at Cedar Lake Studio on September 24. In an effort to impress the notoriously hard-to-impress beauty editors on the guest list, L'Oreal and their event marketing agency Momentum Worldwide partnered with Empire Entertainment to create a series of original, live theatrical performances illustrating the unique benefits of each product. As guests arrived, they were led into a dimly lit room, surrounded by five hidden "vaults" – each displaying a large projected lock on the facade. Once all guests had arrived, a theatrical sequence ‘unlocked’ vault one and a traveler curtain parted revealing a sunny, colorful room where two models dressed in the French mod style performed a choreographed dance routine set to the music of Pizzicato 5. As the sun blazed overhead, the colors began to fade from the scene, until everything was drab and dull in shades of black, white and gray - everything that is, except the model’s brilliant hair color, which managed to stay vivid and beautiful in spite of the damage incurred from the sun. As soon as the first vault closed a second vault opened to reveal a series of three dancers with short hair standing underneath of a sculpture of fluorescent light tubes before three large van de Graffe static electricity generators. As they danced the models placed their hands on the orbs causing their hair to stick straight up and fall in time with the music. At the conclusion of the routine their hair returned to it’s original, beautiful condition. After that a third vault opened to reveal he façade of a giant water tank. Inside a gorgeous performer appeared as if floating underwater as rays of blue and green light slowly radiated behind her as her long hair flowed and undulated along with tall growths of sea grass beside her. As she danced and played underwater, her hair kept its natural sheen and luster. Just then a fourth vault opened to reveal an industrial setting of steam pipes in a vivid red color palette. Amidst the factory a lithe model with chiseled muscles and 10’ locks of hair stood as if in the midst of a workout. As the music began to play the model reached up to take hold of her three braids of hair to reveal that each was attached to a weight – a 500 lb. barbell, a huge dumbbell and an anvil. The model stepped forward and lifted each of the weights by pulling on her hair, demonstrating the hair strength created by the product. A final vault revealed a series of floral & foliage panels each representing one of the four seasons. As a soundtrack of Vivaldi progressed throughout the year, each panel sprang to light and a model at the center’s hair was attacked by each seasons trials – cold, wind, rain, heat, etc. and a series of hot hair tools. At the end of the full year cycle the model stepped forward to reveal that her hair had survived all of the challenges and retained all of its original beauty. In each vault the benefits of the hair care line continued to unfold in breath-taking, dramatic vignettes, composed of avant-garde scenic installations, exquisitely choreographed. As the final vault closed, L'Oreal's President and CEO, Karen Fondu took the main stage and announced Lea Michelle, star of Fox's hit show Glee, as the new face of Advanced Hair Care. Lea then took the stage herself to say a few words about her exciting new role. Following the presentation specialty cocktails and delicious small bites were served as the product itself was dramatically revealed by male models on custom-designed product displays. As DJ music played the crowd lingered to take photos with the vignette models in the vignettes and to discuss the benefits of the new products with hair care expert Dr. David Kingsley and stylist to the stars, Johnny Lavoy. Empire is a leading producer of innovative product launches and serves brand marketers and agencies from every industry as a creative and production partner of innovative product launches and rollouts.

Fashion's Night Out has become one of the largest citywide events in New York and it is expanding to an increasing number of cities around the world every year. This year marked its 4th year and was the biggest yet, with over 500 retailers participating in the U.S. alone. As part of this shopping extravaganza, Scoop NYC hosted a block party in the Meatpacking District and Empire Entertainment served as their production partner. Scoop NYC's Fashion's Night Out Block Party was a free event that took place on Washington Street between 13th Street and 14th Street. Mick Boogie was the DJ for the evening and he provided an excellent mix of tunes for the streets filled with Fashion's Night Out shoppers. The highlight of the night was when Brooklyn-based electro pop band, St. Lucia, rocked the main stage with a 30 minute set that got the entire block packed with fans and spectators. While they performed the Scoop NYC stores were filled to capacity with fashionistas enjoying special promotions from select designer brands and sponsored drinks. Empire provided all staging, audio, and lighting, and managed all of the outdoor logistics for this event. Despite strict city regulations for outdoor entertainment and a short time frame to produce, Empire was able to make a quick turnaround and get the party ready on time.Empire Entertainment is a leading producer of consumer-facing marketing projects in markets worldwide.