Our Work

Among the many events that happen in Las Vegas during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), MediaLink’s annual Executive Dinner is among the top tickets in town for the tech power crowd. Working closely with the teams from MediaLink and Diversified Production Services, Empire delivered Grammy Award-Winning artist, Seal, who performed an incredible 45-minute set made up of Standards classics (from his 2019 Grammy nominated album) such as “I Put a Spell on You,” and all of his greatest hits including, “Kiss From a Rose,” “Killer,” “Fly Like an Eagle,” and “Crazy,” which made the guests demand an encore!  

Alongside MediaLink’s Chairman and CEO, Michael Kassan, approximately 500 guests were in attendance. They included Katie Couric, Arianna Huffington, Pamela Drucker Mann, Bob Pittman, Martin Sorrell, Gary Vaynerchuk, and top executives from AT&T, Xandr, Adobe, Samsung, Unilever, Hulu, Google, and more.

Empire is a leading provider of celebrity talent and headline entertainment for corporate events and has worked extensively at the Consumer Electronics Show.

For the sixth year in a row, Empire's Tokyo office served as producer of the leading Japanese IT event for Salesforce Japan.

Salesforce.com hosted over 10,000 attendees for a one-day event at one of the largest event and conference centers in Tokyo, the Tokyo Big Sight, further expanding upon the size of this annual event.

This year’s keynote speakers included Parker Harris (Co-Founder & CTO Salesforce) and Shinichi Koide (Chairman, President & CEO Salesforce Japan) along with illustrious speakers from various companies.

This year’s exhibition hall also highlighted the growth of Salesforce with the further increase to over 90 companies. It also contained several of the 10 simultaneous breakout sessions within the expo hall making the area a constant buzz of action and communication between speakers, booth staff and guest, through the course of the day.

Empire’s Tokyo-based Asia division was responsible for all event design, production, and management, including technical production and coordination, and continues to support Salesforce in showcasing the latest in technology and cloud services. ​

Among the many events that happen in New York City during the holidays, the Tree Lighting Skate-tacular at Bank of America Winter Villageat Bryant Park is among the most exciting and magical.  

Working closely with the Bryant Park team, Empire negotiated for and secured Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actor, Alan Cumming.

Working from an original Christmas tale, for which he contributed ideas, Alan acted as the narrator of the event and read a story to a little girl. This story was punctuated with a series of live, on-ice performances by Olympic and World Champion skaters including Johnny Weir, Meagan Duhamel, Eric Radford, Kaetlyn Osmond, and Jeremy Abbott.

The massive Christmas tree was lit just as Alan and the girls and a song together and the show concluded with an immense fireworks display and the opening of the rink to free skating to thousands of New Yorkers, courtesy of Bank of America.

Approximately 5,000 people were in attendance and the show was also livestreamed on a variety of digital platforms.

Empire is a leading provider of celebrity talent and headline entertainment for public and civic celebrations and events.

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When Forbes Japan sought to commemorate the top CEOs in Japan, they once again turned to Empire to help them design and execute the perfect celebration.

Held at the beautiful Palace Hotel Tokyo, this event hosted around 300 CEOs from all across Japan. The Award Ceremony theme, “Best Visionary Story 2018”, gathered young enterprise managers, entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders that push Japan’s economy into the next generation.

For this year's conference, a gala dinner was held for the first time following the special panel sessions and award ceremony to continue the celebration.

The ranking was featured in the magazine's November 2018 issue.

Empire is the premier producer of prestigious award ceremonies throughout the world.

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Founded in 2011, Techonomy Media has created a platform to host conversations at the highest level about the role of technology in our economy and society, the pace of change, and what that means for us and our world—all while advocating for greater understanding through the publication of editorial content and video journalism across a variety of platforms including online, print, and through conferences and events.

For the fourth year in a row, the Techonomy annual flagship conference took place at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Half Moon Bay, California, where 250 guests participated in three days of engaging and interactive keynote presentations, panel discussions, townhalls, and live debates.

To evolve and reinvigorate this future forward program, Techonomy turned to Empire to redesign and refresh the look and feel of the event. Working with a bold new color palette and brand design by branding agency, Oberland, Empire created new space designs that optimized the attendee experience while preserving harmony with the venue’s existing architecture and decor.

To optimize the utilization of the Ritz-Carlton’s main ballroom and create variety throughout the day’s presentations, Empire provided a stage design that allowed for one central, main stage and two smaller flanking stages. The side stages were angled to maximize sightlines and each was stage backed with a large format LED screen, which showcased content, slides, and image magnification when the main stage was live. When a featured taping of NPR’s live debate show, Intelligence Squared, was added to the program, the three-stage format was a natural fit, and truly enhanced the presentation of the debate.

Audience seating for the general session was comprised of comfortable and functional tiered seating, offering the guests who would spend upwards of 18 hours in the room over the course of the conference the option of relaxed lounge seating, upright theater-style chairs with side tables for coffee and water, and elevated “classroom-style” table and chair options for those taking notes on laptops.

For the meals, a clear, open span tent was positioned near the conference center overlooking sweeping ocean views. Empire curated a variety of furniture groupings to emulate a restaurant-feel. An assortment of banquettes, king’s tables, high tops, and bar-style runner tables were rearranged from meal to meal to maintain interest, encourage networking, and optimizing flow for each unique meal.

Furniture was added or removed on a function-by-function basis based on attendance to maintain the intimacy and bespoke nature of the event.

Many of Techonomy’s attendees and thought leaders remarked that this year marked a next-level experience and the client was thrilled with the results.

Empire was proud to work with the Techonomy Media team to deliver an extraordinary event.

To learn more about the Techonomy 18 Conference visit here

For the ninth consecutive year, Empire served as producer of ARTWALK NY–New York City’s foremost annual art auction fundraiser, benefiting the Coalition for the Homeless.

More than 750 Coalition supporters, artists, collectors, art-lovers, and celebrities gathered at Spring Studios for a night filled with more than 100 pieces of contemporary art in a silent and live auction.

The evening was generously presented by Italian fashion house Max Mara. This year, artists Marina Adams and Stanley Whitney were honored for their contributions to contemporary art, and Suzanne Siano was honored for her continued philanthropic support of the Coalition over the years.

During the live program, Aileen Agopian auctioned off a spectacular selection of artworks courtesy of some of the world’s most renowned artists, including Jenny Holzer, Kenny Scharf, Ed Ruscha, and the night’s honorees, Marina Adams and Stanley Whitney.

The evening began with hors d’oeuvres by Spring Place and cocktails graciously provided by Perrier-Jouët, Tito’s Vodka, Hendrick’s Gin, Qui Tequila, Stella Artois, and Ramona. Tasting stations were provided by a selection of New York’s best restaurants, including ACME, MIMI, The Odeon, Colonia Verde, Manhatta, Noted Tribeca, Brodo, Claudette, and Untitled. Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream offered several of their delectable unique flavors and Counter Culture with Everyman Espresso served up Americanos, espresso, and cappuccinos.

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.

ARTWALK NY, the Coalition’s largest annual fundraiser, supports their many programs that provide permanent housing, job training, emergency food and clothing, crisis services, and youth programs to over 3,500 homeless New Yorkers each day.

Working closely with the Coalition for the Homeless’ events team 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/

Following the successful spring launch events produced by Empire in New York and San Francisco for Dartmouth College’s $3 billion capital campaign, The Call to Lead, Dartmouth’s leadership once again turned to Empire as their creative and production partner for a multi-city tour to expand the campaign’s reach and to promote its vision, impact, and progress.

These regional events, focusing on both campaign impact and Dartmouth’s 250^th anniversary, are meant to re-ignite ties between Dartmouth’s alumni and their alma, mater and to further promote Dartmouth’s strategic priorities locally, nationally, and around the world. The first four stops on the tour—in the fall of 2018—were Stamford, CT, Chicago, Boston, and Seattle.

Each event followed a similar format, with adaptations and localizations for each city. Upon arrival, guests were met with a Dartmouth-themed exterior presence and live music experience. Guests registered at branded, wooden “Call to Lead” check-in desks and then entered a theater space to enjoy a program. Décor included wooden chairs dressed with Dartmouth green cushions and hung with individual college pennants. The program began with a viewing of the “March of Time” video counting down the 249 years of Dartmouth’s history. Speakers included Chair of the Dartmouth Board of Trustees, Laurel Richie, and Dartmouth College President, Philip J. Hanlon, who delivered updates on the campaign and gift announcements that were customized for each location. Each program also featured two student-faculty pairs of presenters who highlighted the experiential learning and collaborations that help define the Dartmouth experience.

At the finalé of the stage program, a musical performance led to a reveal of a Dartmouth-themed reception. This featured replicas of major Dartmouth landmarks surrounded by a backdrop of the New Hampshire forest custom-printed in high-definition on scenic drape. Custom scenic pieces representing Dartmouth Hall, Baker Tower, and other campus landmarks filled the space, which also included intimate areas for curated conversations. A focal point of the reception space was a giant, free-standing bar inspired by the iconic Moosilauke Ravine Lodge. This centerpiece featured a canoe bar back and wooden roof with panoramic screens displaying high definition campus imagery through each of the four seasons. Each reception featured a trio of live musicians providing background music and an interactive photo-booth.

Empire worked closely with several Dartmouth departments, students, faculty, alumni, and volunteers, as well as many creative, communications, production, and events partners to plan and execute the events. Empire’s role included concept development, messaging, venue acquisition, budgeting, registration, scripting, screen content production, technical production, catering, permitting, security, scenic, décor, staffing, and guest logistics and experience.

The Call to Lead aspires to raise $3 billion overall to realize three overarching goals: advancing Dartmouth’s distinctive educational model to its fullest potential; making discoveries that improve the human condition; and preparing students for lives of wise leadership. To date, more than 81,600 donors have committed a total of $1.84 billion to the campaign through gifts of all sizes.

Dartmouth will present multiple regional campaign and 250th anniversary celebrations through November 2019.

Empire is a leading producer of high-level events, both on and off campus, for Ivy League schools and many of the world’s leading educational institutions.

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Empire was recently engaged by world-renowned wedding designer Colin Cowie to deliver a variety of talent for a private wedding at the Le Toiny Hotel in St. Barthelemy.

For this intimate event for approximately 100 guests, Empire secured The Tenors to perform a five song, a capella performance during the wedding ceremony. Located directly on the beach with unbelievable views of the ocean,The Tenors serenaded the family, wedding party, and guests with the songs “Everything I Do, I Do It For You”, “Smash Into You”, “Maybe I’m Amazed”, “The Best Thing About Me”, and “Let Me Love You”.

For the main party, Empire secured international superstar DJ Paris Hilton as a surprise musical guest to spin a two-hour, high energy dance set. Guests enjoyed her elegant stage presence while dancing the night away–some even danced with her on-stage!

In addition to The Tenors and Paris Hilton, Empire booked the synchronized swimming team The Aqualillies to provide atmospheric swimming throughout the evening.

Empire is one of the world’s leading sources of headline entertainment for private events and celebrations.

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On November 30, 2018, EBONY Magazine presented the 7th annual EBONY Power 100 Gala, honoring the nation’s 100 most powerful and influential individuals who have had a positive impact on the African-American community. These include Ebony Icon Award recipient, Motown Records, and the inaugural Chairman Award recipient, former BET Networks Chairman & CEO, DebraL. Lee.

This year’s Ebony Power 100 returned to the iconic Beverly Hilton's International Ballroom and was hosted by Chairman Emeritus of Ebony Media Operations, Linda Johnson Rice, Chairman and CEO, Michael Gibson, and Co-Chair, Willard Jackson.

Following red carpet arrivals in the Wilshire Ballroom, media room activations, sponsor activations, and an elegant cocktail reception, approximately 640 guests were seated for a dinner program emceed by comedian, actor, and humanitarian, Chris Tucker.

Over the course of the evening, attendees were entertained by musical performances, including Motown artist, JAMES DAVIS, and a rousing finalé performance by NE-YO, who brought the audience to their feet.

DJ Spicoli performed throughout the event, and DJ Clark Kent spun at the post-reception in the International Foyer and Terrace, where guests also enjoyed a variety of activities and sponsored social sharing stations.

Celebrities and A-listers in attendance and featured onstage included This is Us stars, Susan Kelechi Watson and Melanie Liburd, JB Smoove from Curb Your Enthusiasm, Ryan Wilson and TK Petersen of The Gathering Spot, and the President of Motown, Ethiopia Habtemariam.

The Ebony Power 100 was presented by Nationwide, as well as other sponsors including United Airlines, Lexus, Diageo, and Motown. The event also partnered with the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, raising funds throughout the evening through a text to pledge.

Empire was honored to serve once again  as event producer for the Ebony Power 100, responsible for venue logistics, décor, production, talent coordination, registration, videography, event logistics, and onsite management.

Empire partnered with Endeavor to celebrate 21 years of leading the high-impact entrepreneurship movement. This year’s gala celebrated the creation of over 1.5 million jobs by Endeavor Entrepreneurs and showcased Endeavor’s powerful global network of over 500 game-changing entrepreneurs and international industry leaders.

The Gala took place at Spring Studios and opened with a cocktail reception overlooking New York City's trendy Tribeca neighborhood. Guests enjoyed hors d'ouevres served on innovative hand-carried serving racks by PinchFood Design and sampled Rabbit Hole Distillery products from a laboratory-style bar as they circulated among exhibits showcasing Endeavor Entrepreneur products in food and beverage, retail, fashion, technology, and more. Signature cocktails featuring blueberries by Endeavor Entrepreneur company Grupo Interrupción* were served on an automated conveyor belt as well as an ever-changing array of Endeavor Entrepreneur products like Banza Mac and Cheese, Beesline lip balm, Pacari Chocolate, and more, for guests to take home.  

Following cocktails, all guests were invited to a seated dinner in the massive, minimalist Studios 3 & 4. The dinner program included keynote remarks by Endeavor Global’s Chairman, Edgar Bronfman Jr., and honored Bill McGlashan, Founder and Managing Partner of TPG Growth and CEO of The Rise Fund. At the conclusion of dinner, guests enjoyed a performance by Warner Music artist, Matt Maeson.

After dinner, guests moved downstairs to Endeavor's Scale Up Party in the cocktail space, now transformed into a nightclub. The afterparty featured music by Hannah Bronfman.

Empire collaborated with the Endeavor team to plan and execute this carefully-orchestrated event, for which every aspect of the design showcased the organization's mission and success stories. Designs included scenic exhibits, custom printing highlighting Endeavor’s global impact, and furniture fabrications that visually represented various Endeavor Entrepreneurs' inventions and business models.

Empire is a leading producer of innovative not-for-profit galas and proud to support this organization that has transformed local economies through innovation, job creation, and mentorship.

To learn more about Endeavor, please visit endeavor.org.

Empire served as the producer of The Studio Museum in Harlem’s 50th anniversary celebration, with artistic direction by Red Maple Leaf. The annual Gala took place at the historic Park Avenue Armory in New York City with over 800 artists, philanthropists, cultural leaders, civic leaders, and business leaders in attendance, to celebrate the Studio Museum’s important role in promoting the work of artists of African descent as the Museum prepares to construct a new home at its longtime location on Manhattan’s West 125^th Street.

Guests made their way to cocktails by walking through some of the Armory’s historic and magnificent reception rooms. Upon entering the Wade Thompson Drill Hall, one of the largest unobstructed spaces in New York City, guests’ attention were drawn to a statement floral installation located in the middle of the cocktail space, surrounded by highboys with matching centerpieces and black sequin linens.

To signal the start of dinner, 30-foot high drapes were pulled back to reveal the rest of the Drill Hall. Guests were invited to the dinner space with a swell in music performed live by JukeBox Atlanta. A grand stage with sheer drape and long hanging crystal garlands, flanking screens, and tall statement centerpieces highlighted by pinspots on each table also drew the guests’ attention to dinner.  

The evening’s program featured remarks by Co-Chairs Jacqueline L. Bradley, Kathryn C. Chenault, Carol Sutton Lewis, and Dr. Amelia Ogunlesi; Thelma Golden, Director and Chief Curator; and Raymond J. McGuire, Chairman of the Board. First Lady of New York City, Chirlane McCray, presented the Studio Museum with a Mayoral Proclamation to commemorate the Museum’s historic 50 year legacy. The 13th annual Joyce Alexander Wein Prize, supported by George Wein, was presented to Los Angeles-based artist, Diedrick Brackens, confirming the rise of a boundary-defying young artist who has emerged within only the past seven years. Nancy Lane, a long-time member of the Studio Museum’s Board of Trustees, and currently the Chair of the Acquisition Committee, Co-Chair of the Building Committee, Chair of the Program and Collection Committee, and a member of the Nominating Committee, was also recognized that evening.

The evening ended with dancing on the sleek black dance floor to another live set by Jukebox Atlanta, and desserts in what was previously the cocktails space.

The Gala raised over $4 million in support of the Studio Museum’s operating costs, including key initiatives such as the collaborative, community-enriching in Harlem exhibitions and programs.

Empire was proud to work closely with the Studio Museum and Red Maple Leaf teams to deliver a flawless and memorable evening for The Studio Museum in Harlem.  

For more information on The Studio Museum in Harlem, please visit https://www.studiomuseum.org/​

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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

Co-founded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Project Everyone, the Goalkeepers event takes place during the annual United Nations General Assembly and brings together heads of state and international Sustainable Development Goals “Goalkeepers” (those spearheading various missions in their local communities) alike. This year’s Goalkeepers focused on the theme of power of youth.

The 2018 Goalkeepers Global Goals Awards were presented at the Rose Theater at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Participants included Prime Minister Erna Solberg of Norway, U.N. Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, UNICEF’s Executive Director Henrietta H. Fore, Bill and Melinda Gates, and British singer songwriter Ed Sheeran.

In partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and UNICEF, the Goalkeepers Awards program celebrated outstanding youth-focused work around the world that is directly linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (the SDGs).

This year’s Campaign Award was presented to Amika George, Founder of #FreePeriods, a campaign that works to ensure no girl in the United Kingdom suffers from period poverty.

The Progress Award was presented to Dysmus Kisilu, Founder of Solar Freeze, which provides renewable energy solutions to small holder farmers in Kenya to increase agricultural productivity.

And the Changemaker Award was presented to Nadia Murad, a Yazidi woman who advocates on behalf of her community and survivors of genocide. Just days after the Awards program, Nadia Murad was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize.

Loyiso Madinga, stand-up comedian and South Africa correspondent on “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah,” hosted the awards.

After the powerful program concluded, guests were invited in the Atrium space to enjoy cocktails and custom food bars. Guests explored and interacted with activations including an art installation/social media backdrop consisting 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 spread the word via social media.

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

Please see the full press release for additional details.

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

Empire had the privilege to serve as producer of the Barclays Center Cares’ gala Shining a Light on Brooklyn for the 2nd year.

Held again at The Liberty Warehouse, which is situated at Red Hook’s historic Pier 41, guests were treated to cocktails al fresco on the promenade with the New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty, and the downtown Manhattan skyline as their backdrop.

When it came time to signal guests to proceed to dinner, the Brooklyn United Drumline, comprised entirely of school kids, marched onto the promenade for a spirited performance before lining the stairs ascending to dinner.

FOX 5 NY’s Rosanna Scotto hosted the evening’s program, which included performances by the Brooklyn Youth Chorus and Dmitry Razumov, Chairman of the Board of Directors for both the Brooklyn Nets and Barclays Center.

BSE Global CEO Brett Yormark honored Brooklyn community icons including Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports & Event Programming Showtime Networks, Inc.; Ben Lovett, Co-founder & CEO of Communion Music and band member of Mumford & Sons; Blue Marble Ice Cream; and National Grid, an electricity, natural gas & clean energy delivery company.

The evening ended with an afterparty DJ’ed by Jon Blak and featuring a green screen video flip book station and a Gif photo booth.

Barclays Center Cares connects all of the community efforts for the franchises affiliated with Barclays Center: the Brooklyn Nets, New York Islanders, Brooklyn Boxing, Brooklyn Hoops, Brooklyn Family, and Brooklyn Show. Its mission is to develop sustainable community programs to improve the lives of kids and families in the areas of culinary arts, sports, sustainability, and music education.

Barclays Center Cares supports more than 300 schools, food pantries, homeless shelters, health facilities, and non-profit organizations. Every dollar donated to Barclays Center Cares goes directly to support programs helping New Yorkers in need.

Empire was proud to be selected by Barclays Center to support their work in the Brooklyn Community.

To learn more about Barclays Center Cares, visit http://www.barclayscenter.com/bccares

To celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the storied Brooklyn Army Terminal (BAT), New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) chose Empire as their partner to develop and execute a community Block Party for thousands of attendees across the massive 4 million square foot complex to commemorate the occasion.

Originally constructed to facilitate the movement of troops and material for World War I, the Brooklyn Army Terminal came into full use during World War II when more than 20,000 military and civilian personnel were employed there. The terminal was the headquarters for the New York Port of Embarkation, a region-wide operation covering more than a dozen facilities that moved 3.2 million troops and 37 million tons of military supplies to fronts across the globe. Arguably the most famous soldier to deploy from the Brooklyn Army Terminal was Elvis Presley. He greeted fans and dozens of photojournalists in September 1958 when he shipped off from Brooklyn to Germany. BAT was closed as an army base in the 1960s, and was reopened in 1986 under the management of NYCEDC for industrial businesses. Since then, NYCEDC has been transforming BAT into the premier, affordable hub for modern industrial businesses, entrepreneurs, and working families in NYC.

The first-ever BAT Block Party took place on September 15, 2018, a day filled with fun activities for attendees of all ages. The thousands of attendees enjoyed an array of activities including a yoga class by NYC Yoga; an art exhibit by ArtBuilt and ChaShaMa artists; product demos from BAT-based companies like Uncommon Goods and Lowercase NYC; family-friendly activities like kite making, crafts and book-making; an art installation by Harumi Ori; and an interactive and historic augmented reality experience from NYU Tandon and NYC Media Lab partners. There was also a rock-climbing wall with the NYPD and an FDNY fire truck for kids to look inside. BAT tenants, local food vendors, beer companies, and several food trucks from the NYC Food Truck Association provided food and beverages.

Vendors included City Saucery, Momo Dressing, Jamrock Jerk, and more. Attendees were able to sit along the waterfront and enjoy great food and drink and watch a Rooftop Film screening on a massive screen at the end of Pier 4.

In addition to developing the overall site plan for the event and working closely with EDC and BAT staff on logistical coordination for all of the participants, Empire provided turnkey production for a mobile concert stage. The stage provided a full afternoon of performances from local community dance groups, yoga groups, local community leaders, and other local personalities were on hand to help in the celebration.

The day built up to a fabulous evening of entertainment provided by Empire featuring an array of Brooklyn-born and based talent including DJ Natasha Diggs, rising R&B star, and Justine Skye, and culminating with a headline performance by Grammy-nominated rapper, Busta Rhymes.

Empire is proud to work with this New York organization. To learn more about BAT and its facilities visithttps://www.bklynarmyterminal.com

When Henry Street Settlement reached their 125th Anniversary, they chose Empire as their partner to mark this incredible milestone.

“Dinner on Henry Street” was held in Sol Lain Park, which is adjacent to the Settlement’s headquarters. This location was chosen to remain close to home and to serve as a reminder of the humble beginnings that led to the extraordinary legacy of this New York City institution.

The evening began in the cocktails tent, where guests marveled at the “Humans of Henry Street” wall installation, featuring personal stories from people whose lives have been affected and transformed by the Settlement’s remarkable work. During cocktails, guests were treated to the sounds of a jazz band that played music that reflected the cultures and immigrants that have left their mark on the Lower East Side over the past 125 years. Youths from The Chinese Free Masons Athletic Club led the way to the dinner tent with a traditional lion dance, engaging attendees and firing up excitement for the coming program. Guests moved inside a stunning tent and were seated to an elegant dinner beneath the stars. To start the dinner program, Henry Street’s Executive Director, David Garza, presented the Lillian Wald Legacy award to Richard Abrons and the Abrons Aranow Family, whose history with the Settlement dates back 122 of their 125 years. David Garza also presented the Heart of Henry Street Awards to longtime supporters Dale Jones Burch and Pilar Crespi Robert and Stephen Robert. The firehouse adjacent to the Settlement’s headquarters is slated to become the Dale Jones Burch Neighborhood Center at Henry Street in 2020.

Board Chairman Scott Swid presented the Heart of Henry Street Awards to corporate partners JPMorgan Chase & Co., Credit Suisse, UPS, The Clark Foundation, and Tiger Foundation. Representatives from each partner organization provided signatures to be etched on a Tiffany & Co. sterling silver tray—a replica of the silver tray that Lillian Wald received for her 70th birthday in 1937. The tray was etched with the signatures of Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt, other social reformers, and friends of Henry Street. The program featured performances by entertainers from the Abrons Arts Center such as the Voices of Henry Street intergenerational choir, Rajé & Rajé Reborn Dance Troops, and an excerpt from the critically-acclaimed production of Jack & The Beanstalk.

The final performance of the night was delivered by legendary actor, recording artist, and activist, Yasiin Bey. Bey closed out the evening with an intimate, yet energetic performance that left the tent buzzing with positivity and gratitude.

Working closely with Henry Street’s team for almost a year, Empire managed every detail of this momentous occasion, which included but was not limited to concept development, programming, permitting, tenting, budgeting, registration, technical production, catering, décor, stage management, and overall guest experience.

Empire is proud to have partnered with Henry Street Settlement to help them celebrate this extraordinary milestone.

To learn more about the Henry Street Settlement and their work, visit https://www.henrystreet.org

Bustle Digital Group held their inaugural RuleBreakers event outdoors in Prospect Park in Brooklyn, featuring performances by Janelle Monae, Sofi Tukker, DJ’s Va$htie, Samantha Ronson, and more. Empire produced the main stage and other entertainment elements at the all-day immersive festival, designed to celebrate women who push boundaries, ignore convention—and of course, break rules—to further women’s rights.

The event was hosted by Sam Jones, who started the day by introducing The Big Quiet, a troupe that creates mass meditations for modern people. Attendees participated in a 30-minute meditation session, which ended with a performance by the Resistance Revival Chorus, a group of dozens of women who join together to sing protest songs celebrating collective joy and resistance. As DJ Va$htie spun, the Miss’ile roller skating dance team performed choreographed and super-fun roller skating dance routines, and guests were also treated to a surprise show by Brooklyn United, a marching band comprised of fifty or so boys and girls ranging in age from 6–17.  The troupe marched into the audience which quickly made space for them in front of the stage where the kids wowed spectators with their high-energy musicianship and dancing.

Empire provided the staging, audio, and lighting for the main stage and also coordinated and managed the various entertainment elements throughout the day.  We are proud to produce some of the most exciting consumer-facing events on the planet, including the Bustle RuleBreakers event.