Our Work

To continuously grow their entrepreneurial spirit and become a dominant global player in various cloud-based products and platforms, Uhuru, one of Salesforce.com's largest system integrators in Japan, asked Empire to design their newest office and produce an Opening Party for over 100 of their top clients.

Empire used its vast knowledge of event production and communication strategy to create a beautifully unique space.

Based on the given theme of “Future x Nature”, Empire worked closely with the office's real estate team, creating four distinct spaces: the reception area, meeting room, seminar space, and the working space.

The final design incorporated combinations of organic materials (plants & wood) and the use of contemporary designed furniture from IROCO Design including astroturf carpeting, ceiling plants, and molo paper seating.

Empire Entertainment continues to be a leading producer in all areas of event production.

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For the second year in a row, Empire produced ContextMedia: Health’s Fall Agency Party at the IAC Building in New York City. Completed in 2007 by architect Frank Gehry, the IAC Building featured the world’s largest HD screen at the time in its lobby, where the event was held. Guests mingled and danced while engaging with ContextMedia’s digital platforms throughout the space.

ContextMedia is a health information services company which builds digital media technologies to deliver lifestyle education to patients to improve health outcomes. The company empowers healthcare professionals to engage patients while curating content personalized for each member office. It is the fastest-growing company in the industry, offering sector-leading technology to their customers.

Upon arrival, guests were welcomed by the IAC’s massive 120 feet video wall, which displayed digital context throughout the night. They were also greeted by an interactive media column that allowed guests to use the technology first-hand and customize their experience.

Among these installations was a seated photo booth, digital graffiti wall, and customized Snapchat filter. Once guests took photos, they could share them in real-time to their social media accounts with #CreatewithCMH via the interactive custom-designed sharing station. Guests could also draw images on the digital graffiti wall that appeared on the media wall that spanned the entire lobby.

Entertainment for the night was provided by DJ PS1, a native New Yorker with a passion for DJing and music production. DJ PS1 has spun at some of New York City’s top night clubs including Cain, Pink Elephant, Marquee, and Avenue. At 18, he embarked on a nationwide tour and hasn’t stopped since.

Empire is proud to produce conferences and events for some of the world's leading healthcare and technology companies.

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This fall, Empire delivered the B-52s to perform as closing entertainment for a corporate conference’s awards show at a hotel in Los Angeles, CA.

Empire worked closely with the client’s production company to select, negotiate for and ultimately contract the 1980’s dance artists. Any mystery concerning the band’s longevity and ongoing appeal is immediately solved when exposed to a B-52s concert experience. From groundbreaking songs like “Rock Lobster”, “Dance This Mess Around”, and “Private Idaho“, to chart-topping hits like “Love Shack” and “Roam", the B-52s’ unforgettable dance-rock tunes start resonate with audiences that came of age in the 1980’s whenever their music begins.

After thirty-five years and over twenty million albums into their career, the B-52s remain one of rock music’s most beloved and enduring bands.The band still features most of its original lineup including principals Fred Schneider, Kate Pierson, and Cindy Wilson.

The B-52s delivered a high energy show of their greatest hits, keeping guests on their feet throughout the performance.

Empire continues to be a leading provider of top tier musical entertainment and talent for corporate clients, production companies and private interests, and was proud to partner again with the B-52’s on another successful event.

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Empire once again served as producer for Keep a Child Alive’s Black Ball at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. This year’s 13^th annual Black Ball honored music legend Clive Davis and featured extraordinary performances by Alicia Keys, A$APRocky, Chance the Rapper, Salt-N-Pepa, and Patti Smith.

The Black Ball was designed by Creative Director Earle Sebastian who chose to reignite the spirit of '80s activism for this year’s cocktails, dinner, and stage design theme. Design elements included fabric walls, geometric prints, and a live art installation piece by British visual artist Shantell Martin, best known for her stream-of-consciousness drawings and light projections. Grafitti-covered walls featuring AIDS activism posters covered the space while 13-year old DJ Fulano dropped old school beats, transporting the audience back in time.

Keep a Child Alive’s co-founder Alicia Keys and Keep a Child Alive CEO Peter Twyman took the stage to evoke the spirit of the '80s, when AIDS activists launched the movement to bring access to treatment for millions around the world. Their remarks underscored the courage and bravery of those early days of AIDS, and the need to empower the next generation of activists.

Then KCA honored innovator, creator, and humanitarian Clive Davis, who has impacted the lives of so many people though his tremendous contributions in music and philanthropic efforts.

A star-studded guest list of over 600 came out to support Keep a Child Alive’s mission with guests including Clive Davis, Padma Lakshmi, Mr. Brainwash, Alek Wek, Lupita Nyong’o, Baz Luhrmann, Omari Hardwick, and Russell Simmons.

Guests dined on a delicious dinner designed by guest chef Marcus Samuelsson and catered by Creative Edge.

This year’s Black Ball raised $2 million through table/ticket sales, sponsorships, donations, pledges, and a live auction hosted by CK Swett. The live auction featured a luxurious trip to the exclusive Sugar Beach resort, custom-made Christian Louboutin shoes, limited edition Louis XIII Cognac, plus a guided tour of their cellar in France, and his and hers Audemars Piguet watches. The Black Ball has raised over $30 million sinceits humble beginnings in 2004.

After the auction, Alicia Keys and her band put on an incredible concert performance that, true to Black Ball tradition, featured several amazing musical guests. For the first time ever, the concert was livestreamed on TIDAL, where people all over the world could witness the incredible performances in their living rooms.

Hip Hop Queens of the '80s and '90s, Salt-N-Pepa opened the concert with old school classics, “PushIt”, “Let’s Talk About Sex”, and “Whatta Man” — a tribute to honoree Clive Davis. Chance the Rapper came out to perform “Angels", “No Problems”, and a duet with Alicia Keys.

Grammy Award-nominated artist A$AP Rocky took the stage next, pumping up the crowd with “Fashion Killa”, “Yamborghini High”, “Flacko Jodye II”, and then followed with a duet with Keys on “Blended Family.”

Alicia Keys then sang classics and new song “Holy War” to a crowd high from the electrifying concert. Finally, legendary Patti Smith took the stage to sing “People Have the Power” and “Because the Night” with Keys.

Moments after the concert ended, Swizz Beatz and DJ Runna took to the stage to DJ the Afterglow party, keeping all the guests dancing into the early hours of the morning.

Empire has been proud to serve as the Producer of the Black Ball since its inception in 2004 and to partner with Keep a Child Alive and Alicia Keys to grow it into one of New York’s most anticipated, annual fundraising events. To learn more about Keep a Child Alive and support their mission, please visit www.keepachildalive.org#KCABlackBall

FilmStruck is a new streaming service for movie lovers from Turner Classic Movies and The Criterion Collection. FilmStruck delivers a constantly-refreshed, curated library of arthouse, independent, foreign, and cult films from critically-acclaimed studios around the world. Developed and managed by Turner Classic Movies in partnership with The Criterion Collection, FilmStruck is the exclusive streaming home to the world-renowned Criterion Collection of films.

Held at 404 @ Hudson Yards, a white space in New York City, the event hosted over 250 VIPs from the motion picture, television, digital and media worlds including Dawn of the Dead director George Romero, actress Rose McGowan, and musician Laurie Anderson.

To launch this unique service, FilmStruck called upon Empire to design and create a unique, experiential evening featuring immersive vignettes and experiences based on some of its iconic film titles, including Mad Max, Clerks, Moulin Rouge, and The Seventh Seal.

Guests were able to become a part of Mad Max (1979), as Empire created a green screen production set where once in costume, guests could take the wheel behind Max’s Interceptor, manically drive and create their own trailer for the film. Guests immediately received a completed scene of themselves as Mad Max, which they could post to social media.

For the motion picture Moulin Rouge (1952), Empire created a French boudoir backstage of the famed Parisian cabaret. Cancan girls seduced guests with Absinthe cocktails and a caricature artist offered guests portraits created in the style of French painter, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.

To depict Ingmar Bergman’s The Seventh Seal (1957), Empire reimagined the film’s iconic “chess match with death”. The brooding black and white sea was the backdrop as two actors embodying death and the knight played an infinite chess match. Guests were able to participate in their own game with an oversized chess board directly parallel to the deadly match.

In the Clerks vignette, Empire replicated the film’s iconic “Quick Stop”. Complete with a cash register, live security camera, and an indifferent store clerk, everything behind the counter was up for grabs. A digital photo booth captured images as guests shoplifted and uploaded them to social media using the hashtag #FilmStruck.

Each vignette had its own custom cocktails and Turner, FilmStruck, and Criterion Collection executives delivered brief welcome remarks in front of a 20’ LED wall displaying footage from some of the FilmStruck titles. Guests also utilized a series of tablets to navigate and explore the FilmStruck app in comfortable living room furnishings, driving home the message that these films are now available in the home.

Empire worked closely with Turner and FilmStruck to design and execute all aspects of the event and engaged media partner Shore Fire to assist with press outreach.

The resulting event generated substantial influencer awareness and media coverage for the FilmStruck launch and the event was highly enjoyed by all attendees.

During the same week, Empire also executed a presence marketing sponsorship for FilmStruck at the Walter Reade Theater at the Film Society of Lincoln Center, where guests attending the New York Film Festival could relax in a living room set and explore the FilmStruck platform.

Empire is honored to work with FilmStruck, Turner Classic Movies, and The Criterion Collection to launch this extraordinary new streaming service. To learn more about FilmStruck visit http://www.filmstruck.com​

Empire delivered former Secretary of State, and retired General Colin Powell to speak at two separate engagements for an international financial investment firm in New York City.

At the early morning event, General Powell participated in an intimate fireside chat before an audience of 30 renowned hedge fund and private equity founders. Throughout the interview and open Q&A session, the General discussed and answered questions on a vast scale of topics – from cybersecurity to foreign policy; the state of the American economy; immigration; and, of course, the upcoming 2016 US Presidential Election.

General Powell provided valuable insights to all those in attendance, helping them gain new perspectives on how global markets and investing may shift according to the current geopolitical landscape. Following the Q&A, the General participated in a brief meet & greet with the guests and dispersed signed copies of his book In Life and Leadership.

For the second event, held directly after the morning session, General Powell delivered a keynote presentation before an audience of well over 300 guests. With everyone packed into the auditorium, the General riveted the audience with stories of his childhood, nostalgic memories of his experiences with the Reagan and Bush administrations, and shared his sentiments of continued optimism toward the United States and the direction the country is heading.

It was evident that both crowds were inspired by General Powell’s wisdom and insights; he was the perfect speaker for both events. Empire worked closely with longstanding partner, Washington Speakers Bureau, to contract and coordinate Colin Powell’s appearance.

Empire continues to be a leading resource in delivering keynote speakers, political experts, and speakers of all areas of expertise for a variety of organizations.

During September’s United Nations General Assembly week, Bloomberg Philanthropies presented an important thought leadership conference entitled the U.S. - Africa Business Forum.

Held at the storied Plaza Hotel in New York City, the forum included programming and remarks from President Barack Obama, former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, various Heads of State, and C-Level executives from across the African continent.

For the closing performance of the forum, Bloomberg Philanthropies called on Empire to provide the right entertainment to end the conference on a high note and reflect Africa, U. S., and New York City culture.  

Empire and Bloomberg worked together to design and present an original collaboration featuring the African Children’s Choir from Uganda, the world-renowned Harlem Gospel Choir and rising star, Randall Haywood, a Juilliard-educated trumpeter.

The final product came together with an inspired rendition of ‘This Little Light of Mine’, a gospel classic performed in an African style with a New York City trumpet twist. The closing performance brought the audience to their feet and provided the perfect ending to this extraordinary gathering.

Empire is a leading supplier of creative talent and original performances for international organizations, philanthropies, corporations and private individuals.

To Learn more about the U.S. – Africa Business Forum visit http://usafricabusinessforum.bloomberg.org/#/

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The International Bar Association held its annual conference in Washington, D.C. this year. CMS, a law firm located in Frankfurt, Germany, contracted Empire’s New York City office to produce the reception they host each year on the first day of IBA conference. CMS had engaged Empire’s Tokyo office to produce this same event for them in Tokyo the prior year.

Empire’s Washington DC-based Senior Producer toured the city with CMS to find a perfect venue, a classic venue representing both Washington D.C. and the United States. We chose the Organization of the American States, one of the oldest and most beautiful buildings in Washington right off the National Mall with views to the Ellipse and the White House front Lawn. Typically this is invitation-only, stand up reception hosts 500 guests. This year’s rolling reception counted nearly 800 throughout the evening with guests from all over the world.

Producing large-scale events in historic venues in Washington D.C. brings a host of challenges, including care for the landmarked facilities, scrupulous observance of rules, and high levels of security. Empire successfully navigated these challenges including implementing a staged arrival of busses to facilitate a smooth and efficient electronic check-in and security sweep.

Guests were directed upstairs to the ballroom where a local jazz band played as guests enjoyed bountiful buffets a huge center bar. An outside bar under the lights allowed guests to view the historic courtyard at OAS.

Empire worked with CMS to carefully choose the menu offering classic American food with many flavors from the Mid-Atlantic region. All food was served in elegant, bite sizes so the international crowd had the opportunity to taste several options of American cuisine. We also featured local beer and Californian wine, serving American flavors.

Empire’s worldwide network of offices and producers facilitate our providing seamless service to top tier clients throughout the world including cultural financial and political capitals like New York, Tokyo, and Washington D.C..

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​Earlier this Fall, Empire was called upon to deliver a special character for a surprise 60th birthday party in New York – the one and only James Bond. Given the birthday boy’s infatuation with the Bond franchise, his family had the idea of surprising him with an appearance from one of the original James Bonds. This materialized into the once-in-a-lifetime presence of the legendary Sir Roger Moore.

As the party began, Sir Roger mingled with family members and close friends in a backroom of the venue, while the birthday boy enjoyed his party in the front – without a clue of what his family had in store.

Upon delivering birthday toasts, the family related their loving father and husband to that of the elusive James Bond character – adventures and injuries aplenty. But toward the end of their toasts, they recognized that only a few people in the world could really talk about what it’s like to be James Bond…

Cue the Bond theme music, and out walks the Sir Roger Moore, tuxedo and all, to grant the birthday boy a wish. To cap it off, Sir Roger ended the surprise with a toast in true Bond style, martini in hand – shaken, not stirred.

Empire continues to be a leading provider of A-list celebrity talent appearances, keynote speakers, comedians, host/emcees, and headline musical acts for private individuals, organizations, and clients of all kinds.

Kid Witness News, KWN, is a global video education program sponsored by Panasonic. The KWN program uses video production to stimulate creativity, build communication skills, and encourage teamwork among children in elementary and secondary schools.

This year the Global Awards Ceremony was held in Brazil, the first-ever in Latin America and during the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games. To ensure a smooth and successful event, Panasonic chose Empire Japan to serve as executive producer. Empire's role included venue selection, working with local production vendors, and directing the overall look and feel of the Award Ceremony.

This year, there were seven finalist schools from six different countries including Brazil, Hong Kong, Germany, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam. After a full day of exploring Rio de Janeiro (Sugar Loaf Mountain, Athlete Villages, and The Media Press Center) the main event would be the Awards Ceremony.

To commemorate its collaboration with the International Paralympic Committee, the Awards Ceremony began with a greeting from its special guest, Sir. Philip Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee. Other guests included Mr. Xavier Gonzalez, CEO of the International Paralympic Committee; Mr. Duane Kale, Governing Board Member of the International Paralympic Committee; Mr. Mark Wallace, the Chief Content Officer of the Olympic Broadcasting Services; Mr. Renato Ciuchini, Chief Commercial Officer, Rio 2016; Mr. Yukihiko Nunomura, Vice Director General, Chief Operating Officer, Tokyo 2020; and Mr. Junich Kawai, Chairman of Japan Paralympic Committee.

The Awards Ceremony included awards presented by the special guests with Regional Head of Panasonic Latin America, Mr. Shigeo Suzuki, presenting the Grand Prix for the Primary Category to Kowloon Tong School inHong Kong for their work “the Bigger Picture", and special guest, President of the International Paralympic Committee, Sir. Philip Craven, presenting the Grand Prix for the Secondary Category to Assumption Samutpkarn School in Thailand for their work "Missing Game".

The following day, the finalist schools had an exciting full day of shopping and watching the Paralympic Games.

Empire Japan was thrilled to help Panasonic produce yet another successful KWN Global Awards Ceremony.

For more information about Kid Witness News, please visit http://www.panasonic.com/global/corporate/kwn.html

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Empire Japan had the great honor to organize the launch event of the first Bulgari Hotels & Resorts book, La Cucina Di Luca Fantin, introducing the amazing work of Luca Fantin, executive chef of Bulgari’s famous Il Ristorante Luca Fantin in Tokyo. A press conference, discussion, lunch, and cocktail reception were held at the magnificent Bulgari Ginza Tower.

Luca Fantin offers a contemporary interpretation of the Italian culinary tradition, reinventing the concept of Italian cuisine while using the best local ingredients from producers across Japan. La Cucina Di Luca Fantis introduces the reader to Luca's journey and what inspires him each day to create dishes that are comparable to Bulgari’s famed jewelry.

The book launch event began with a press conference for a select group of 56 Japanese journalists and a panel discussion introducing Chef Luca Fantin; Silvio Ursini, Group Executive Vice President of Bulgari; Andrea Petrini, journalist and author; Takanori Nakamura, journalist, all who partnered to make this adventure possible.

Top media elite, politicians, and other notables were invited to a press lunch, including Domenico Gorgi, Italian Ambassador to Japan. They enjoyed a late summer menu prepared by Luca Fantin.

Later that evening, Bulgari Hotels & Resorts hosted a celebration and cocktail reception for over 400 guests at Bulgari Ginza Tower's La Terrazza Dom Pérignon lounge, with music provided by the famous Italian DJ Nicola Conte. Il Ristorante was transformed into a gallery presenting a selection of beautiful photos from La Cucina Di Luca Fantin.

​Empire is a proud producer of high-profile luxury events around the world.

​One the eve of the 2016 Olympic Games, Empire kicked off the festivities by producing two high-profile reception events for Worldwide Olympic Sponsors Panasonic and Bridgestone.

Panasonic’s reception event took place on top Sugarloaf Mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Empire proposed and secured this venue for not only the reception party, but also as a technology showcase called the “Panasonic Stadium of Wonders”, which will be open to the public throughout the Olympic Games. Sugarloaf is also the site of the Empire-produced Panasonic Find-Your-Dreams CityCam web activation featuring Neymar Jr., which can be seen here: http://find-your-dreams-rio2016.panasonic.com/2016/

Guests arriving at the reception via cable car were treated to the vaunted panoramic views of Rio, including Copacabana and Corcovado Christ the Redeemer. Following a dramatic sunset, the party began. Entertainment planned and delivered by Empire included a live Bossa Nova band and performance by 20 Samba dancers and musicians, including the 2016 Queen of the Rio Carnival, Clara Paixão.

At the same time, down on the Copacabana Beach at the famed Copacabana Palace Hotel, Empire helped new Worldwide Olympic Sponsor Bridgestone celebrate their first summer Olympics with live performances by Bossa Cuca Nova and São Clemente Samba School.

What makes a perfect evening? How about a performance by the legendary Andrea Bocelli at the world-renowned Sporting Club in Monte Carlo? Empire presented and produced the beloved tenor as a surprise for nearly 1,000 corporate guests on August 31, 2016.  

His performance was a surprise to the audience and there was an audible gasp from when Mr. Bocelli was first introduced to the stage. The Maestro then enchanted and thrilled the crowd with two sets; the first accompanied by piano and a quartet, and then, after a very quick stage changeover, the second set featured the Maestro backed by the Orchestra Philarmonica Italiana.  

Bocelli mesmerized the attendees with classical pieces, and was joined onstage by Alessandra Marianelli and Ilaria Della Bidia to duet with him operatic renditions of more mainstream hits, such as "I Can't Help Falling In Love With You" and "I'm In Heaven". As the audience gave Mr. Bocelli a tremendous standing ovation, the windows and roof of the Sporting Club opened for the final surprise of the evening - an incredible fireworks display over the Mediterranean.  

In addition to his performance, Mr. Bocelli also joined client VIPs for an intimate meet & greet and photo op prior to the show.

Empire has presented many of the world’s elite performing artists at incomparable venues in more than 100 countries around the globe. From Andrea Bocelli, Kathleen Battle and Jessye Norman to Jennifer Hudson, Tony Bennett, and Norah Jones, Empire is always able to provide classic, elegant headline entertainment for sophisticated audiences.

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Ozy Media, in partnership with presenting sponsor, Fusion Media, launched the inaugural OZYFusion Fest, a fresh and unique addition to New York City’s busy summer festival calendar. Billed as “TED meets Coachella” and “Aspen Ideas + Burning Man,” OZY Fusion Fest was an experiential festival of ideas that presented music, current affairs, humor, politics, technology, food, art, and social interaction in one memorable day and evening. Although Ozy.com was founded in 2013 and boasts a rapidly growing base of over 20 million monthly users, OZY Fusion Fest was in many ways OZY’s coming out party, a chance to celebrate with its diehard readers, and to introduce itself to an entirely new group of fans.

Over 2,000 attendees descended on Central Park’s Rumsey Playfield to enjoy over ten hours of thought-provoking and highly-entertaining programming. By the time doors opened at 10:30 AM, it was 90 degrees in the shade, but a line had already formed of eager guests waiting to get inside.

Once guests entered, they were emerged in the completely transformed Rumsey Playfield. In addition to the main stage, a series of large tents each adorned with custom signage, designed with a colorful graffiti splash and furnished with colorful seating and displays. Individual spaces included the Town Square Stage, Chef’s Tent, Good Sh*t Bazaar, Intel Theater, Virtual Reality Theater, a VIP tent, and an Ask OZY station in addition to food & beverage kiosks and open air activity spaces.

On the main stage, the day kicked off with author and thinker Malcolm Gladwell, delivering an electrifying and very personal speech on the state of College Admissions in the U. S. Hint: we have a lot of work to do. Columbian musical superstars Choquibtown then brought their Latin /Caribbean grooves to the crowd followed by a hilarious conversation with Broad City’s Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson, moderated by WNYC’s Phoebe Robinson. Asthe afternoon cooled and the sun set the audience danced and sang to hour-long sets by Grammy Award performer Andra Day, Wyclef Jean and Black Eyed Peas’ will.i.am.

Across the field, the Town Square Tent provided a more intimate setting and an opportunity for many deep discussions. OZY Founder Carlos Watson led a series of interviews with political heavyweights and thought leaders. Former Chief of Staff and republican strategist, Karl Rove, weighed in on this year’s Presidential election followed by New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, who discussed the Black Lives Matter movement and his views on the most urgent issues facing the incoming president. Editors Cole Bolton and Ben Berkley of The Onion led their own political panel discussion in their unmistakably irreverent style. Darren Walker, President of the Ford Foundation, sat down with Laurene Powell Jobs, Founder of the Emerson Collective, and will.i.am to discuss their visions for the future of philanthropy in education. HBO rising comedy star Issa Rae delivered a multimedia comedy set, while other Town Square participants included Grover Norquist, Island Records & Golden Eye Resorts Founder, Chris Blackwell, Judy Smith, Beatbox House, artists Kazuhiro Tsuji and Zaria Forman, and more.

For the foodies in the audience, Chef Alex Guarnaschelli, host of Chopped and founder of Butter Restaurant in New York City, led a series of live cooking demos, curated discussions, and food samplings in the Food and Beverage Experience tent. She was joined by her friends Miroslav Uskokovich, celebrated pastry chef at Gramercy Tavern, as well as Benjy Kirschner, sommelier and owner of Wilson Daniels wine. Chef Guarnaschelli also curated the menus provided by Summer stage concessions managed by Brooklyn Flea’s Smorgasburg, allowing guests to purchase items that were exclusively available to OZY FusionFest attendees.

In between stage programming, guests meandered through the Good Sh*tBazaar, a live version of OZY’s online content vertical, where unique vendors and products were showcased alongside prized pieces of art, including Kazuhiro Tsuji’s famed (and giant) Abraham Lincoln head sculpture. Vendors included the Ugly Fruit Guy, a rock &’ roll celebrity stylist, a digital photo booth, and a register to vote station. Lounge furnishings situated in the center of the Bazaar provided guests with a shaded area to relax while waiting for the next program to begin.

And those lucky enough to have purchased a VIP ticket were able to enjoy a stage-side lounge complete with hosted beer, wine, and food.

As if all of the above wasn’t enough, guests had the opportunity to screen original films and content by the likes of Bill Gates in the Intel Theater, walk on Mars via a VR experience, watch artworks created live in an open air art zone, and reimagine what future high schools might belike via the XQ Super School Project.

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​It isn’t easy to entertain a room full of celebrities, but Empire was asked to do just that for a financial services company holding an annual celebrity golf tournament in Lake Tahoe. To fill the bill, we contracted Tom Papa and Sebastian Maniscalco, two of the top comedians touring today.  

Tom Papa starred opposite Matt Damon in the Steven Soderbergh film, The Informant, and is the host of the hit SiriusXM show, ‘Come to Papa.’  He was also personally chosen by Jerry Seinfeld to host the NBC series, ‘The Marriage Ref’. Tom had a recurring role opposite Julia Louis-Dreyfus on the CBS series, ‘The New Adventures of Old Christine’, and starred in his own NBC series, ‘Come to Papa.’  He is a regular guest on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Conan, and The Late Show with David Letterman, and regularly opens for Jerry Seinfeld.

Sebastian Maniscalco is the proverbial “next big thing” in the world of comedy. A 2014 American Comedy Award nominee for Best Club Comedian, Sebastian is a frequent guest on networks such as Showtime and Comedy Network, and has made appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and Conan. Of Sebastian’s performance, our client said "I've never laughed so hard from a comedian in the past. He was so animated and got a cardio work out on the stage.”

Empire recommends, secures, and produces entertainers for special events throughout the world and are proud to have delivered many of the most acclaimed comedy performers including Billy Crystal, Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, Jim Gaffigan, Kevin James, Dave Chappelle, Brian Regan, Louis CK, Dana Carvey, Seth Meyers, Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, John Oliver, Broad City, and dozens more for our clients' programs.

The annual summer party held by Herbert Smith Freehills was held again this year at the Ritz Carlton, with over 250 guests in attendance.

Special attention was given towards the decoration of the room with the usage of vertical banners hung from the ceilings as well as structures placed on the party floor.

The guests entering into the room were instantly transported from Tokyo to the Middle East and Africa, the two main themes of the party.

Rin Nakashima on the Japanese Koto brought to the venue a wide range of sounds, with songs specifically arranged for this event. She was joined by her colleagues on guitar and drums and they rearranged well-known songs in a Middle Eastern and African fashion, further adding to the ambiance of the evening.

The party finished off with a special sand art performance by the duo group Emullenuett, with images shifting and constantly changing on the screen—a journey that took the guests around the world and the various regions that Herbert Smith exists.

Empire’s Tokyo-based Asia division was responsible for all event production and management, technical production, and artist coordination.

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​Following a successful 2015 run on Abbot Kinney in Venice, CA, online mattress retailer, Casper, opened a second pop-up shop, dubbed the“Casper House” on the “Coolest Street in America.”

Conceived as an illustrated house erected inside a brick and mortar store, this playful concept perfectly integrated Casper’s whimsical nature while providing practical & cozy areas – in the form of bedrooms – for guests to try out the Casper product line which includes mattresses, sheets, and pillows. The shop also hosted numerous events over the course of its run such as cocktail events, influencer parties, and even yoga classes! Interior walls were built on castors to provide flexibility for the space to function for multiple purposes.

The initial two-month Summer run was so successful that Casper extended the project to eight months to run through the holidays!

Learn more on Casper's blog here

​Playworks celebrated its 20th anniversary by raising more than $200,000 at the second annual New York Get in the Game Gala, recognizing Inspiring Leadership Honoree ESPN and Most Valuable Principal Heather Foster-Mann of Brooklyn’s PS 133 William A. ButlerSchool. This school year, acclaimed nonprofit Playworks will provide safe, healthy, and inclusive play for nearly 900,000 children in more than 1,800 elementary schools nationwide to reduce bullying, increase physical activity, improve learning, and promote social and emotional skills.

The evening featured remarks from Olympic gold medalists Edwin Moses and Benita Fitzgerald Mosley, a live auction led by CK Swett, entertainment from Grammy-nominated artist John Forte, and international recording artist ELEW, recess games, a friendly pingpong tournament, plus food and drink. Funds raised support the expanding efforts of Playworks to bring the power of play to every girl and boy in New York and beyond.

To help make this event a success, Empire produced the fundraiser at the elegant TriBeCa Rooftop venue, where we transported guests from the ballroom to the playground on the transformed rooftop space. Attendees enjoyed stunning Manhattan views and experienced play through sophisticated and immersive activations of traditional recess games like Four Square, along with life-sized installations of Chess, Jenga and Connect 4.

Working closely with Playworks, Empire served as the event producer, managing elements including venue, décor, technical production, and performing talent.  Empire is a leading producer of fundraising events and we are honored that Playworks continues to work with us to produce successful events.

To support or learn more about Playworks, please visit www.playworks.org

Philanthropist and supermodel Petra Nemcova and the Happy Hearts Fund team called on Empire once again to produce their 2^nd Annual Fight for Education gala in the renowned Hammerstein Ballroom. Leaders from finance, sports, and fashion gathered to support the Happy Hearts Fund mission to rebuild safe, resilient schools in areas impacted by natural disasters.

The action-packed evening was kicked off by internationally-acclaimed tenor James Valenti and soprano Jessica Fishenfeld, singing the National Anthem. After the moving performance, veteran sports announcer Mark Fratto invited Petra to the ring to thank the guests for their attendance and lead a traditional ten-bell salute, honoring the passing of Muhammad Ali.

The night proceeded with six fights featuring amateurs in finance representing Blackrock, Deutsche Bank, and Oppenheimer, among others. Models Hind Salhi and Arlenis Sosa also showcased some exciting boxing in support of the cause. The last bout consisted of acclaimed professional MMA fighters Nick Pace and Julio Arce.

In between the action, auctioneer Patrick Tully led the live auction of eight lots, including a trip to Monaco and Cannes to experience the famous Formula E-race on the Monaco Grand Prix F1 track, and a special VIP package to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. As a compelling finale to the event, Ms. Petra “Trouble” Nemcova surprised guests by taking on comedian Dane “Kiss The” Cook in an entertaining fight using cupcakes, whipped cream, and chocolate syrup.

Throughout the elevated evening, the nearly 400 guests were treated to a three-course meal of caprese salad, chargrilled filet of beef, and family-style desserts for a sweet finish, all catered by Abigail Kirsch.

Over $1.1 million was raised as a result of the Fight for Education gala, continuing the exciting annual tradition benefiting the Happy Hearts Fund.

Empire was proud to be a part of this creative fundraising event, having been the producer of Happy Heart’s annual events for the last six years and is a leading producer of not-for-profit events globally.

To learn more about the Happy Hearts Fund, please visit www.happyheartsfund.org.

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The team behind the Lowline has been working for the past several years to generate support and awareness for their vision to convert an historic underground trolley terminal on Manhattan’s Lower East Side into a subterranean public park. Using breakthrough solar technology for natural sunlight illumination and plant growth with cutting-edge design, the Lowline will be the world’s first underground park, adding a much needed acre of green space to the neighborhood.

The Lowline opened the Lowline Lab, a long-term laboratory and exhibit open to the public, designed to showcase the power and potential of the technology to grow and sustain a wide variety of plant life. Located inside an abandoned market on the Lower East Side just two blocks from the proposed site of the future park, the Lowline Lab serves as a prototype, letting the public preview what's to come. Over 60,000 visitors have come to date and dozens of free community-based programs have been held.

The Lowline held its inaugural spring benefit at the Lowline Lab, to raise funds and welcome guests into an underground, other-worldly garden experience.

Guests were greeted by scantily clad nymphs in body paint and ivy, tempting them to drink tequila spiked elixirs from flower-covered watering cans before moving deeper into the Garden of Eden. An interactive cocktail hour allowed guests to pour their own drinks from irrigation wall taps, where specialty cocktails were surrounded by plants, herbs, and spices. Guests could also add basil, mint, and lavender to add infusions and garnishes to their drinks.

The evening included a seated dinner where attendees enjoyed a DIY-style meal featuring an “interactive salad” that required chopping their own vegetables and an entree that encouraged guests to eat with their hands and serve each other from the family-style dishes. The appetizing menu was created and curated by Chef John Fraser of Nix, Narissa, and Dovetail.

The program featured speeches by Lowline Co-Founders Dan Barasch and James Ramsey, and honored Openbox’s Marquise Stillwell and Lowline Young Designer student, Nasir Mouzon-Cooley. CK Swett hosted the live auction, garnering over $50,000 in proceeds for auction lots that included a trip to Tuscany and a video message from singer/songwriter Sia.

Amber Martin, vocalist and comedic performance artist, closed out the program with an original three-song, jaw-dropping performance with chosen musical and comedic vignettes from her fascinating repertoire of characters. The audience could not keep their eyes off of her. DJ Sammy Kim created the playlist for the evening.

Empire is honored to serve as the Lowline’s event producers since 2013 and proud to support the creation of the world’s first underground park.

To learn more about the Lowline, visit http://thelowline.org/

Empire recently worked to provide headline entertainment at an annual user conference that brings together thousands of thought leaders from the fields of business and information technology to solve the world’s most complex business technology problems.

For this year’s conference, the first in Las Vegas, conference producers, Invision Communications, chose Empire as their partner to secure and produce the headline entertainment for the opening night Customer Appreciation Event.

Working closely with the Invision team, Empire supported an artist selection process and was able to quickly deliver multi-platinum selling and Grammy award-winning artists, The Goo Goo Dolls. Fresh off their new record release, the Goo Goo Dolls delighted the crowd of approximately 4,000 attendees with all their classic songs including "Iris", "Slide", and "Broadway", as well as a mixture of new music from their latest release.

The Goo Goo Dolls performed on a massive stage in the tiered Grand Garden Arena, underneath a monumental projection wall. DJ Ravi Drums played a warm-up DJ set prior to the band taking the stage. The band also participated in a VIP meet & greet.

Empire and Invision worked closely on all creative, logistic, and production details to ensure a smooth experience for the client and band and to promote the best possible experience for the attendees.  

Empire is a leading resource for delivering and producing headline talent for corporate conferences worldwide, and a proud to partner to organizations like Invision Communications.

For the fourth consecutive year, Empire served as producer of the Fragrance Foundation Awards, the fragrance industry’s premier event celebrating outstanding achievement and creativity.  

Held at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall, the evening began with guest arrivals and an elegant cocktail reception in Alice Tully Hall’s outdoor sunken plaza and soaring glass atrium. Amidst a series of freestanding walls printed with the designs, guests mingled and sipped champagne while VIPs walked the red carpet and posed for the press photographers in a tent on West 65^th Street.

Once seated in Alice Tully Hall, the evening’s host, critically acclaimed actor, producer, and comedian, Alec Baldwin, kicked off the star-studded award program in his signature style. His humorous opening monologue covered the Fragrance industry and this year’s nominees to current affairs and politics.

Notable program participants included Hall of Fame Honoree and CEO of L Brands, Leslie Wexner, as well as the Lifetime Achievement Perfumer, and Vice President of International Flavors and Fragrances, Sophia Grojsman.

Celebrity presenters included Lionel Richie, Adriana Lima, Petra Nemcova, Karolina Kurkova, Laverne Cox, Eric Dane, Josephine Skriver, Meg Ryan, Nacho Figueras, Leigh Lezark, Jessica Stam, Natasha Gregson Wagner, Tracee Ellis Ross, Stella Maxwell, Mary Elizabeth Winstead and more.

Following the seated Awards program, guests were seated for an elegant, sit-down dinner in the Alice Tully Hall atrium and outdoor plaza—the perfect summer night dining experience. Leigh Lezark & Geordon Nicol of the Misshapes DJ’d throughout the meal.  

The evening ended with an afterparty held at the Lincoln Restaurant. The guests danced to music by the fashion-favorite DJ, Mia Moretti, as they sipped their cocktails and visited various food stations.

The Fragrance Foundation Awards bring together virtually every luxury and consumer brand in the fragrance industry, including Estée Lauder, Ralph Lauren, Tom Ford, Burberry, Giorgio Armani, Tory Burch, Marc Jacobs, Victoria’s Secret, Michael Kors, Givenchy, Elizabeth Arden, LVMH, Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel, Jean Paul Gaultier, Hermès, Lancome, Zegna, Clinique, and Gucci.

Empire is a leading producer of events, award shows, and programs for the luxury brand, fragrance, cosmetics and fashion industries.

​Would you go through weeks of hardcore boxing training while working full-time and then climb into the ring in front of hundreds of your friends and coworkers for a great cause?

That’s what 16 amateur fighters did for “Executive Fight Night,” a semi-annual Vegas-style boxing event designed for business executives to blow off some steam and raise funds for a good cause. Empire Japan was once again proud to produce such an exciting event.

The sixth and latest fight night was held at the Tokyo Grand Hyatt. 400+ spectators were wining and dining as their friends and coworkers fought it out in the ring.

Of course, EFN is not just about blowing off steam and testing ones physical ability. Over ¥10 million in proceeds from this event, a EFN record, has been raised for Shine On! Kids, an organization devoted to bettering the lives of children in Japan who are battling cancer.

Empire once again proves to be the leading producer of fundraising events and was thrilled to help produce yet another successful Executive Fight Night.​

Empire Japan presented five entertainment acts for Shell Global’s 2016 Smiling Stars incentive, an annual event that rewards its retailers around the world for exceptional performance.

As the welcome entertainment, a duo of guitar and koto harp serenaded guests in the garden with their arrangements of Japanese and western music. Following the music in the garden, violin trio Grand Noir provided acoustic ambience during dinner before returning to electrify the stage with a plugged-in performance in advance of award presentations.

As the first act of the evening, traditional Eisa and lion dances from Okinawa energized and interacted with guests from all over the world out on the terrace. Following the Okinawan dance, guests moved inside and the juggling sensations Kikyo Brothers used their trademark light-up programmed batons in an exhilarating juggling routine. Finally, as a capstone for Empire’s portion of the program, world-champion diabolo performer Yusaku Mochizuki, also of Empire Artists-managed group enra, lit up the stage with his unique performance of his original piece “GRAVITY” in a high-octane routine combining the diabolo with tap dance.

Empire was responsible for proposing, negotiating, contracting, and advancing logistical elements for all five acts. Empire is a leading provider of talent for corporate events and celebrations around the world.

​Now in its fourth year, The Architizer A+Awards are the definitive global architectural award program with more than 100 categories and over 300 judges. The gala event in New York City is the signature architectural event during the city’s design week, NYCxDesign, and falls just before the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF). Comprising diverse and innovative global projects from starchitects to emerging firms, this year’s winners represent the best new architecture, interiors, and products from across the globe. For the second year in a row, Empire was at the helm to ensure this event was a success.

The ceremony was hosted again with charisma and charm by John Gidding from HGTV's "Curb Appeal: The Block", and kicked off with a phenomenal and impassioned speech about the Architecture industry by Architizer CEO Marc Kushner. “The A+ gala is more than just a party. It represents a moment for us to stand up and champion our art, recognizing the transformational role that architecture plays in our lives,” says Architizer CEO Marc Kushner.” This year we are expanding the fame, creating an even wider set of categories, celebrating the buildings and structures that impact our world, as well as the products and material used to create them.”

Over 500 luminaries from the world of architecture and design entered the industrial-style space to a red carpet and step & repeat, where event sponsor MINI showed off one of its spectacular new models. Guests enjoyed cocktails and passed hors d'oeuvres by Cloud Catering while enjoying the ambient music played by DJ Javier Peral.

Attendees also enjoyed watching an extraordinary demonstration of the artistry of a watchmaker from partners Audemars Piguet, sipped on cocktails at a customized Sunbrella designed bar, and saw contest-winning architectural designs, all created in LEGO.

This year's biggest winner was Studio Gang, which was named Firm of the Year, and other special achievement awards were presented to Penda, Paul Goldberger, and Samsung, among others. A moving tribute to the late and brilliant architect Zaha Hadid was the highlight of the night and all were inspired by her legacy.

Empire is a premier producer of some of the world's most prestigious award ceremonies, including The Webby Awards, The Fragrance Foundation Awards, and was honored to be chosen as Architizer's production partner for the 2016 Architizer A+Awards.

What do Kim Kardashian, Jessica Alba, Lena Dunham, The Onion, Kanye West, Making a Murderer, and #BlackLivesMatter all have in common?  They were the big winners at the 20th Annual Webby Awards, produced by Empire in New York City.

For the 12th consecutive year, the Webbys chose Empire to produce what many hail as “the Oscars of the Internet.” The show is renowned for its tradition of allowing its winners only five-word acceptance speeches, and this year spawned some true classics including “Break The Internet” winner Kim Kardashian (“Nude selfies until I die!”), Entrepreneur of the Year Jessica Alba for the Honest Company (“Guts. Heart.  Passion. Drive. WiFi.”), and Artist of the Year, Kanye West (“I can’t stand short speeches”).

Parks & Recreation’s Nick Offerman hosted the awards, setting the tone with his sardonic wit, and advising the attendees that this year’s Webbys would be the last, as he had been informed that one of the winners had actually broken the internet. Offerman then advised the crowd to "celebrate these Webbys as if they truly might be our last, because, God knows, if Donald Trump becomes President and gets his tiny, tiny hands on our internet, we may never get to do this again.” Later in the show, Offerman introduced his wife, Megan Mullally, and the couple presented the Agency of the Year Award in hilarious fashion.

Other presenters and winners included documentary filmmaker Michael Moore, VICE Founder Shane Smith, YouTube personality Tyler Oakley, and Director Spike Lee, who presented the award for Social Movement of the Year to #BlackLivesMatter.  For the show’s finalé, the Webbys chose to honor Prince, who performed live at the Webbys in 2006 after receiving that year’s Lifetime Achievement Award. With the stage bathed in purple light, Erykah Badu sang Prince’s “Ballad of Dorothy Parker,” followed by a video of Prince’s own five-word acceptance speech “everything you think….is true”.

As in past years, the evening was a mix of profound creativity, innovation, irreverent humor, gravitas, and emotion, reflecting the diverse nature of the Internet as a medium.  

Following the awards, the audience moved to the Highline Ballroom for the annual Webby awards afterparty which featured a performance by Wu-Tang Clan’s Raekwon and music by Funkmaster Flex.

Empire is honored to have produced some of the world’s leading awards programs, including The Webby Awards, The Gotham Awards, The Fragrance Foundation Awards, The Architizer A+ Awards, and The Film Society of Lincoln Center Chaplin Awards.