Medidata is a global technology company with a passion for Life Sciences that is transforming clinical development across the globe. Medidata recently hosted their 19th Annual NEXT Conference at Spring Studios in New York City, hosting over 1,100 attendees.

Known for its tagline “Where Science Meets Technology Meets the Future,” Medidata NEXT provides a space where like-minded professionals, developers, data scientists, researchers, executives, and Medidata product experts connect, learn, and inspire each other.

Medidata took over every available space of Spring Studios, filling the venue with multiple sessions of thought-provoking content and an “Innovation Lounge” where attendees could fill up their coffee, grab a bite to eat, and network among sponsors and colleagues. Fourteen custom-built product demos showcased Medidata’s current suite of solutions for biotech and pharmaceutical companies that enable them to bring life-saving therapies to market more efficiently and effectively.

Composed of overlapping general sessions and eight distinct breakout tracks, Empire was tasked with optimizing the space for both large and small audiences for various sessions. Among the solutions deployed was a production design that allowed for the general session space to be converted into two separate, fully-equipped breakout session spaces and back again multiple times over the course of two days. Accomplishing this technical engineering feat while ensuring flawless execution required detailed planning and advance technology design.

Empire and Medidata’s marketing and event teams worked together seamlessly to bring the Medidata brand to life across every inch of Spring Studios. Bold, expressive signage stretched across the exterior and interior walls, while a series of bright LED screens presented Medidata’s visual identity to reinforce their position as the leading innovator and disruptor in Life Sciences.  

Empire is proud to collaborate with Medidata on this annual, top-tier business event.

To learn more about Medidata NEXT and to view excerpts of NEXT 2018, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OH73SHvy1Z8&feature=youtu.be

​

The Call for Code Initiative is a multi-year, global rallying cry for developers to use their skills and mastery of the latest technologies to drive positive change across the world through the code they create. Call for Code brings startup, academic, and enterprise developers together and inspires them to solve the most pressing societal issues of our time.

In its inaugural year, Empire worked hand-in-hand with Creator David Clark Cause and Founding Partner, IBM, to produce the first-ever Call for Code Global Prize Celebration at The Regency Ballroom in San Francisco.

For 2018, the Call for Code Global Challenge invited developers to create solutions that significantly improve preparedness for natural disasters and relief when they hit. The response to this first-of-its-kind competition was astounding: Developers from 156 nations took part in the Call for Code, investing an estimated 1 million developers towards a specific mission to alleviate human suffering. The initiative had the support from a cross-section of experts, and humanitarian and international organizations including United Nations Human Rights Office, The American Red Cross, and the Linux Foundation.

On arrival guests were met at the entrance by a mounted team of San Francisco first responders. The Awards event kicked off with a cocktail hour which included activations focused on hurricanes, wildfires, and earthquakes. Each activation had three elements–projected video footage of natural disasters, screen content to display developer solutions, and tablet computers with corresponding data. Guests were invited to interact with these activations and discover the impact natural disasters have once they hit.

The stage program began dramatically with an immersive sound environment in the dark that transported the audience into the middle of a natural disaster which led to the introduction of program host, Kate Parker, Meteorologist and Science Reporter at The Weather Channel. Other program participants included Deputy Fire Chief of the City of Palo Alto, Geo Blackshire, Chief of External Relations of UN Human Rights, Laurent Sauveur, Developer Evangelist, JOMA, and Communications and Policy Lead at Project Lantern, Subalekha.

Of the top three finalists, Project OWL was named the winner for their innovative IoT and software solution that keeps first responders and victims connected in a natural disaster. The winner was chosen by a panel of eminent judges that included former President Bill Clinton.

Call for Code concluded with an upbeat performance by Local Natives, who are also committed and interested in coding technology.

“Empire CEO J. B. Miller and his entire production team did a fantastic job creating a dynamic, immersive event for the inaugural Call for Code Global Celebration”, said Call for Code creator David Clark. “My team, as well as the team at IBM were thrilled with the results, yet I was not surprised, as I’ve engaged Empire countless times over the last 18 years, and they delivered, as they always have.”

To learn more and/or join next year’s Call for Code, please visit https://callforcode.org

Following the success of Harper’s BAZAAR's A-list “BAZAAR ICONS” event in New York City, the celebration continued in Tokyo with the help of Empire Entertainment Japan.

Attended by the leaders of the fashion, beauty and entertainment world, the star-studded event hosted over 150 celebrities and VIP guests taking over the exceptional Joel Robuchon Restaurant in Ebisu.

BAZAAR ICONS began with a grand VIP entrance before a large crowd of onlookers and flashing paparazzi cameras, continued into the multi-floor restaurant to the Bulgari Tunnel video shoot, and then into the main room where guests lounged, sipped champagne, and danced to a special headline performance by Japan’s most influential guitarist, Char.

Among the many celebrity and VIP attendees were Carine Roitfeld, Theodora Richards, Alexandra Richards, Mori Hikari, Yamada Yu, Tominaga Ai, Becky, MAKIDAI, ELLI-ROSE, Ellie (Chim↑Pom), Licaxxx, Hatakeyama Chiaki, Nagai Mijika, Julia Abe, Saila Kunikida, Kana Oya, Char, Ishimura Tomomi, Emi Meyer, Iruka, ATSUSHI (Dragon Ash), Mika Ahn, Kansai Yamamoto, Momoko Abe, CHIHARU, MIKI EHARA, Yuka Mannami, Kiko Arai, Rila Fukushima, Ai Hashizume, and Rina Fukushi.

Empire was proud to produce yet another successful BAZAAR ICONS event, once again proving its expertise in producing high-profile events around the world.

BAZAAR ICONS 2018 IN TOKYO DIGEST MOVIE

BAZAAR ICONS 2018 IN TOKYO: PARTY SNAP

BAZAAR ICONS 2018 IN TOKYO: INSTAGRAM POSTS

​

A wide range of topics in the realm of geopolitics were discussed with the appearance of such special guests as Taro Kono, Foreign Minister of Japan, and Yuriko Koike, Governor of Tokyo.

The GZERO Summit is a unique event in Japan that gathers Japanese CEO’s, political and opinion leaders from Japan and abroad, together for a day event where extensive discussions are undertaken about the current geopolitical situations around the globe.

It is the first partnership with Eurasia Group and Empire and we hope many more will follow in the future.

Empire coordinated overall planning, production, venue management, construction, creative management, printing, technical control, and on-site operation.

​

adidas Japan launched AM4108, a new footwear line designed with ATMOS, a prominent Japanese streetwear and sneaker boutique based in Tokyo and manufactured in adidas SPEEDFACTORY. This footwear was launched at an event called ATMOS CON organized by ATMOS in Hikarie Hall in Shibuya, Tokyo. Empire designed this booth and customer experience including the short, but unique video captured by a robot arm and a tote bag customization service which was present at another SPEEDFACTORY-related event.

​At the Picture Gallery, adidas Japan held an event called “SPEEDFACTORY Tokyo” to introduce the future of shoemaking and adidas innovation. Huge shipping containers toured through key cities. Inside, guests experienced the latest data capturing technologies used for customization. Limited models from the AM4 series were designed for London, Paris, NY, LA, Shanghai, and Tokyo, and introduced in Japan for the first time. Empire coordinated local production, venue management, catering, guest takeaways (tote bag customization & on-site printing service), and on-site operation.

The Global Hope Coalition hosted their third annual New York City Gala event at 583 Park in conjunction with the United Nations General Assembly week. The event honored Heads of State and everyday heroes who have joined Global Hope in their mission to fight against violent extremism, preserve cultural heritage, and build bridges across cultures.

The event kicked off with a cocktail hour in the Arcade where guests could meet and network. The Kenyatta Beasley Jazz Trio provided lively music.

Guests then moved to dinner in the Ballroom where an emotional and inspirational video spotlighted Global Hope’s mission. Special Recognition Awards were presented to H.E. Mahamadou Issouou, President of Niger, H.E. Beji Caid Essebsi, President ofTunisia, H.E. Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Bangladesh, and H.E. Alexis Tsipras, Prime Minister of Greece, for their efforts to promote peace and fight against extremism and intolerance in their nations.

The real stars of the evening were the everyday heroes:

· Bochra Belhaj Hmida - A member of the Tunisian parliament, she chairs the independent Committee on Individual Freedoms and Equality.

· Sherin Khankan - The first female imam in Europe who has led the foundation of a women-led mosque in Copenhagen called Mariam Mosque.

·  Delphine Horvilleur - France’s best-known woman rabbi, she is a leading voice in the fight against hate, anti-Semitism, and racism in Europe.

·  Omar Elbasheer - Thinker, author, publisher, and essayist who has emerged as a leading Arab voice against extremism and terror.

·  Mamadou Gassama - Famous as the “Paris Spiderman”, he was given the medal of the City of Paris, the highest distinction of the French capital, and was received at Elysee Palace by President Emmanuel Macron.

Empire is honored to produce this moving event in connection with the Global Hope Coalition andGlobal Hope Europe.

​

Co-founded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Project Everyone, the annual Goalkeepers event brings together heads of state and international Sustainable Development Goals “Goalkeepers” (those spearheading various missions in their local communities) to chart progress, share best practices, and build active communities to help achieve the Goals. This year’s Goalkeepers focused on the theme of power of youth.

The 2nd annual event, scheduled during the United Nations General Assembly, was set in the iconic Appel room at Jazz at Lincoln Center. The program was set on a unique LED stage which combined both an LED backdrop wall and an LED floor on which extraordinary animated content had been created to illustrate each session.

Goalkeepers opened with keynote remarks by French President Emmanuel Macron, followed by an intimate and inspiring conversation with Bill and Melinda Gates discussing global progress towards the Goals.

Bill and Melinda Gates each presented their own multi-part sessions, covering topics that included the challenges of eradicating extreme poverty, sustainable innovation, and leveraging the power of youth activism in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Among the many other speakers and participants were President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, who spoke on his country's vision for human capital development; writer, campaigner, and Co-Founder of Project Everyone and the Goalkeepers event, Richard Curtis; actor & writer, Stephen Fry; international advocate for women and children's rights and Co-Founder of the Graça Machel Trust, Graça Machel; President & CEO of the International Rescue Committee (IRC), David Miliband; Nobel Peace Prize laureate and child rights activist, Kailash Satyarthi; Chief Innovation Officer for the government of Sierra Leone, David Sengeh; and Trisha Shetty, lawyer, social activist, and Founder of SheSays.

The day-long program was hosted by award-winning BBC World News presenter, Nancy Kacungira, and NBC News host, Savannah Sellers.

Energizing musical interstitials were provided by a cappella group, Naturally 7, and Kenyan Rapper King Kaka, along with a moving performance by Broadway star, Nicolette Robinson, to spotlight the plight of child brides. The day opened and ended with energizing performances by 10-year-old DJ Switch Ghana.

Between the informative sessions, the 450 guests enjoyed networking time in the Atrium where they also participated in a variety of experiences and activations that included an art installation made of over 75,000 bottle tops collected and painted by women in Salvador, Brazil, and an interactive photo booth that encouraged guests to select their favorite goal and overlay video data to help spread the word via social media.

The activations were rounded out by the “Goalkeeper’s Library”, where guests were able to select a book from options curated by Bill and Melinda Gates and other Goalkeepers.

Empire was proud to work with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Project Everyone, and many other partners to present Goalkeepers 2018.  

To view the livestream of the full program visit here

To learn more about the Goalkeepers event, please visit: https://www.gatesfoundation.org/goalkeepers/

Additional information about the Sustainable Development Goals can be found here: https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/?menu=1300

Empire was honored to serve as the producer of the 17th annual Samsung Charity Gala, which raises funds for a variety of charitable organizations focused on children’s health, education, and sustainability. This year’s Gala took place in the Grand Ballroom and Hammerstein Ballroom at the Manhattan Center in New York City.

The evening kicked off with a star-studded red carpet, packed with celebrities and athletes including Matthew McConaughey, Camila Alves, Jermaine Dupri, Victor Cruz, Jessica Seinfeld, Gus Kentworthy, and more.

Guests entered the foyer which had been transformed into an ethereal registration space surrounded by a star curtain with floral chandeliers hanging overhead. Guests then proceeded to the Promenade in the Hammerstein Ballroom and upstairs to the Grand Ballroom to enjoy cocktails. The starry theme continued into the Promenade, as guests walked into a navy-colored room with a twinkling ceiling installation and florals cascading down the columns. In the Grand Ballroom, guests’ attention was immediately drawn to a 22-foot high ‘Flornado’ (a tornado-shaped floral installation) that served as the main focal point behind the central bar, while DJ Irie kept the energy pumping.

After cocktails, guests made their way into the Hammerstein Ballroom in wonder as the cavernous, historic opera house had been transformed into an elegant banquet hall. At the front of the seating stood an awe-inspiring stage over which stood a 33’ wide X 19’ tall LED screen which showcased animated content and logos of Samsung’s donors and charity partners.

The evening’s program included live “Voice of God” announcements by celebrities Mark Messier and Daymond John, a lively performance by students from Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton Education Program, remarks by Ryan Seacrest and President and CEO of Samsung North America, Tim Baxter, the presentation of this year’s Champion of Hope award by Peter Hermann to his wife, Mariska Hargirtay, and a performance by indie band, Fitz and the Tantrums, who performed their hits “Hand Clap,” and “Walker.”  

If that wasn’t enough excitement, auctioneer Charles Antin took the stage along with Matthew McConaughey and Victor Cruz to auction various packages including a trip to Texas for ‘Austin’s Biggest Party’, the Mack, Jack & McConaughey annual charity event, a VIP experience with Victor Cruz at a New York Giants game, and the opportunity to fly to Puerto Rico to see Lin-Manuel Miranda reprise his title role in Hamilton.

The evening was closed out by the one and only Mr. Worldwide, Pitbull, who delivered a high-energy, 45-minute non-stop hit song performance including, “Give Me Everything,” “Don’t Stop The Party,” “Hotel Room Service,” and which concluded with confetti raining down over the audience.

The Samsung Gala raised more than $3 million for its Charity Partners, who included The Boomer Esiason Foundation; City of Hope; Mark Messier Foundation; Gilder Lehrman Institute; Irie Foundation; Lollipop Theater Network; SLAM; Together Rising; Sidewalk Angels; Joyful Heart Foundation; City of Hope; Eric and Jessie Decker Foundation; Christopher and Diana Reeve Foundation; Just Keep Livin; and more.

Empire was proud to work once again with the Samsung team to design and deliver a flawless and memorable evening benefitting these worthy causes.

For more information on Samsung’s charitable initiatives, please visit https://www.samsung.com/us/careers/giving-back/

Every Fall, Hearst publication Harper’s BAZAAR and Fashion Director Carine Roitfeld release the September ICONS issue and host a star-studded, exclusive mega-party that serves as the unofficial kickoff to New York Fashion Week. Attended by the who’s-who of the fashion, beauty, and luxury worlds, the must-attend ICONS event hosts over 1,000 celebrities and VIP guests and literally takes over all of the spaces of New York’ Citys storied Plaza Hotel.

This year celebrated Carine's fifth ICONS portfolio, which appears in the September issues of all 32 editions of Harper’s BAZAAR worldwide. ‘The First Families of Music’ portfolio, photographed by Mario Sorrenti, features music royalty and their offsprings including Kanye, North and Saint West, Bruce and Jessica Springsteen, Christina Aguilera, Lionel and Nicole Richie, Erykah Badu, Theodora and Alexandra Richards, Steven and Liv Tyler, Mariah Carey, Billy and Bonnie Idol, and Paris Jackson.

The entire event experience was designed based on Roitfeld’s art direction to create a decadent but opulent, rock dynasty downtown chic look. Red florals and sexy black furniture accents were mixed with disruptive, rock-inspired elements like smashed mirrors, lipstick graffiti covered mirrors, and overflowing champagne buckets. ICONS began with a grand VIP entrance before thousands of onlookers and flashing paparazzi cameras on Fifth Avenue, continued into a multi-floor red carpet and photo gallery of the September editorial, and then into the elegant Plaza Grand Ballroom where guests lounged on ottomans, sipped champagne, and danced to a special headline performance by Icon Christina Aguilera.

Among the many celebrity and VIP attendees were Carine Roitfeld, Christina Aguilera, Adriana Lima, Alexander Wang, Ashlee Simpson, Bella and Gigi Hadid, Caitlyn Jenner, Coco Rocha, Cardi B, Chance the Rapper, Christie Brinkley, David Copperfield, Devon Windsor, DJ Cassidy, Heidi Klum, Justin Theroux, Kaia Gerber, Karlie Kloss, Kendall Jenner, Kelly Rowland, Mila Jovovich, Nicki Minaj, Paris Hilton, Paris Jackson, Presley Gerber, Rachel Zoe, Tiffany Haddish, Victor Cruz, Victoria Justice, Winnie Harlow, and 21 Savage.

The ICONS event featured interactive activations by eight different partners starting with a red Genesis G70 photo arrival tableau parked in front of The Plaza. Blacked-out revolving doors turned to reveal an elaborate dark red floral structure in the lobby foyer and a gold and silver confetti Instagram wall.

The star-studded red carpet ended with an award-winning FIT x Infor design collaboration and led into a sculptural installation of spinning gold lipstick columns. Other activations included a Fujifilm Instax camera wall, a spinning boudoir photo moment, a Saks Fifth Avenue projected music video stage, Stella Artois rock & roll-inspired bars, a Moët & Chandon bar backed with an amazing champagne tower, a Saks Fifth Avenue Limitless Client Lounge, and two Belvedere Vodka bars with guitar ice sculptures and customized cocktails.

Empire served as overall producer of the evening and was responsible for event design, talent management, staging and technical production, venue and catering logistics coordination, stage management, staffing, front of house logistics, and all Partner activations.

As one of the fashion’s most influential events, BAZAAR ICONS garnered unrivaled press attention with over 12.2 billion impressions. ICONS was featured worldwide by top broadcast, newspapers, magazines, social media platforms, and every major website. Check out #BazaarICONS

Empire was proud to work closely with the Harper’s BAZAAR ICONS team to deliver a flawless and extraordinary evening.