Empire was proud to help Longchamp produce its MY PLIAGE® SIGNATURE pop-up event at the beautiful shopping complex, Omotesando Hills.

The MY PLIAGE® SIGNATURE, a new line of eco-friendly canvas bags, is a line dedicated to the customization of the iconic LE PLIAGE® bag. With the MY PLIAGE® SIGNATURE, Longchamp lets you design striking custom bags. From the letters and numbers that you want to appear on the bag, guests have a total of 7.2 million color patterns to choose from. If they had trouble in choosing their colors, they were taken to the “Lucky Color Horoscope Corner”. Published in VOGUE GIRL, in collaboration with "Shiitake Unari Fortune Telling”, using keywords and facial recognition technology, this device helped guests choose their color patterns. Also included was popular Japanese illustrator and artist foxco's original artwork on display.

Empire worked with Longchamp Japan in the overall planning, production and management of the event. We are proud to work once again with Longchamp and continue to act as a leader in producing global fashion brand events.

​MY PLIAGE® SIGNATURE: https://www.longchamp.com/jp/ja/mypliage

Online Store: https://www.longchamp.com/jp/ja

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The Ritz-Carlton approached Empire Japan to create a brand video to introduce all five properties in Japan: Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nikko, and Okinawa. Touring across Japan for three weeks, the Empire video team captured signature, unique moments that each property offers to their guests.

The Empire video team also created a promotional video for newly opened Ritz-Carton Nikko to showcase their sophisticated architectural design and special secluded location.

The Ritz-Carlton Brand Video
https://youtu.be/1IMVZVOloXs

The Ritz-Carlton Nikko Video
https://youtu.be/4VQBu-a6R4I

As a sweet surprise amidst the pandemic, Krispy Kreme announced that its first global flagship shop–the highly anticipated Times Square Flagship Shop located at 1601 Broadway (at West 48th Street)–is scheduled to open in New York City. The 4,500-square-foot shop will deliver an immersive Krispy Kreme doughnut theater experience, including hot and fresh Original Glazed Doughnuts produced inside the shop 24 hours a day.

Empire was brought on board to produce and livestream the Sweet Peek virtual tour for press. In showcasing the flagship’s deliciously interactive and one-of-a-kind hot doughnut experience, Empire worked closely with the FleishmanHillard team to create and develop the run-of-show, storyboard, and script to highlight all of the shop highlights.

Empire’s scope of work also included talent advance and rehearsals, technical production, live broadcast, motion graphics, and filming and editing of footage into the virtual experience.

Empire is delighted to have worked with Krispy Kreme and FleishmanHillard to help bring more joy to the heart of New York City.

Please visit the Krispy Kreme Times Square shop starting September 15!

For more information on Virtual Events and to request a copy of the Empire Virtual Events Guide, please contact us at info@empireentertainment.com.

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Forbes JAPAN hosted an online talk session entitled "Transformation Begins in Regional Economies through Digital Transformation (DX)," on its Forbes JAPAN YouTube channel (open to registered users only), sponsored by salesforce.com.

Mr. Masahiro Hayashi, President of Fukui Bank Ltd., a regional bank in Fukui Prefecture, and Mr. Yasumasa Emori, President and Representative Director of Nicca Chemical Co. Ltd., joined Mr. Masaharu Fujiyoshi, Editor-in-Chief of Forbes JAPAN, for a three-part talk session on the impact of the novel coronavirus on local communities. These top executives, having great knowledge of these rural areas, discuss the challenges they face and the plans for regional revitalization and Digital Transformation.

Empire was in charge of the video system, livestreaming system, session management, stage direction, and design.

https://forbesjapan.com/feat/salesforce/

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As part of adidas’s new initiative, “END PLASTIC WASTE”, adidas Japan, in collaboration with Empire artist Shinpei Kashihara, has co-created artwork for adidas Japan's first “Sustainability Area”.

Opening in the adidas Brand Center RAYARD MIYASHITA PARK, adidas Japan’s largest store, guests were greeted by large banners on the 1st and 2nd floors. Designed by single-stroke painter, Nande, the artist stated, “by using a single stroke, human beings, nature and society can all be connected.” This design, combining the motifs that symbolize Tokyo, sports, and the adidas logo, created a new “gateway” to Shibuya, Tokyo.

The mural of the Sustainability Area, designed by Shinpei Kashiwara with Chikako Kai of the Creative & Artist Unit “RON TOPAS Creative LAB”, beautifully decorated the store. Under the “END PLASTIC WASTE” message, recycled polyester and fabrics were used in these designs.

Empire is proud to work once again with adidas and continue to act as a leader in producing global sports brand events.​

Empire produced a three-hour virtual broadcast for the United Nations Office for Partnerships and their Women Rise For All program. The sessions were moderated by former CNN Host Zane Verjee and included Deputy Secretary of the UN Amina Mohammed, Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, President of Switzerland, Simonetta Sommaruga, Former President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and Minister of Education and Culture for Mozambique, Graça Machel.

Empire worked with the UN team to create the overall event and run-of-show, handled logistics for all speakers, worked with talent (Andra Day sung “Rise Up”), and developed the virtual venue website along with Gramercy Tech. The website will continue to be a place for the Women Rise for All program to house information on their programs, resources, and hold meetings and events.

To see all of the above moments and more, visit this page.

As a new reality set over New York City with the outbreak of COVID-19, the Japan Society moved swiftly to engage their supporters in the United States and Japan around a “Reimagined” virtual version of their signature Annual Gala fundraiser.

With new leadership at the Japan Society, and the inability to open its doors due to COVID-19, this was a singularly important time to tell the story of Japan Society’s work building bridges between the U.S. and Japan, and to recognize those who’ve made indelible contributions to the U. S.-Japan relationship. To accomplish this, Japan Society turned to Empire’s New York and Tokyo offices to produce an Annual Gala Reimagined like never before.

Working on an accelerated timeline, across 12 time zones and two languages, and entirely remotely, Empire’s team of producers, creatives, video editors, and technical directors supported the Japan Society with an event narrative strategy, content development, run-of-show, scripting, graphics, animations, host coaching, rehearsals, pre-recording sessions, pre-recorded package production, technical production, and the livestream broadcast.

Incorporating a beautifully-scripted video broadcast streamed to viewers worldwide, and five curated live virtual sponsor receptions, the New York-evening/Japan-morning event brought together leaders from government and business to raise money and awareness for the century-old organization. Program highlights included participation from:

·  Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

·  Co-hosts Mika Ahn, Japanese Television Personality and International Model, and Joshua W. Walker, President and CEO of Japan Society

·  Daniel P. Amos, Chairman and CEO, Aflac Incorporated

·  Governor George Pataki, 53rd Governor of New York State

·  The Honorable Caroline Kennedy, Former U.S. Ambassador to Japan

·  Ambassador Joe Young, Chargé d’Affaires, U.S. Embassy, Japan

·  Pianist Yuri Aoki and Soprano Yunuet Laguna, Lindemann Young Artist Program, Metropolitan Opera

The virtual event’s culminating moment was a heart-felt presentation of the Japan Society Award by Dr. Larry Kominz to Japan’s very own “national treasure,” Mansaku Nomura–celebrated for his life-long commitment to Japanese Kyogen (traditional Japanese comic theater), and cross-cultural exchange.

Founded in 1907, the Japan Society is a leading U.S. organization committed to deepening mutual understanding between the U.S. and Japan in a global context. Now in its second century, the Society serves audiences across the U.S. and abroad through innovative programs in arts and culture, public policy, business, language, and education.

Empire is honored to work with Japan Society and support its critical mission.

Highlights of the program can be seen here.

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Empire was thrilled to help recreate the magic of summer camp from home with Camp Romper this year! Having worked on the live event last year, Camp Romper returned to Empire to help produce virtual craft, cooking, and storytelling livestreams to keep the summer camp energy going online. These hour-long sessions took place for three consecutive Saturdays starting on June 13^th.

The event series targeted parents and kids, with an audience mainly consisting of Camp Romper fans, followers, and website visitors. Registration was open to the public for each individual session free of cost through the Camp Romper website. Email confirmations were sent to registered guests with instructions on how to join, along with any information or lists of ingredients or materials needed to participate.

Each session featured different summer camp activities including crafting pom poms, keychains, and bag accessories out of old t-shirts with The Neon Tea Party, making no-bake granola bites and guacamole with Sprouts Cooking School, and, finally, a Drag Queen Reading Hour with Harmonica Sunbeam.

Empire’s scope of work for the Camp Romper virtual event series included consulting on run-of-show development, consulting on virtual platform selection, technical production, rehearsals, livestreaming, and the guest’s virtual experience.

Empire is a leading producer of live, virtual, and digital events. We strive to deliver the same high production value and immersive and interactive qualities we are known for in live events to virtual audiences.

Please contact us for more information on Virtual Events and to request a copy of the Empire Virtual Events Guide.

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For the 10^th consecutive year, Samsung hosted their annual Solve for Tomorrow competition. The nationwide challenge motivates students to use STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) to approach solutions to real-world issues impacting their communities.

In honor of their 10^th Anniversary, 20 National Finalist schools were chosen to pitch their project prototype to an esteemed panel of judges.  The students were all ready to fly to New York City when the Covid-19 pandemic began.  Rather than not finish out the year, Samsung virtually hosted their competition and partnered with Empire to produce a virtual finale event, which was livestreamed to hundreds of viewers worldwide through Facebook Live and YouTube.

Event highlights included opening remarks by the President and CEO, Samsung Electronics North America, as well as motivational speeches and performances by remarkable science communicators, filmmakers, musicians, and entrepreneurs. The event concluded with Samsung executives applauding the national winners and an uplifting video from teachers, mentors, students, and program partners sharing a special congratulatory message.

Empire’s scope of work included run-of-show development, speaker advance, rehearsal sessions, technical production, and broadcast. The show included a mix of pre-recorded and live content, featuring six Samsung executives from their homes.

Empire is a leading producer of virtual and digital events. We strive to deliver the same high production value, immersive and interactive qualities we are known for in live events to virtual audiences.

Please contact us for more information on Virtual Events and to request a copy of the Empire Virtual Events Guide.

A recording of the Samsung Solve broadcast can be viewed here: https://www.facebook.com/SamsungSolveForTomorrow/videos/271275417569694/

"Hope is a powerful force that connects us. It gives us the energy to move towards the future, and the strength to live in the present.” In this spirit, Bulgari, with support from Empire, hosted the “CONVERSATIONS FOR HOPE” talk show series. Leading voices from diverse fields across Japan were brought together for livestreamed conversations offering a message of hope and sharing personal ways of dealing with the present for a brighter future.

In response to social distancing measures, Empire worked closely with Bulgari Japan to swiftly create a virtual program that was streamed to tens of thousands of viewers throughout Japan. A total of four talk shows were broadcast, including opening remarks by Bulgari Group CEO, Jean-Christophe Babin, and President of Bulgari Japan, Walter Bolognino. The first three sessions were moderated by awarded novelist, Mieko Kawakami, and the fourth, a special “CONVERSATIONS FOR HOPE” talk show in collaboration with GQ JAPAN, was moderated by GQ JAPAN’s Editor-in-Chief, Masafumi Suzuki.

Panelists included Fumio Nanjo, Ayaka Hirahara, Miyake Mai, Kazumi Kurigami, Mari Natsuki, Yasuyuki Shuto, Koyuki (video message), Tamasaburo Bando (video message), Naomi Kawase, Mari Yamazaki, Lily Franky, and Ai Tominaga. The online talk show garnered substantial media coverage.

Click HERE for the full talk shows.