Our Work

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.

Empire, alongside their trusted partners and vendors, created a mobile Illuminate Our Heroes experience at the doorstep of hospitals in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Yonkers, New Jersey, and Long Island, recognizing the many individuals serving at the frontlines of the COVID-19 response effort.

In honor of National Hospital Week, the tour was a means to deliver frontline workers a much-needed boost and a message of support from New York City’s live events, entertainment, and production community. The interactive 15 minute multimedia show thanked frontline workers for their dedication and sacrifice during this crisis, playing all-time favorites like, “Here Comes the Sun", and “New York, New York".

Upon special request, Empire arranged an intimate performance by America’s Got Talent Golden Buzzer & The Apollo Theater’s Grand Prize Winner, Christian Guardino, who delighted essential workers at Mather and Stony Brook University Hospitals with his renditions of “Rise Up” by Andra Day, “New York State of Mind” by Billy Joel, and “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey.

“In a time when our live entertainment and event industries have been so deeply affected, we know that our ability to recover quickly and bounce back is largely thanks to the heroic efforts of frontline workers. Empire and our partners have come together to deploy our production capabilities to show our gratitude to the heroes that come together every day to protect us”, said Matt Stevenson, Empire’s SVP of Production.

Stops included St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center in Wayne, New Jersey; Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus, New Jersey; NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi in the Bronx; BronxCare Hospital Center in the Bronx; NYU Langone Sunset Park and University Hospital of Brooklyn; SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University in Brooklyn; NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst in Queens; St. John’s Riverside Hospital in Yonkers; NYU Langone Health: Tisch Hospital; Kimmel Pavilion & Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital in Manhattan; NYU Winthrop in Long Island; Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson, Long Island; and Stony Brook University Hospital in Stony Brook, Long Island.

We couldn’t have been more moved by the spirit of our heroes throughout this experience. Thank you to everyone involved in making this possible, including a special thanks to our partners: AVS Production Group, 4Wall Entertainment, Aggreko, Boum Creative, AV Trucking, and BNW Rigging.

Empire is a leading producer of live experiences. 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 or Socially Distant Events.

Empire secured comedian Patton Oswalt to host the Webbys From Home. With Covid-19 still keeping people at home, the Webbys decided not to call the event the 24^th Annual Webby Awards, but instead “Webbys From Home”. Patton opened the show with hilarious opening monologue video taped in his home garden, telling the at-home audience to get comfortable in the“black sweatpants you’ve been wearing for the past month” and to enjoy a nice glass of “pinot bleachio” during the show.

The Webbys From Home then continued in the tradition of the usual live show, with an incredible array of celebrities, luminaries, and web personalities taking turns honoring the best of the internet over the past year. Michelle Obama presented a Webby Special Achievement Award to D-Nice, and Demi Lovato presented one to Miley Cyrus. Comedian Judah Friedlander presented Tom Hanks with an Award for his work on #nicetweets, and everyone’s favorite doctor, Dr. Anthony Fauci, presented to Avi Schiffmann as the 2020 Webby Person of the Year for the Covid-19 tracking device and website the young man brought to the internet (over 600 million visitors so far!). Schiffmann honored the Webbys' tradition of sticking to a 5-word acceptance speech, stating, “You can learn anything online”. When Ellen Degeneres was honored for her "Heads Up” online video game she quipped “Wow, what a wonderful Webby Award!”.  Others who appeared on the show as presenters and winners included Trevor Noah, James Corden, FKA Twigs, John Krasinski, Jill Scott, and even Sesame Street’s lovable green icon, Oscar the Grouch.

As always, the Webbys also had several poignant moments along with the lighter ones, and honored several groups that they deemed“Covid-19 Heroes”, including Shopping Angels, Nextstrain.org, Invisible Hands, Black Fairy Godmother, and The Swab Squad. To see all of the above moments and more, visit https://webbysfromhome.com

Empire has been honored to produce the previous 15 live Webby Awards programs with appearances by Prince, Anna Wintour, David Bowie, Jerry Seinfeld, Ben Stiller, Lisa Kudrow, David Letterman, Sarah Silverman, Gillian Anderson, and dozens more, and to have contracted Patton Oswalt for this year’s special Webbys From Home presentation.

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Solve at MIT, the flagship meeting of MIT Solve, was hosted virtually this year. Nearly 800 Solve community members gathered on the virtual meeting platform, Hopin, to engage with each other and work to solve global Challenges using technology-based solutions. In the last three years, Solve and its partners have brokered commitments of over $25 million in funding for social entrepreneurs. At Virtual Solve at MIT 2020, they announced $1.7 million in prize funding available for 2020 Solver teams.

The closing plenary was livestreamed to the Solve website and drew thousands of viewers from around the world. The day-long event featured a performance by cellist Yo-Yo Ma, an exercise break led by Olympian Pita Taufatofua, and discussions with notable speakers including General Motors Chairman and CEO, Mary Barra; MIT President, L. Rafael Reif; and former Astronaut, Cady Coleman. In the virtual environment, guests attended a series of plenary and breakout sessions. Facilitated sessions and social entrepreneur expo booths allowed the community to share ideas on-camera, while the networking function of the site paired event attendees and Solver teams together for one-on-one discussions.

In the wake of COVID-19 shuttering campus, Empire worked with the Solve team to shift quickly from an in-person to wholly virtual event. Empire’s scope of work included consulting on run-of-show development, speaker advance, graphics package build-out, Hopin system buildout and testing, staff training, how-to video creation, technical production, broadcast, simulcast to multiple outlets, and the guest’s virtual experience.

Empire is a leading producer of virtual and digital events and 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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As part of the campaign showcase for the original Netflix anime “Ghost in the Shell SAC_2045,” the latest installment in the long-running Ghost in the Shell franchise, Shibuya 5G Entertainment Project and Empire co-produced the “Shibuya Ghost in the Shell Night by au 5G”.

Produced in response to social distancing measures, Tokyo’s famous Shibuya high streets were transformed into a futuristic entertainment showcase with mixed reality content, the “Virtual Shibuya”. The use of 5G and the latest cutting-edge technology connected the real Shibuya to a virtual space, combining the realms of the digital and real world. Visitors were able to walk around freely, visiting the stage and iconic Shibuya landmarks. “Shibuya Ghost in the Shell Night by au 5G” garnered over 50,000 viewers.

Viewers tuning into “Virtual Shibuya” with their own avatars using smartphones, PCs or VR devices, found a variety of online events held inside the virtual event space. Talk shows and performances included SEKAI NO OWARI’s DJ LOVE, virtual YouTuber and member of Nijisanji Ange Katrina, Chinatsu Wakatsuki of Future Design Shibuya, and Naohiro Ukawa of S/U/P/E/R DOMMUNE.

Empire’s scope of work included implementation planning, run-of-show direction, and the performers and staff briefing.

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.

Empire’s recently-launched Virtual Gallery has evolved into a truly groundbreaking platform. The high-tech collaboration is between Empire Artists and the augmented reality (AR) app PictPop. Featuring illustrator Chika Takei and artist Shinpei Kashihara, the experience challenges you to think beyond your senses with works that celebrate the particular style of these two contrasting artists. ​

The Empire-produced Virtual Platform 360° allows you to view art online as if you were walking through a real life gallery with the option to purchase works on the spot through e-commerce links.

Virtual Platform 360° is a versatile platform that can work with any event including product launches or virtual seminars. Check out the gallery here: https://empirearts.in3sixty.com/

With the help of Empire, The Clinton Foundation hosted the 12th annual Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U) meeting. William Jefferson Clinton, Founder and Board Chair of the Clinton Foundation and 42nd President of the United States, and Chelsea Clinton, Vice Chair of the Clinton Foundation, brought together leading voices in government, public health, and philanthropy to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic and how everyone can work together to overcome the complex health, economic, and social issues that it presents.

The CGI U meeting was initially slated to take place at the University of Edinburgh. In response to social distancing measures, the Clinton Foundation worked closely with Empire to swiftly transition to a virtual program that was publicly broadcasted to thousands of viewers worldwide.

Empire’s scope of work included run-of-show development, speaker advance, pre-recording sessions, technical production, broadcast, and the guest’s virtual experience.

The highly informative program consisted of opening and closing remarks by President Clinton and Chelsea Clinton, three panels, two one-on-one conversations, a town hall with President Clinton and Chelsea Clinton featuring questions from CGI U students, and virtual breakout sessions hosted on Zoom for CGI students and alumni to discuss their Commitments to Action and responses to the pandemic. Program highlights and notable speaker participants include the following:

• One-on-one conversations by President Clinton with California Governor Gavin Newsom and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on the response to the pandemic
  
• Two panels moderated by Chelsea Clinton featuring:

• Devi Sridhar – Professor & Chair of Global Public Health, University of Edinburgh Medical School
• Dr. Vivek Murthy – 19th U.S. Surgeon General
• Chen Kuan – Founder and CEO, Infervision
• Ophelia Dahl – Co-Founder, Partners in Health
• Jenny A. Durkan – Mayor of Seattle
• Dr. Syra Madad – Senior Director, System-wide Special Pathogens Program, NYC Health + Hospitals
• Dr. Paul Farmer – Co-Founder, Partners in Health
• Christelle Kwizera – Founder and Managing Director, Water Access Rwanda

• Karen Bass – U.S. Representative, State of CA, 37th Congressional District, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus
• Joaquin Castro – U.S. Representative, State of CA, 37th Congressional District, Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus
  
• Ambassador Eric Goosby, M.D. – U.N. Special Envoy on Tuberculosis, Former U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator

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 CGI U 2020 broadcast can be viewed here: https://events.clinton-foundation.org/cgiu2020/

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Empire was proud to help Dartmouth College host its first-ever virtual gathering of the President’s Leadership Council, Board of Trustees, and core community. The purpose of the event was to share how Dartmouth’s leadership, faculty, staff, and students are navigating the impacts of COVID-19, and to showcase how Dartmouth is holistically addressing this complex global challenge.

Working together, Empire and Dartmouth swiftly reimagined this previously scheduled in-person meeting as a highly-engaging, informative virtual event that would deliver high-caliber production value to over 100 participants in locations around the world.

Using a Zoom Webinar technology platform, the virtual event was managed by the Empire team from a secure control room designed with redundant network connections, master and backup computers for graphics and videos, and a production team that could direct the program similar to a live news broadcast. A broadcast switcher outputted the Zoom event and recording devices captured the content and speakers. Empire set up a separate communication line between the control room, production team, and presenters to create a direct line of communication for timing and cueing for all remote participants. In conjunction with Dartmouth, Empire provided Zoom credentials to delegates (presenters) and participants (guests) to enable secure log-in and to control access to the event.

Event highlights included a State of the College Report by Dartmouth College President, Philip Hanlon, an update on remote learning and innovations by Scott Pauls, Director of the Dartmouth Center for the Advancement of Learning, and Douglas Van Citters, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education,Thayer School of Engineering. Elizabeth Smith, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, delivered remarks on undergraduate research in this new era, and Lee Coffin, Vice Provost for Enrollment & Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, provided updates on Dartmouth admissions.

A live, moderated Q&A session offered event participants the opportunity to submit questions through the Zoom platform which allowed each of the presenters to respond to them in real-time. Laurel Richie, Chair of Dartmouth’s Board of Trustees, provided closing comments and urged Dartmouth Alumnae to remain engaged with the Dartmouth Community during these critical times. The event concluded with an uplifting video performance of the Dartmouth Alma Mater and Dartmouth Faculty offering well wishes.

Empire worked closely with several Dartmouth departments and teams, as well as with its Senior Leadership, to execute the virtual event including managing concept, run-of-show development, scripting, presenter advance, screen content production, technical production, budgeting, and the guest’s virtual experience.

Empire is a leading producer of virtual and digital events and 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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Jerusalem Venture Partners celebrated the Grand Opening of the International Cyber Center at 122 Grand St in SoHo, New York. The international venture capital firm partnered with NYC Economic Development Corp. to establish a state-of-the-art center to champion New York City as the next global cybersecurity capital.

Empire was proud to serve as overall producer for the Grand Opening celebration. Over the course of the evening, JVP welcomed hundreds of guests to view the modern center and interact with the 28 companies calling Margalit Startup City their home.

Dr. Erel Margalit, Chairman and Founding Partner of JVP and of Margalit Startup City, welcomed New York City Deputy Mayor of Housing and Economic Development, Vicki Been, a valued partner in the development of the Cyber Center, and James Patchett, President and CEO of NYCEDC, to remark on the ongoing relationship with JVP and the future of New York City as a global epicenter for cybersecurity development.

Academy Award-winner and Entrepreneur, Gwyneth Paltrow, joined Dr. Margalit onstage for a fireside chat to discuss the importance of the increasing role of women in tech, and the expansion of cyber security protect governments, small businesses, and individuals.

Due to the popularity of the grand opening ceremony, Empire activated the retail space next door and transformed the raw space into a glittering afterparty space filled with food from Breads Catering and Israeli DJ, Omri, for guests to enjoy the rest of the evening.

The newly renovated 122 Grand office space offered a modern palette for Empire’s creative design. The windows facing Broadway and Grand were branded with the Margalit Startup City logo to create an impressively imposing presence on the iconic New York City street.

Empire is a leading producer of high-end corporate and tech industry events and we were honored to work with JVP to help produce the successful grand opening of JVP International Cyber Center.

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For more than 40 years, Robb Report has consistently transported its global community to the most extraordinary destinations, experiences, and events. In late 2019, it more than lived up to that reputation by hosting an exceptional event: a special invitation-only gathering of the world’s largest megayachts in the Red Sea, for a celebration of food, music, and culture.

Robb Report created a luxury resort on a former Egyptian outpost in the Red Sea (Sindalah Island, now part of the NEOM economic zone) to host 400 guests from 38 countries over four days. Invitees ranged from business leaders and politicians to oceanographers, artists, and philanthropists. A program of unique discussions and experiences was unveiled, from open-air concerts featuring a line-up of Grammy Award-winning musical names, to exceptional culinary events with some of the world’s finest chefs.

Empire was thrilled to work with the Robb Report to contract and deliver performances by John Legend and Norah Jones for this exceptional event.

Michelin-starred British chef Jason Atherton hosted an exclusive pop-up restaurant, serving a seven-course tasting menu inspired by the local region, while Egyptian-American, Michelin-starred Michael Mina and Saudi chef Almaha Aldossari welcomed guests to their own relaxed Beach House dining experience.

From art masterclasses with Lucy Freud, daughter of artist Lucian Freud, to cultural excursions with local guides, plus numerous sporting opportunities from kite surfing to fishing, guests enjoyed four days of unparalleled luxury and adventure. Exploring one of the great diving locations, all were able to experience first-hand the stunning marine world of the Red Sea—which has some of the best-preserved coral reefs on the planet—whether by transparent kayak, snorkeling, or scuba diving.

A bespoke spa was also created by luxurious Swiss specialists Waldhaus Flims, which took care of those who just wanted to relax.

By bringing over 65 of the world’s largest superyachts to the region, Robb Report has created the most rarefied, annual marine event in the world: the best of the best on the ocean.

With the help of Empire, Hilton Midtown UJA Federation of New York recently hosted their Annual Wall Street Dinner at the Hilton Midtown in New York City for over 1,900 attendees.

This year’s dinner honored Vice-President and Co-Founder of BlackRock, Barbara Novick, the first woman to receive the Gustave L. Levy Award; Co-Chief Investment Officer and Head of Real Estate, of Angelo Gordon; and Adam R. Schwartz, who received the Alan C. Greenberg Young Leadership Award. The evening also featured remarks from Keynote speaker, Andrew Ross Sorkin, financial columnist at the New York Times, as well as Lloyd Blankfein, Dan Och, Suzanne Peck, David Moore, John Paulson, Michael Gordon, Stacy Bash-Polley, and Rob Kapito.

Upon arrival at the New York Hilton, guests were greeted by staff holding UJA-branded paddles, along with a giant LED wall featuring the evenings honorees and keynote speaker. Once passing through registration, guests entered their receptions, which showcased the UJA brand and impactful signage featuring their “Stand Up. Stand Together” campaign. Guests then made their way into the elegant Grand Ballroom banquet hall featuring an attention-grabbing branded Dais set up at the front of the room.

Following the stage program, guests proceeded to the afterparty, dancing to a live set by DJ Taela Noemi, experiencing unbelievable slight-of-hand magic by Doug McKenzie, and enjoying desserts in the transformed cocktail space. Dessert stations and candy bars lined the room while partygoers played VR games, competed in a card toss for exclusive prizes, and posed in the photo booth. This year’s Wall Street Dinner raised over $31 million to tackle many of the major challenges facing people in need in New York, in Israel, and worldwide. Empire was proud to work closely with the UJA Federation and Wall Street Division to deliver a lively and memorable evening.

To kick-off the opening night of Art Basel in Miami, Florida, Mastercard collaborated with Empire to bring Mastercard’s Taste of Priceless experience to life for Mastercard’s senior leadership, clients, and guests at the 1 Hotel South Beach. During the event, Mastercard presented the two original Taste of Priceless macaron flavors in the colors of Mastercard’s iconic interlocking circles that perfectly embody the key attributes of the company’s brand personality as well as its symbol. Conceived by Kreëmart, and crafted by Ladurée, the macaron flavors of Passion (red) represents the company’s energy and commitment to helping people get closer to the things that they love. And Optimism (yellow) signifies its confidence and efforts to making the world a better place. Together, they champion Mastercard brand’s platform to Start Something Priceless.

In addition to the flavorful brand expression, Empire continued to creatively present Mastercard’s multisensory identity into to a tangible “Priceless” experience for event guests through sound, touch, and sight with a custom-designed interactive video wall including Mastercard’s sonic brand and floral arrangement symbol.

Earlier this year, Mastercard removed its name from its logo, leaving only the iconic symbol of two overlapping circles; debuted a global sonic identity that’s being heard around the world; and reimagined its culinary strategy by opening its first permanent restaurant, Bistro by Mastercard, in the Rome International Airport, and its flagship restaurant, PRICELESS, with a pioneering, fully-immersive restaurants-in-residence model at Spring Studios, in New York City.

Prior to this event, Empire was proud to collaborate with Mastercard at The New York Times Food Festival by building out a custom-designed immersive experience where Mastercard featured the taste of Priceless. Festivalgoers were invited to look for Mastercard’s signature red and yellow colors onsite in Bryant Park and visit the Mastercard tent for a first taste of Passion and Optimism; Mastercard holders were also treated to additional “Priceless Surprises.”

Available first in New York City, Mastercard cardholders will soon be able to purchase the custom macarons on priceless.com with pickup available from Ladurée’s SoHo location. Additional pickup locations in the U.S. and internationally are slated for Q4 2019.

Created by Josh Littlejohn MBE, Co-Founder of the Scottish charity and sandwich shop Social Bite, the 2019 World’s Big Sleep Out campaign hosted over 50,000 people sleeping out on the same night in dozens of cities around the world to raise money and awareness about homelessness and internationally displaced people. Empire was thrilled to produce the New York flagship event featuring Will Smith in the heart of New York City, Times Square.

The event was run in partnership with the Institute for Global Homelessness (IGH), UNICEF USA, Malala Fund, Coalition for the Homeless, and Social Bite. This year’s Sleep Outs took place in iconic locations such as Times Square (New York) and Trafalgar Square (London), along with the major cities of Edinburgh, Dublin, New Delhi, Los Angeles, and many others.

Empire was proud to support the cause and produce the Sleep Out in Times Square, working closely with the Times Square Alliance, The Mayor’s Office of Citywide Events, SAPO, NYC Parks Department, NYPD, and many others who helped ensure the event’s success and safety. Hundreds of people slept in sleeping bags, generously donated by Modell’s Sporting Goods, across four Broadway plazas spanning from 43rd to 47th Streets, braving the below-freezing overnight temperatures.

To kick off the event, a live program featured performances by Broadway star Jeannette Bayardelle, local New York City buskers, pianist James Matthews, On Site Opera, The War & Treaty, and Jay Buchanan. Comedian Dulcé Sloan hosted the program and charity partners such as UNICEF USA, Breaking Ground, Coalition for the Homeless, and Ali Forney Center. Additionally, New York City Public Advocate, Jumaane Williams, and Manhattan Borough President, Gale Brewer, gave speeches in support of the Sleep Out.

The program ended with a bedtime story from award-winning actor Will Smith, who performed a rendition of the iconic “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” theme song.

On Sunday morning, participants arose from their sleeping bags at 5:30 AM with a sense of what it means to be homeless in New York City. The sleeping bags have since been donated to nonprofit organizations including Coalition for the Homeless, The Bowery Mission, and The Church of St. Francis Xavier.

Empire is a leading producer of nonprofit events and we are honored to have played an integral part of this campaign.

To support or learn more about The World’s Big Sleep Out, please visit: https://www.bigsleepout.com/

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Empire was proud to help Bvlgari Japan host the 4th BVLGARI AVRORA AWARDS, a high-profile gala event, in Tokyo. Launched in 2016, the annual awards are the culmination of a year-long program that focuses the spotlight on extraordinary Japanese women who shine in their fields and are an inspiration to women throughout Japan. Through a unique Recommender-Awardee engagement, an Awardee is nominated each month throughout the year and their story shared in a series of videos and articles. Their achievements are recognized and celebrated when they come together for a memorable evening that has become the highlight of Tokyo’s annual event calendar.

The 2019 BVLGARI AVRORA AWARDS was held at the Maihama Amphitheater in front of a large media contingent and audience of over 2,000. Awardees who walked the “Golden Carpet” included Marathon runner and Olympic Gold Medalist, Naoko Takahashi, actress Sonoya Mizuno, singer Ayaka Hirahara, actress Koyuki, and Seven Summit mountaineer, Marin Minamiya. They were congratulated by Bvlgari Global CEO, Jean-Christophe Babin, and numerous celebrities including Koki, Rola, Hikari Mori, Rila Fukushima, Mika Ahn, and Maggy. The AWARD presentations included powerful performances by singers Ayaka Hirahara and Crystal Kay.

Empire is honored to have produced the BVLGARI AVRORA AWARDS since its inception in 2016, and to be a part of fulfilling BVLGARI’s vision for this important movement. As the AWARDS continue to grow and evolve, we look forward to working together to further build their reach, recognition and impact.

Digest Video: https://vimeo.com/379715695

Medidata, the global leader in the digital transformation of life sciences and a Dassault Systèmes company, hosted their 14th Annual NEXT Conference at Spring Studios in New York City, welcoming more than 2,000 attendees.

Medidata NEXT, “Where Science Meets Technology Meets the Future,” is the premier conference in the field 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 at Spring Studios, filling the venue with multiple sessions about the hottest topics on precision medicine and new ways to develop new therapeutics. An “Innovation Lounge” was created where attendees could fill up their coffee, grab a bite to eat, and network among sponsors and colleagues. Custom-built product demos showcased Medidata’s current suite of solutions for biotech and pharmaceutical companies that enable them to bring new therapies to market more efficiently and effectively.

Composed of overlapping general sessions and six 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, interior walls, and a series of bright LED screens, presenting Medidata’s brand and projecting a visual identity that reinforced 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 highlights of NEXT 2019, please visit: https://youtu.be/6dxYr9sd5cQ  

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Endeavor's annual Gala brought together 500 network members, including global entrepreneurs, top investors, and international industry leaders. Empire was proud to once again support this year’s gala to raise critical funds to support the high-impact entrepreneurship movement around the world.

The Gala  took place at Spring Studios in New York City's trendy Tribeca neighborhood. At cocktails, guests enjoyed hors d'oeuvres served on innovative hand-carried serving vessels by Pinch Food Design and a full bar featuring a selection of white, red, and sparkling wine provided by Bacchus Wine Fund.

After, guests made their way upstairs to a seated dinner in the massive, minimalist studios. The dinner program included keynote remarks by Endeavor Global Chairman, Edgar Bronfman Jr., and Co-Founder and CEO, Linda Rottenberg. Dan Schulman, President and CEO of PayPal, was presented with the High-Impact Leader of the Year award and participated in a fireside chat. New this year, The Linda’s, honoring Endeavor Entrepreneurs who most embody the Endeavor spirit of “dreaming crazy, scaling up, and paying it forward,” were announced and presented a custom award created by an artisan from Endeavor Entrepreneur company, Artemest.

After dinner, guests moved downstairs to the Gala afterparty High-Impact Night sponsored by Dell in the cocktail space, which had been transformed into an upscale lounge featuring music by Hannah Bronfman.

Empire and the Endeavor team collaborated closely to ensure that the organization’s mission was showcased at the Gala in addition to highlighting entrepreneurs in their network. This year the first-ever Endeavor Store was introduced, featuring products from Endeavor Entrepreneurs. A live plant lounge with hundreds of plants was powered by Endeavor Entrepreneur company, Bloomscape, adding an impactful décor element to the space. Guests experienced an interactive, live art activation as Italian artisan, Maria Giannini, from Endeavor Entrepreneur company, Artemest, created unique paper marbling alongside attendees. Guests could also share their Endeavor story in a recording studio using state-of-the-art microphones from Endeavor Entrepreneur company, Antelope Audio.

Empire is a leading producer of innovative not-for-profit galas and is proud to support Endeavor Global’s work. Endeavor is transforming the economies of 35+ growth markets by helping entrepreneurs scale, create jobs, and multiply their impact by becoming outstanding role models, mentors, and investors to the next generation of founders.

To learn more, visitwww.endeavor.org

Empire once again partnered with Techonomy to help produce their ninth annual flagship conference in Half Moon Bay, CA. Techonomy Media uses this annual event as a platform to host pioneering conversations on the subject of technology’s influence on our socioeconomic status and culture.

Each day of the conference kicked off with morning activities ranging from coastal bike tours and surfing to early morning yoga and golf.

This year’s three-day conference focused on topics including Starting Up to Challenge Amazon, Investing and Entrepreneurship for a Warming Planet, Why AI Has to be Humble, and Turning Tech Toward Humanity.

Innovative professionals and industry leader speakers included Jane Long, Senior Contributing Scientist at the Environmental Defense Fund, and Casper Klynge, Tech Ambassador at Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who spoke on the topic of Will Geo-Engineering Become Necessary and What Silicon Valley Means to Diplomats.

As in years past, the visual design of the event was carefully curated. Décor and furniture selections were inspired by this year’s theme, "Reset + Restore", which drew inspiration from the Year of Hygge, the Danish lifestyle trend that focuses on qualities of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment and well-being. Coastal Hygge accents underscored the vast, sweeping views of the Northern California coastline, surrounding the venue.

Attendees were invited to choose from among several dinner parties on the first night, each focused on a specific theme. Themes included Superminds for Climate Change; Life at Work: Culture, Balance & Humanity; A Geek Dinner: Cutting Edge Tech (AI, Quantum, etc.); and Super Human: Health & Wellness.

Techonomy Media advocates for a greater understanding through the publication of editorial content and video journalism across a variety of platforms including online, print, and through its conferences and events.

To see more about this year’s conference visit https://techonomy.com/2019/11/techonomy-2019-full-webcast/

Empire is a leading producer of forward-thinking conferences and head-of-state and C-level thought leadership programs.

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The Coalition for the Homeless held the 25^th annual ARTWALK NY at Spring Studios, bringing together more than 750 art lovers, celebrities, artists, collectors, and Coalition supporters for an evening filled with over 100 pieces of contemporary art in a silent and live auction.

Empire was proud to serve as overall producer for ARTWALK for the 10th consecutive year. The evening was generously presented by Italian fashion house Max Mara. This year, artist Katherine Bernhardt was honored for her contribution to contemporary art, and Michael Platt, Co-Founder and CEO of BlueCrest Capital Management, was honored for his philanthropic support of the Coalition.

Aileen Agopian auctioned off a stunning selection of art pieces courtesy of some of the world’s most renowned artists, including Jenny Holzer, Ed Ruscha, Louise Fishman, and the night’s artist honoree, Katherine Bernhardt.

The evening began with cocktails graciously provided by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Stella Artois, Hendrick’s Gin, Milagro Tequila, Flor de CanaRum, Hudson Whiskey, Monkey Shoulder, and Glenfiddich. Tasting stations were provided by a selection of New York City’s best restaurants, including Indochine, Claudette, Café Luxembourg, Cafeteria, Empire Diner, Houseman, Colonia Verde, Jay’s Brooklyn, and Wild Ink.

Throughout the night, guests bid on and purchased works from established and emerging artists while listening to upbeat tunes spun by DJ Mia Moretti and DJ Elle Dee.

The Coalition for the Homeless has been developing and implementing cost-effective strategies to end mass homelessness in New York City for close to four decades. The Coalition works tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of more than 3,500 homeless and at-risk men, women, and children each day by providing emergency food and clothing, housing, crisis services, job training, and programs for homeless youth.

Working closely with the Coalition for the Homeless’s event steam and title sponsor Max Mara, Empire served as executive producer of the event and was responsible for event design, production and logistics, décor, and restaurant coordination.

To learn more about the Coalition for the Homeless or to get involved and donate, visit http://www.coalitionforthehomeless.org/