On November 7, 2011, Microsoft publically released their new Windows Phone 7.5 software in a BIG way by building a six-story mobile phone in Herald Square, and activating it with a full day of interactive performances, free food, and a headline performance by Far East Movement.For this large undertaking, Empire was engaged by Microsoft to work closely with Seattle-based creative agency, Wexley School for Girls, and The Production Network to make sure that the five hour event went flawlessly. Empire worked closely with the Mayor’s Office and a variety of NYC agencies to secure the various event location permits for Broadway between 34th & 35th Streets, plus the surrounding streets for production vehicles and equipment to support the nearly week-long production. In addition to location permits Empire acquired additional permits from the Department of Buildings, Department of Transportation, Department of Health, FDNY and NYPD.Next up was talent: For a rocking lunch time concert, Empire booked and secured the Far East Movement to perform a 15-minute headline set, including their international hit, “Like a G-6”. Returning at the end of the day was the Far East Movement’s own, DJ Vermin, who spun hits for over an hour, turning Herald Square into an impromptu, outdoor dance club! Once the band was secured, it was on to securing local celebrities, actors, singers, and dancers to perform a series of vignettes created by Wexley that brought the phone applications to life throughout the day. These included: The voice of the phone, Cortana, Reporters from Accuweather, dance performances by “Zombies vs Aliens,” a “Fruit Ninja,” “Chefs,” onstage mini-makeovers, a Fitness Expert, The Humane Society, with live kittens for adoption, a real life marriage proposal, among others! Additionally, Empire secured all of the costumes and props, including Original Ray’s Pizza and popcorn, which were dispensed to the crowd. The full day event was a huge success, with locals and tourists alike, visiting the phone structure that combined huge LED displays with live stages. For more information, and a video mashup, please visit:http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=PitGqCeJF8chttp://www.bizbash.com/microsoft_debuts_new_windows_software_with_six-story_mobile_device/newyork/story/21851Empire is a leading event marketing agency that supports clients and partner companies with innovative event marketing events in New York City and around the world.

The Happy Hearts Fund, an organization founded by model Petra Nemcova and dedicated to rebuilding sustainable schools in areas devastated by natural disasters, held their annual Land of Dreams event at the Metropolitan Pavilion on November 5th, 2011. This year’s event focused on Haiti and the tremendous need following the devastation of the 2010 earthquake. Empire was engaged to help produce the multi-faceted evening and to transform the Metropolitan Pavilion into an authentic environment that showcased the best of Haiti. On the evening of the event. Guests traveled over a mango carpet, past a projected departures board and were checked in for their journey to Haiti by stunning stewardesses in full uniform who handed out boarding cards and passports to all of the Haitian sites inside.Once inside festive music from a traditional Haitian band and specialty rum cocktails welcomed guests to the warmly lit reception in the expansive event space. Surrounding the room, a series of Haitian vignettes showcased highlights of Haiti. In the Iron Market Guests sampled mango, pineapple, bananas and Haitian coffee beans displayed in large wooden bowls and baskets. In the Pirate Bar, costumed bartenders served rum concoctions and Caribbean specialties in front of an authentic recreation of a pirate ship. In the Haitian School, guests read hand-drawn phrases in Creole on a blackboard and also wrote their own names on individual bricks symbolizing their individual commitment to provide the bricks needed to build new schools. In the Haitian Art station guests admired colorful paintings by Michel Brudent, a renowned Port au Prince artist. In the Urban Zen space Donna Karan’s team created a visually sumptuous display of Haitian housewares and crafts including handmade ironworks, carved wooden candelabras, papier-mâché sculptures, and horn jewelry. In the Beach Shack Haiti’s beautiful coast came to life around an aged wood structure outfitted with swaying palm trees, a projection of the water lapping Caribbean shores and a real live Macaw parrot. In the final station, Empire recreated Haiti’s iconic Citadel, where volunteers shared facts about the legendary fort and important Haitian history alongside a full size cannon, cannonballs and Haitian flags. After the cocktail reception, guests moved into the North Pavilion for the seated dinner and program. Bloomberg Television’s Margaret Brennan, the emcee of the evening, introduced the founder of the Happy Hearts Fund, the stunning Petra Nemcova and Executive Director, Phil Caputo who welcomed guests and set the tone for the evening to come. The dinner program also featured remarks by honorees Rene Haugrud and tireless Haiti relief activist Sean Penn who has lived and worked for much of the past year in Haiti. Grammy Award-winner Josh Groban and his band gave a heart-felt performance of three songs including his famous, “You Raise Me Up.” After dinner auctioneer Simon De Pury, of Phillips de Pury & Company, raised over $1 million dollars in an action packed live auction that included lots ranging from use of a Caribbean villa and an insider’s Victoria’s Secret Show experience to a custom James Bond mission and an exquisite Damien Hirst artwork entitled Mantra that sold for $100,000. For the grand finalé of the evening, Haitian musician and global sensation Wyclef Jean and delivered a high energy party performance that drew Petra Nemcova, Sean Penn and the rest of the guests out of their seats, onto the stage, and past midnight as they danced on chairs and tables in their black-tie attire. In addition to the evening events, Happy Hearts Fund hosted 300 children at the Metropolitan Pavilion earlier in the afternoon for an array of educational, interactive and kid-friendly activities all focused on Haiti. The Children learned traditional Haitian dances, painted their faces, created Haitian jewelry, learned to draw with a renown Haitian artist and even talked to the parrot.Working closely with Happy Hearts Fund, Empire served as Producer of the Land of Dreams, managing elements including décor, technical production, performing talent and stage management. To learn more about the efforts of the Happy Hearts Fund or to donate, please visit happyheartsfund.org. Empire is proud to serve charitable organizations like the Happy Hearts Fund and to help support their important work in Haiti, Indonesia, India and Peru.

On November 3, Empire Entertainment was once again proud to serve Keep a Child Alive as Producer of their 8th annual Black Ball Gala at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. Graciously sponsored by Sachin & Saurabh Foundation, this year’s event featured extraordinary performances and collaborations by Alicia Keys, Usher, will.i.am, Norah Jones, Jay Sean, Richie Sambora, Gary Clark Jr, Midival Punditz and Karsh Kale.

A star-studded guest list of over 700 came to support Keys and Keep a Child Alive, an organization providing life-saving support to children and families affected by HIV/ AIDS in Africa and India. Clive Davis, Serena Williams, Queen Latifah, Tyra Banks, Keys’ husband, producer Swizz Beatz, Russell Simmons, and Padma Lakshmi were among many others who came to show their support in the fight against the global AIDS pandemic.This year’s event focused on India, marking Keep a Child Alive's new presence there. Guests entered the venue and were immersed in a stunning decor reminiscent of an old opulent India designed by Creative Director of Keep a Child Alive, Earle Sebastian, and designer Bruce Thompson. Hanging marigold entryways, tufted fabric walls with antique framed images, and backlit bars featuring traditional Indian patterns created a majestic setting for the evening.

Following cocktails, the guests moved into the main hall of Hammerstein Ballroom into a breathtaking candlelit oasis where they enjoyed a delicious Indian-inspired dinner menu served by Creative Edge Catering. All wine and spirits for the evening were generously donated by Sherry-Lehmann Wine & Spirits. Powerful emotive graphic messages and a series of films about the work and impact of Keep a Child Alive in India were projected onto multi-leveled projection screens.Like every year, The Black Ball honors individuals whose remarkable acts of giving have helped to transform lives.

This year’s Ball honored New Yorker, Anthony Scaramucci the managing partner of SkyBridge Capital who pledged that he and SkyBridge would raise $1 million for KCA next year.This year KCA also honored the late George Harrison for his spiritual, musical and philanthropic legacy throughout the world. Olivia Harrison, George’s wife, told the audience, “Tonight we’re all here because of the compassion and courage of two people who never met,” and pledged a donation to Keep a Child Alive. Alicia went on to say that George’s love of India’s philosophy, culture and people helped raised consciousness of the world and helped give rise to music’s first large scale rock & roll benefit concert, The Concert for Bangladesh, that took place in 1971 in New York City. The spirit of the late George Harrison was felt at the event as Keys honored him for helping "people change their view of how to act as humanitarians."

After a touching program, a Sotheby’s auctioneer and KCA advocate Tyra Banks worked together onstage to auction a series of incredible once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The duo worked in unity to auction an adventure to India, private tennis lessons with Serena Williams, a dinner party for 10 with Naomi Watts and Ed Norton, an America’s Top Model makeover experience with Tyra Banks and Fred Leighton bracelets worn by Ms. Keys herself. The auction raised over $300,000.

The concert program for which the Black Ball is renowned began led by Alicia Keys and her incredible band. Keys orchestrated an evening of tributes where all artists covered one of Harrison’s most remembered songs as well as their own material. Indian fusion musicians Midival Punditz and electronic composer Karsh Kale opened the set with “Within You Without You,” followed by Jay Sean and Keys sultry R&B duet of hit ballad “Something.” It was then blues–rock guitarist Gary Clark Jr.’s turn who jammed with Alicia on “My Guitar Gently Weeps” and brought the audience to their feet. Norah Jones then came onstage to deliver a sweet solo rendition of “Don’t Know Why” and a duet of “Isn’t a Pity” with Alicia Keys. Usher again brought the audience to their feet with his high energy “OMG,” later joined by Bon Jovi Guitarist Richie Sambora.

The evening concluded with a pop performance of Black Eyed Peas member will.i.am, singing “Where is the Love,” into Harrison’s “Got my Mind Set on You,” and a crowd pumping version of “I Got a Feeling.” All told, the 2011 Black Ball raised over $3 million for AIDS affected children and families in Africa and India.Once again,

Empire Entertainment served as overall event producer for the Black Ball and managed aspects of the event including site selection and contracting, logistics, catering, décor, talent coordination, technical production, security and onsite management. Empire Entertainment is proud to serve as partner of Keep a Child Alive in saving lives and raising awareness in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa and India.

On October 27th and 28th 2011, Empire Entertainment produced the first Russian Business and Investment Summit at the New York Stock Exchange. This summit was created to jumpstart American and foreign participation in Russia’s economic growth and to boost activity of listings and trading on the NYSE Euronext. In addition to production management, Empire created outreach materials that activated powerful sponsorships such as Ernst & Young, Russian Standard Vodka and Terex Corporation.CEOs of major Russian corporations, American investors and government officials were invited to meetings and panel discussions to impart valuable perspectives on the current state of Russia’s business and economy. Topics included a broad range, from policy-making trends to environmental regulations. Key speakers included Stuart Lawson, Executive Director and Senior Adviser at Ernst & Young, Congressman Bob Turner and esteemed officials, Deputy Minister Stanislav Voskresenskiy of the Russian Federation’s Ministry of Economic Development and James D. Wolfensohn, Former President of the World Bank.For the first day of the summit, Empire helped to bring together major players of Russian business by organizing one on one meetings between public and private Russian companies and investment funds at the Flatotel in midtown Manhattan. Attendees were provided with private meeting rooms to discuss valuable opportunities in their future relationships and to provide in-depth insight into the state of their businesses. After a day of business meetings, participants were invited to an Opening Gala reception that evening at the Ana Tzarev Gallery. Empire coordinated the cocktail reception complete with a fashion presentation of Russian couture fashion. Guests indulged in drinks sponsored by Russian Standard Vodka, Dozortsev & Sons, and Zhiguli Beer and lavished over Russian influenced hors d’oeuvres provided by Tatiana Restaurant. Roaming models showcased fashions designed by Oksana Remi Couture, Alex Teih, Helen Yarmak and accessories by Alex Soldier Jewelry and M.Y. Accessories. Meanwhile, guests enjoyed each other’s company against the backdrop of Ana Tzarev’s vibrant and richly colored paintings.The second day of the summit took place at the New York Stock Exchange where Empire produced a series of panel discussions concerning the full breadth of the Russian market. Panels included speakers from key Russian companies in telecommunication, pharmaceuticals, energy, and more. That afternoon, VIP participants were invited to ring the closing bell of the New York Stock Exchange. The summit was closed with evening drinks and reception at the New York Stock exchange’s illustrious boardroom.The two-day summit was a great success for businesses and investors alike. A leading organizer of corporate meetings, Empire set the stage for valuable business connections and truly meaningful networking.

On Monday, October 24, Lincoln Center recognized Ralph Lauren’s indelible mark on the cultural landscape and his leadership in the fight against cancer with an unprecedented evening which jointly benefitted the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.

This one night only evening with Ralph Lauren was hosted by Oprah Winfrey, who led a personal and intimate on-stage conversation with Mr. Lauren offering a rare look into the life of an intriguing public, yet very private, cultural icon.

At the conclusion of the discussion, which featured visual projections and multimedia elements presented within a uniquely Ralph Lauren set, the screens flew out to reveal a huge stage set and an unexpected reprise of Ralph Lauren's Spring Runway show with dozens of models in his most luxurious creations.

The multi media on stage conversation was preceded by a champagne reception in Alice Tully Hall and followed by a gala dinner in the David H. Koch Theater produced by KCD.

This landmark event was the most successful fundraising event in the history of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, raising over $7 million.

For this singular fashion event celebrating this true fashion icon, Empire Entertainment was proud to Co-Produce the evening’s stage presentation in collaboration with Producer Darren Bagert.

Empire is a leading producer of noteworthy events for the fashion world.

Partnering with Children Affected by Aids Foundation (CAAF) and Keep A Child Alive (KCA), Empire Entertainment produced Dream Halloween Los Angeles on October 29th. Now in its 18th year, the annual kids-oriented fundraising event attracts over 1500 guests from all over Los Angeles. Proceeds from the event benefits children and families affected by HIV/AIDS.Taking place in the historic Barker Hangar at the Santa Monica Airport, guests drove onto the taxiway and walked a 300’ red carpet to enter the space. The evening’s host, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Ribbon of Dreams Award recipient, Josh Duhamel, were among the attending celebrities.Earle Sebastian, Creative Director and Richard LaSalle, Production Designer had guests entering through a haunted forest. Waiting behind every bend were costumed forest dwellers ready to frighten unsuspecting trespassers. In keeping with the tradition of Dream Halloween, children trick or treated for toys instead of candy, made possible by custom windows built into the forest for distribution. Leaving the narrow, winding forest, guests walked into the transformed cavernous hangar. The main stage was packed with children’s entertainment all night with acts ranging from Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Japanese Drummers to the child performers of Le PeTiT CiRqUe. No Halloween party would be complete without a 20-person rendition of Michael Jackson’s thriller, which was later taught step by step to any eager attendee. Other features of the event included Ghost City, a maze of black light drawn walls further enhanced by the 3D glasses given out.There was never a dull moment as kids enjoyed arts and crafts and face painting by MAC artists. Walk around characters treated guests to photo- ops throughout the evening. Outside the hangar, a teen tent pumped music all night courtesy of Nickelodeon’s own, DJ J Boogie.The fun filled night culminated in a live auction of a one-of a kind Barbie doll made in the likeness of Alicia Keys made by the Mattel design team that was won by one lucky guest and a performance by Disney Channel’s Roshon Fegan from Camp Rock and Shake It Up.Working closely with CAAF and KCA, Empire Entertainment served as overall producer of the event.To learn more about Dream Halloween visit www.dreamhalloween.org or to make a donation to the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation, please visit, www.caaf.org.To learn more about Keep A Child Alive or to donate, please visit, keepachildalive.org.

BizBash, the leading trade magazine for the event industry, announced the winners of the 2011 Reader's Choice awards during the 2011 BizBash New York Expo. Empire's President & CEO, J.B. Miller was honored to win the award for Event Producer of the Year.This prestigious award recognizes an individual event producer who has demonstrated an exceptional ability to execute all aspects of technical and creative corporate event production. With an unprecedented catalog already under his belt for 2011, J.B. is honored to be recognized for his dedication to creating and producing exceptional events in NYC and around the world.J.B. and his team at Empire Entertainment are hard at work on an impressive roster events for this Fall and Winter, continuing to produce the exceptional content that has been recognized by industry curator, BizBash. About our President:J.B. Miller, president and C.E.O. of Empire Entertainment, is an Emmy Award-winning producer with more than 25 years of experience as a producer in the entertainment industry. Born and raised in New York, Miller began making movies with his brothers Bennett and Teddy in his early teens and has continued producing ever since. Over the years, Miller’s career has included work in concerts, comedy, theater, radio, festivals, television, and motion pictures, as well as event production. For the past two decades, his New York City- and Tokyo-based company, Empire Entertainment, has provided the platform, team, and resources to marry his passion for producing events and managing creative enterprises with his widely diverse interests. The result is a prodigious track record of producing thousands of events in more than 65 countries for clients ranging from the White House, Microsoft, and Google to the XIV Dalai Lama and Keep a Child Alive. Miller believes he has the greatest job on earth and is honored to bethe winner of BizBash's Event Producer of the Year.

When a leading insurance company wanted top-quality entertainment to perform for approximately 700 of senior employees and their families, at The Broadmoor, they turned to Empire Entertainment to deliver a one of the most renowned music acts of the past five decades - The Temptations.On the final night of the week-long meeting, the attendees entered the ballroom with excitement, awaiting the performance of the three-time Grammy winning group. After remarks and an introduction by a company executive, The Temptations, featuring original member, Otis Williams took the stage to begin their 75-minute, high energy set. From the very beginning of their greatest hits concert, nearly the entire audience were on the dance floor, dancing and cheering as the band performed their hits including, "Ain’t Too Proud to Beg," "Papa was a Rollin’ Stone," “I Can’t Get Next to You,” “All I Need,” “Just My Imagination,” “Get Ready," and many more. 

The Temptations’ interacted with the audience throughout the night, bringing two male employees onstage to sing “The Girl’s Alright With Me” to their spouses, who were in the audience. At the end of their performance, the band closed with an all-out performance of their #1 hit “My Girl."Empire was responsible for proposing, contracting and arranging travel and accommodations for The Temptations, as well as coordinating and managing all schedules, logistical and technical aspects of the band's performance.Empire Entertainment is a leading producer of private and corporate events in the U.S. and around the world and is proud to provide world class entertainment for this corporate client whom we have served for almost two decades.

Aiming to increase their brand exposure within the tech community, a major global financial institution turned to Empire Entertainment to help them create and develop a unique, branded exhibit space for TechCrunch’s Disrupt San Francisco 2011 event. The space would need to convey the company's unique corporate culture and create a hands-on atmosphere for top-tier programmers, while simultaneously setting the activation space apart from the other event sponsors both visually and experientially.Empire worked with the client to design a custom, tech forward construction that promoted attendee engagement through an event-specific, live-data marketing trading game. The build included 4 plasma screens displaying game statistics and company content, as well as iPad and computer terminals where guests could learn more about the sponsor, compete in the game, or simply show off their programming skills. Comfortable lounge furniture surrounded the area allowing company representatives to engage with prospective employees and other attendees who were eager to rest their feet during the week’s events.As part of its 2011 TechCrunch Disrupt sponsorship, the client also hosted the Disrupt Opening Party where they worked with Empire to create a dynamic, energetic and unforgettable party experience. To supplement the activities inside the 1015 Folsom nightclub, Empire brought in retro arcade games and an arcade-themed photo. As for live entertainment, Empire identified and secured headline DJs Peanut Butter Wolf and The Knocks for a special live performance and DJ set featuring multiple stages and custom video projection.Empire oversaw the client’s entire TechCrunch Disrupt sponsorship activation from conception to completion, designing, building, managing and producing all of the various elements from load-in to load-out.TechCrunch Disrupt has become the frontline of technological innovation; providing insider access to start-ups and many different technologically savvy companies. The conference brings together entrepreneurs, programmers, investors, and venture capitalists to showcase dozens of start-ups and presents engaging panels and keynote speeches that provide insight into the ever-changing industry and market.Empire is proud to produce corporate events and sponsorships, assisting with everything from branding to implementation.

On the evening of September 20th, 2011, over 250 guests, including Academy Award winning director, Fisher Stevens, along with Emily Mortimer, John Leguizamo, Steve Buscemi, comedian Reggie Watts and others, arrived at the Prince George Ballroom to support Reel Works Teen Filmmaking’s 10th Anniversary Gala. Empire’s President and C.E.O, J.B. Miller, co-chaired the gala, Precious producer, Lisa Cortés.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 with elegant cocktails and hors d’oeuvres passed while Reel Works teens conducted interviews on the star-studded red carpet. Attendees mingled and perused over 30 silent auction items ranging from backstage passes to The Daily Show With Jon Stewart to a signed photo of the cast of NBC’s The Office. The gallery of the Prince George Ballroom was decorated with custom movie posters featuring the movies of the six teens that were nominated by their peers for the night’s top award.Inside the grand ballroom, Thomas Preti catered a phenomenal three-course meal, which was followed by stage program. Comedy Central’s Hannibal Buress emceed, and the program, featured remarks by Reel Works founders, John and Stephanie Williams. Steve Buscemi and his wife, Jo Andres and others. Buscemi introduced the teen’s nominated movies and, to the applause and standing-ovation of the audience, Reel Works teen, Marco Teapox won the John F. Outcalt Award for his movie Sin Marchas Atra. Miguel M. Salinas, Program Director of Adobe Youth Voices, accepted the Corporate Leadership Award on his company’s behalf. In a heartfelt highlight, John Leguizamo presented his longtime friend, actor and director Fisher Stevens with The Visionary Filmmaker Award. The evening concluded with an outstanding performance by comedian and musician, Reggie Watts.As guests left the ballroom a mash-up video of highlights from the evening that the students had edited together that evening played on the big screen. The video can be watched at:http://www.reelworks.org/rw/Support/galabenefit2011/Event sponsors included Viacom, C2 Media, Digitas, Moet & Chandon, Akvinta Vodka, Six Point, and HBO among others. Working closely with the Reel Works’ team, Empire Entertainment served as sponsor and overall producer of the event. Empire successfully solicited sponsorships and in-kind donations. Empire was also responsible for aspects ranging from event design, layout, technical production and logistics to décor and music. To learn more about Reel Works or to donate, please visit, ReelWorks.org.