Our Work

The acclaimed American Museum of Natural History in New York City seemed the only appropriate backdrop for this celebratory event in which the world’s largest private equity firm marked its 30th Anniversary.

Over 1,500 employees came together in the famed Milstein Hall of Ocean Life (more commonly known as the Whale Room) to memorialize their accomplishments with a custom-created menu and bar experience, an energetic DJ and an interactive photo booth, always a guest favorite. The room was transformed by custom floor-to-ceiling branded banners and backdrops highlighting the company’s achievements thus far. Soaring floral arrangements, reflective linens and sleek furniture fit perfectly with the water-themed space.

In keeping with the light mood of the fete, the company’s Founder and CEO took the “world’s largest selfie” during his stage remarks, capturing an image of all of the employees with his beloved flip phone (aided by cutting-edge technology that actually captured a 360° image of the entire room by piecing together live and pre-captured shots). The image was immediately projected on large screens in the space, prompting amusement from the crowd about their not-so-tech savvy leader.

After the remarks and just as the festivities were ramping up, the top 75 partners and advisers in the firm, accompanied by their spouses, quietly headed upstairs to the Theodore Roosevelt Rotunda (also known as the “Dinosaur Room”) for an elegant and intimate seated dinner. Once the filet mignon and desserts (customized with chocolate-sauce written notes) were enjoyed, it was time to dance! Guests enjoyed a live band while taking in the elegant décor, including soft lighting highlighting the existing architecture as well as the refined florals, linens, and lounge furniture.

The custom evening was one to remember, fit only for a firm that is one of the fastest-growing in its industry and managing over $365 billion in assets.

In October 2015, for the third consecutive year, Empireproduced the Lowline Anti-Gala to help raise funds surrounding the project’sgoal to create the world’s first underground park in New York City’s historicLower East Side.

Upon its completion, the Lowline will completely transforman abandoned trolley terminal below Manhattan’s Delancey Street into a fullyfunctioning, public green space. Through next-generation solar technology, theLowline plans to redirect natural sunlight underground to enablephotosynthesis, thus creating and sustaining plant life under the bustling streetsof New York.

This year’s Anti-Gala, the organization’s annual fundraisingevent, came on the heels of the major opening of the project’s newestdevelopment; the Lowline Lab. Funded by a successful Kickstarter campaign thatraised over $200,000 from thousands of donors, the Lab operates as a workingprototype and technological showcase that is open to the public until March2016. There, guests can learn about the innovative technology that will light theLowline, and get a glimpse of what it will feel like to be within anunderground oasis.

To celebrate the Lowline Lab’s inaugural weekend, Empire workedclosely with them to conceptualize a ‘Building the Lowline’ construction theme,taking place inside the historic Angel Orensanz synagogue. This was completewith “construction workers” dressed as if on a job site, using flashlights tocheck out the area and directing guests as if on an actual construction site.The menu was handcrafted in the style of a construction worker’s diet, with guests noshing onpotato samosas, kebabs, hot dogs and even pigeon cooked “under a brick”created by Chef Gabrielle Hamilton and Neuman’s Catering. Furthermore, thecenterpieces were made out of cinderblocks and bars were constructed with herb garden-covered palettes used for specialty cocktails.

Throughout the evening, remarks were delivered by co-foundersDaniel Barasch and James Ramsey; while Lowline supporters Josh Sirefman and NewYork State Senator Daniel Squadron introduced this year’s honorees,Councilwomen Margaret Chin, and Board Chair, David Barry.

Notable attendees at this year’s gala included artist TomSachs, filmmakers Spike Jonze, Megan Ellison and actresses Laura Prepon andRose McGowan. To close out the evening, renowned DJ duo The Misshapes took tothe stage to spin a great mix of music that kept everyone around for a livelyafterglow.

Empire is proud to serve as the Lowline’s producers for theirannual event, creating a custom-themed event to reflect the organization’svision of creating the world’s first underground park.

To learn more about the Lowline, visit www.thelowline.org.

​

In our first collaboration with Chicago-based ContextMedia, Empire produced a very successful and high-energy cocktail reception at the newly opened One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the Western hemisphere. With soaring panoramic views of New York City, guests mingled and danced while engaging with ContextMedia’s technology platforms throughout the space. We effectively utilized a panoramic-shaped venue to keep guests involved in every part of the space and turned an average Wednesday night into a bumping dance party.

ContextMedia is a health information services company, building 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 impacting over ten million patient visits each month.

This event was meant to engage their New York City-based clients and introduce them to ContextMedia’s technologies in a fun and accessible setting. Upon reaching the 102^nd floor, guests were welcomed with themed cocktails, buffet-style stations and impressive and creative hors d’oeuvres.

As guests entered the room, they were greeted with an interactive wall of screens. Built specifically for this event, the wall allowed guests to see the technology first hand and customize their experience. Smaller interactive screens were also placed throughout the space to allow guests to engage with the product.

Entertainment began with DJ Irie getting everyone out on the dance floor and the event really hit its stride when Questlove took the stage. He is best known as the drummer and front-man for the Grammy-winning band The Roots, the in-house band for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. He has produced for artists including Elvis Costello, Common, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Bilal, Jay-Z, Nikka Costa, Al Green and John Legend.

The photo booth was also a big hit throughout the night as guests incorporated our fun props and costume pieces into their pictures.

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

​

After receivingfive standing ovations in five shows, enra has closed the curtain on asuccessful first US Tour. With five unique venues in five cities, five publicperformances, and five unique audiences, enra earned glowing reviews for theperformances and received numerous invitations to return. Presenters andaudiences alike praised enra, and American audiences in Birmingham,Memphis, Knoxville, Durango, and Detroit roseto their feet to shower the group with applause.

Monthsof careful preparation went in to producing enra’s longest tour to date. Fromsecuring visas and tax documents for the group members with an eye for futureprojects, detailed advance planning, to arranging expert in-personmanagement on the ground, Empire was there at every stage to ensure that thetour would not only go smoothly but also be a success for everyoneinvolved.

enra’smembers received a warm welcome everywhere they went and performed inbeautiful venues. "That was amazing!" was the general reaction from enthusiastic crowds. The tour also included three separate educationalevents for local students who were thrilled have a rare chance to learn fromenra’s multi-talented expertise.

Markedby its financial success, technical perfection, resourceful management, andthrillingly positive audience response, the tour was a total victory for enraand for Empire. We extend our deepest thanks to the supporters of enra andeveryone that made it possible.

On Saturday, October 17, 2015, Empire produced About.com’s Expert Conference for the third consecutive year at the IAC Building in NYC.

The conference gathers together hundreds of About.com’s experts - - the writers who deliver the content on the site, on topics ranging from travel, health, and tech, to sandwiches, etiquette, and women’s hairstyles. The site is visited each month by approximately 90 million users.

CEO Neil Vogel impressed the experts once again with his no-nonsense, cut-to-the-chase manner of addressing all issues head-on. External speakers this year included Joy Bauer, nutrition expert for the Today show, and Brian Stelter, Senior Media Correspondent for CNN. Presenters made good use of the fantastic, and enormous high-resolution video wall at the IAC Building (120’ Wide x 11’ High), including powerful and eye-catching content throughout the day.

Following several presentations in the main theater area, guests then broke into three separate groups for more intimate and interactive breakout sessions. Attendees also enjoyed breakfast and lunch breaks catered by Abigail Kirsch.

Empire managed all aspects of the About.com conference, providing stage management, registration, TPA procurement, technical direction, catering management, décor, and more. Empire is proud to produce business conferences for some of the world's leading technology companies.

Every five years, this cutting-edge company hosts a multi-day event that includes a major product andinnovation exhibition at the Jacob Javits Center, keynote remarksfrom its worldwide Chairman & CEO, and a gala dinner for over 1,000 of itstop customers and business partners at the New York Marriott Marquis in the heart of Times Square.

This year, Empire was challenged to create a Gala evening based on the client's theme of new impossible innovations and to produce the keynote session justhours earlier in the Broadway Ballroom of the New York Marriott Marquis.

Empire’s solution, developedover the course of many months of collaboration, was to create an evening that fused performances andsurround projection technology to take the audience on an impossible journey: travelingthrough time to experience Times Square in the past, present and future. Eachera would be represented with a live performance segment that reflected itsculture, music, imagery, energy and technology.

Following the afternoon’sflawless keynote address by the company's Chairman & CEO, Empirequickly transformed the ballroom into an elegant gala environment, surroundingthe room with over 300 feet of HD projection surfaces and replacing the theaterseating with black dining tables adorned with a red glass cubes.

Following a welcome by host andemcee James Donahower, he introduced the concept of time travel through Times Square. Asurround projection environment of an animated Times Square of the 1920s, completewith sound effects, was dramatically revealed to the audience.

Then, as jazz music began toplay, a spotlight illuminated a single point on stage as a female jazzsaxophone player, Chelsea Baratz, soloed the sounds of Summertime as the billboards slowly flickeredaround her. Next the music shifted to anupbeat rendition of the Charleston and a cast of 1920s-attired flappers enteredto dance the steps of the jazz age. As the performance built in energy, thedynamic tap dance duo of Grimes & Fleming performed their fast-movingtandem tap routine as a finalé of film footage of dancers andwater fountains was projected on all screens. At the end of the1920s/1930s performance and as guests enjoyed their dinner, the animated skyscape of Times Square returned to thescreens and slowly evolved to 1950s to a soundtrack from those years.

After dinner, the emcee returned to set up thenext segment, highlighting some of the major technological and cultural changesof the 1950s and 1960s. As he finished his remarks, the sounds of the Drifter’s1964 hit Under the Boardwalk beganto play as doo wop a capella group the Tee Tones appeared on stage. Next up thescreens shifted to reflect the Broadway show marquees of the time as vocalistsand a cast of costumed dancers entered to perform selections from Pippin (Magic To Do) and Hair: the Musical (Age of Aquarius) as the screens projectedanimations of the 1960s Flower Power movement. In the finale for thissegment, a solo vocalist performed Louis Armstrong’s What a Wonderful World as the Times Square screens recreated thelive broadcast of the first manned lunar landing.

Following dessert service, the emcee took thestage one final time, setting up the Times Square of the future. Thisperformance began with vocalist Kelly Levesque singing an original compositionentitled Future Mood surrounded byan HD projection of the earthrise from space. Next up, violinist Sarina Sunoperformed a fast-paced classical electronica piece as the animated screencontent reacted to the sounds of her LED-lit, electronic violin. As a fittingconclusion to the evening, Levesque took the stage again to perform Love Can Move Mountains and Reach. This time, Kelly wore a floor-length gown covered with hundreds of mirror tiles as she was lit by a seriesof carefully placed lasers in a hazed room, creating the effect of a halo oflaser beams in all directions. Many of the audience members reached for theirphones to photograph the spectacular finalé.

The client was delighted with the outcome ofthe evening, and this original production entertained this highly critical audience.

To create this one-of-a-kind, once-in-a-lifetimejourney through performance, Empire worked with a wide variety of creative,scenic, talent, music and technical partners that included LIVE LAB and manyothers.

Empire is one of the world’s leading creatorsand producers of original live media and events on behalf of leading corporation andbrands.

​

When one of the world's leading insurance companies hosted an incentive program in Crete in September 2015, they planned a fantastic evening outdoors, themed around the feel-good movie "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" and they came to Empire for the entertainment that would fit the theme. While ABBA has been defunct for decades, Empire recommended and contracted the next best thing: Bjorn Again, the ABBA tribute band. Dressed head-to-toe in costuming that helped define the original band, the group had the attendees on their feet performing classics such as "Dancing Queen" and "Waterloo". On a raised stage with the Mediterranean Sea and the stars as their backdrop, the band was a highlight of a fantastic event.

Empire is proud to consistently be able to recommend entertainers who fit our clients' event themes, as well as their budgets, and to have presented headline performers in over 40 countries around the globe.

​

​Empire produced a business conference and farewell dinner for over 500 guests for a leading Japanese healthcare company in Dubai. The company was visiting Dubai to hold an incentive tour for top sales employees over a period of several days. Guests had a chance to enjoy a wide range of activities including a deep look into the local Arabian culture with camel tours into the desert.

Empire worked closely with a local agency to make this event happen over a two day period. During the first day a business conference was held where next year’s goals were announced and action plans for the upcoming year were laid down. The challenge was that the venue needed to be transformed from a business conference venue to a gorgeous farewell dinner venue in just one day. A larger stage and extravagant light fixtures needed to be placed with all settings from the previous night readjusted to a party atmosphere.

The farewell party included a dance performance, where company staff members reenacted a popular performance of the popular Japanese vocal group Exile on stage. The Empire team put together a full lighting system which transformed the venue into a concert hall bringing everyone to their feet. We also produced a fashion show as part of the evening festivities, which had over 20 models, once again done by company employees.

Empire’s success in Dubai showcased yet again our ability to produce the highest quality events anywhere in the world.

With the 75^th Anniversary of the brand rightaround the corner, Coach wanted to showcase their first runway collection forNew York SS16 Fashion week in an impactful and memorable way.

Empire was engaged by Coach and KCD Worldwide, the leadingfashion public relations and production agency, to lend expertise inpermitting, labor & union relations, and site-specific logistical planningand management. Empire and KCD worked in close collaboration with Coach overseveral months to select and secure the site, design a plan and make theproduction a reality.

The decision was made to bring the show home – to the futuresite of the new Coach headquarters currently being built at 30th Street and 11th Avenue in the new Hudson Yards development. A large, openconcrete rooftop, located adjacent to the High Line and just a short walk fromthe new Coach tower, proved to be the ideal location to build an event spacethat would impress audiences and blend seamlessly into the natural beauty ofthe High Line.

Construction, tenting, scenic and technical teams workednon-stop for almost a month to construct a beautiful two-story glass box tent. The Friends of the Highline andthe NYC Parks Department granted Coach permission to use the High Line as aguest entryway and a one-of-a kind, one-day only bridge was built to facilitatedirect access to the tent from the High Line.

Empire also worked to develop a unique guest entry plan. A nearbylot was transformed into a Coach-branded drop off point where high-profileattendees were chauffeuredto the show in special Coach taxis. Guests strolled along the High Line andtook in the view of the enormous glass tent in the Fall afternoon sun. After making their way inside, guests weregreeted with scenic elements designed by Stefan Beckman to bring the windswept Americanprairie feel of the High Line indoors. Guests walked over the mirrored runway and took their seats on amulti-level wooden polygon bleacher built into the center of the tent,surrounding by planters and greenery that perfectly matched the look and feelof the High Line.

Over 500 guests attended the nine minute long show includingAnna Wintour, Chloe Grace Moretz, Mariel Hemingway, and numerous fashion buyers,members of the media and tastemakers and celebrities from around the world. The collection, largely centered onmulti-colored floral patchwork dresses inspired by designer Stuart Veversvision of a wardrobe for “a magpie girl who goes onroad trips, picking up Western things, but who also might steal from hergranny’s closet on the Upper East Side". Nearly 40 models showcased almost 50 different looks styledby Karl Templer to a soundtrack DJ’d live by Steve Mackey.

Voguecalled the Coach show one of the New York Fashion Week’s best shows.

The completeshow can be viewed at: http://www.coach.com/shop/womens-spring-2016

​Looking to have the Season 2 premiere of the hit TV show EMPIRE match the energy and grandeur of its enormous fan base, FOX knew the event needed to take place in New York City.

The renowned Carnegie Hall was perfect venue for the premiere, lending a juxtaposition between the elegant and classic musical landmark and the current pop culture and hip hop theme of the show.

Because of the enormous popularity of the show, a 100’ long press wall, tent, and gold carpet were installed on 7th Avenue, allowing the large cast their own moments to shine. The carpet was well-attended, with appearances by show creator Lee Daniels, and cast members including Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson, Trai Byers, Jussie Smollett, and Gabourey Sidibe, as well as other celebs including Mariah Carey, Rosie O’Donnell, Gail King, and Naomi Campbell.

Following the carpet, 2,500 lucky fans enjoyed an advanced screening of the highly-anticipated first episode of Season 2 followed by a live Q&A session with all of the cast. Rounding out the stage presentation were energetic performances by cast members Jussie Smollett (Jamal Lyon), Bryshere Gray (Hakeem Lyon), and Serayah (Tiana Brown). Fans at home were able to watch a live broadcast of both the Q&A and performances.

After the screening, 450 guests including cast, FOX executives, and sponsors from Lincoln and Pepsi moved upstairs to the recently opened Weill Terrace Room to celebrate the success of another season. Located on the 9th and 10th floors of Carnegie Hall, the after party offered sweeping views of midtown New York, which guests enjoyed while lounging on furniture designed to recreate an elegant yet homey living room. A warm gray and neutral palette was accented by candles and florals in deep greens, creams, and browns.

Heard over the excited chatter, DJ Natasha Diggs got the crowd dancing on the 10th Floor while a playlist curated by Lee Daniels kept the party going on the 9th Floor. Comfort food and cocktails were provided by Stephen STARR Catering and was rounded out with birthday cake for Taraji P. Henson.

Empire is honored to continue our long-standing working relationship with the FOX Broadcasting team and look forward to supporting more upcoming events.

On September 17, 2015, Empire was honored to serve as theproducers of the star-studded, 14^th annual Samsung Hope for ChildrenGala, which took place within the Grand Ballroom and the Hammerstein Ballroomat the Manhattan Center in New York City. The Hope for Children Gala is Samsung’s principal cause-marketingevent dedicated to supporting children’s health, education, and sustainability.

The evening kicked off with a star-studded blue carpet, packedwith celebrities and athletes including Demi Lovato, Mark Messier, TaraLipinski, Tony Bennett, Henrick Lundqvist, Katrina Bowden, Dascha Polanco, JimGaffigan, and Meredith Viera.

Once inside, the 700 guests were invited to enjoy a cocktailreception in the Grand Ballroom, which featured interactive elements for theguests to enjoy, along with a large-scale orchid chandelier display over acenter bar. Following cocktails,guests were invited into the Manhattan Center for dinner. On their way in, theywere treated to another impressive floral display featuring thousands of callalilies blanketing the ceiling

The seated dinner program featured many participants andperformers including emcee, Josh Lucas, Students from Exploringthe Arts Frank Sinatra School inBrooklyn, The Roots, Rob Thomas, Ingrid Michaelson, Boomer Esiason, NickCannon, Demi Lovato, President and CEO of Samsung Electronics North America,Gregory Lee, and President & COO of Samsung Electronics America, Timothy Baxter.The centerpiece of the evening’s program was Ben Stiller presenting Samsung’sChampion of Hope Award to Brad Pitt and the Make it Right Foundation for theirwork rebuilding New Orleans' Lower 9^th Ward after hurricaneKatrina.

While the Gala took place downstairs, for the first timeever, Samsung invited Galaxy Owners to attend a pre-reception in the GrandBallroom, where they interacted with the latest Galaxy devices and had thechance to win a variety of prizes. Guests enjoyed refreshments, music curatedby DJ Nick Cannon and anexclusive live performance by electro-pop duoIcona Pop that was broadcast live to YouTube via the GalaxyNote5. Following the pre-reception, consumers joined Gala guests in theHammerstein Ballroom for Demi Lovato’s memorableperformance.

The Samsung Hope for Children Gala raised a record $2 million. This included over $80,000 from the Silent Auction,Text to Donate, Blue Box Raffle and Charity Buzz. Charity Partners included the Boomer Esiason Foundation, Christopher& Dana Reeve Foundation, Exploring the Arts, Make It Right, Many Hopes, OnlyMake Believe, Sidewalk Angels, Staten Island Museum Foundation, StillerFoundation, and the United States Olympic Committee.

Empire was proud to work closely with the Samsung team todeliver a flawless evening for such a worthy cause. To learn more aboutSamsung’s Hope for Children visit http://www.samsung.com/us/hopeforchildren/

​

Empire helped a private client present an unforgettable weekend ofheadline concert performances for family and friends at an undisclosedlocation on the coast of Montenegro and aboard a mega-yacht docked in theAdriatic Sea.

The first night’s concert showcased global guitar sensations Rodrigo y Gabriella, whose riveting acoustic duo set was as captivating as itwas mesmerizing. The pair of guitar wizards, who were raised on thrash metal inMexico City and who have performed at the White House and the GlastonburyFestival, rocked the audience for over an hour and concluded with an intimatejam circle with the audience sitting just inches away. Set at a beachside café, the stage was positionedbeneath a climbing hillside of olive groves that Empire lit to create a magicalsetting for the concert.

The second night was a dance party featuring a German groupcalled The Baseballs. The full band with several vocalists, dressed inperfect 1950s rockabilly attire, performed a series of energetic covers of songslike Rihanna’s “Umbrella” in the 1950s rock n’ roll style.

On the final evening, the client presented The Tenors onthe rear deck of a 200 ft yacht moored off the Coast. The quartet of polished vocalists serenaded theaudience with a mix of opera and pop music covers that left themspellbound by the fusion of music and the spectacular sunset views of the Montenegromountain range.

For this project, Empire secured all performers, handling international logistics with artists traveling fromthe UK, Mexico, Amsterdam, Germany, Canada and the United States, and overcamesignificant technical challenges to stage three flawless shows on thewaterfront and at sea.

Empire is the world’s leading producer of headlineentertainment for intimate audiences and bespoke, private concertexperiences. With a track record ofproductions in over 90 countries with many of the world’s most celebratedartists, Empire delivers the capability, experience and adaptability to surpassclient expectations throughout the world.

​

​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 Singapore, the first ever in Southeast Asia and during its 50th year of Independence. 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.

For this year, there were seven finalist schools from seven different countries including China, Germany, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and the United States. After a full day of exploring Singapore (Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, Gardens by the Bay, The Merlion) the main event was be the Awards Ceremony.

To commemorate its new theme “Sports”, the Awards Ceremony began with presentations from its Special Guests. Mr. Hawazi Daipi, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Manpower of Singapore, Mr. Ng Ser Miang, Member of the International Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Finance Commission, Mr. Duane Kale, Governing Board Member of the International Paralympic Committee and Mr. Mark Wallace, the Chief Content Officer of the Olympic Broadcasting Services.

The Awards Ceremony included awards presented by the special guests wirh Managing Director of Panasonic Asia Pacific, Mr. Toru Nishida presenting the Grand Prix to Montfort College in Thailand for their work “Blind’s Diary".

The following day, the finalist schools participated in an exciting workshop seminar conducted by the Chief Content Officer of the Olympic Broadcasting Services, Mr. Mark Wallace. Students learned about the long preparation period, the various cameras and techniques used to smoothly broadcast the Olympics.

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

In late summer 2015, Empire was called upon to recommend and contract some of the most interesting keynote speakers in the world for an insurance company's annual incentive program. The client wanted someone to headline the slate who would not have been seen by their attendees before. Empire was quick to recommend Malala Yousafzai, the youngest ever Nobel Peace Prize winner who was singled out and shot by the Taliban for her belief that Afghan girls (and women around the world) are entitled to an education. In a conversation moderated by former White House correspondent Ann Compton (also recommended by Empire), Malala inspired the attendees with her incredible story of surviving the shooting and how it only strengthened her resolve to fight for equal rights for women worldwide.

While Malala was a very tough act to follow, the following morning Empire delivered futurist Ray Kurzweil to address the conference guests. Called “the restless genius” by The Wall Street Journal and “the ultimate thinking machine” by Forbes, Kurzweil wowed the audience with his predictions about artificial intelligence and the possibility that humans may soon be immortal due to exponential advances in technology. And to follow Kurzweil's fantastic thoughts on the triumphs of the human brain, Empire brought in Nando Parrado to amaze the attendees with the triumph of the human spirit. One of the survivors of the plane crash chronicled in the book and movie "Alive", Parrado told his story of walking 150 miles out of the Andes to save himself and many of his rugby teammates more than two months after the accident occurred.

Empire also arranged for CNN National Security Commentator Mike Rogers to talk about ISIS and other threats to US national security, as well as a political-economic debate between conservative economist, television personality, and newspaper columnist Lawrence Kudlow, and American economist Austan Goolsbee who served as the youngest member of President Obama's cabinet.

Empire recommends and contracts keynote speakers for special events around the globe, and is honored to have presented and produced luminaries such as Bill Gates, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Robert Redford, Kevin Spacey, several US Presidents including Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Ralph Lauren, and hundreds of others.

​

On August 26, Empire presented two hit-packed performances by nine time Grammy Winner, Sheryl Crow, for a corporate audience at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Approximately 5,000 guests of all ages packed the house for the private shows by the country rocker.

The audience was on their feet as Sheryl and her six-member band performed her greatest hits including, “All I Wanna Do", "A Change Would Do You Good", “Soak Up The Sun", “Everyday is a Winding Road", "Strong Enough", and an amazing encore of Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll".

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

​

In our 21 years of producing events at Empire Entertainment, we have workedwith an amazing array of artists and creators who inspire, motivate, provokeand enlighten, as well as entertain. We are now proud to announce the launch ofour artist management division, “Empire Artists”.

Over time we have developed a special affinity for a number of talentedindividuals in diverse fields, who change the ways we perceive time, space, andperformance, extending our experience of the world we live in through their individualartistry, without conforming to any creative genre or box.

Unique artists in their own right, we created Empire Artists to support themand bring their talents and mesmerizing skills to a wider world. Combining ourmanagement, organization and promotional expertise with their individual talentand thirst to challenge and explore, we aim to generate appropriateopportunities to bring their amazing art, learning, communication, andentertainment to a larger stage.

The common theme of Empire Artists is their ability to communicate a messagein a different way. To think bigger, explore boundaries, alter perceptions, andpuncture long-held conventions, connecting, intriguing and wowing audiencesone-on-one through to arena crowds, by transforming and integrating experiencesbeyond the reach of ‘normal’ creativity.

Much more than entertainment, our artists channel fields as diverse asadvanced technology to traditional music, thriving on expanding what ispossible in their specialist fields, driven by their individual creativity andsense of wonder.

Enjoy exploring, and if you would like to know more about any of our EmpireArtists and the experiences they create, or feel we could represent you, pleaseget in touch.

artist@empireentertainment.com

www.empireartists.jp​

​On July 24th, Empire Entertainment Japan celebrated its 10th anniversary. Empire Entertainment Japan threw an incredible party to thank all their great clients, partners and friends for helping Empire reach such an important milestone.

Guests ate, drank, and danced the night away at Tokyo Tower Studios, located just under famous Tokyo Tower. The 10th anniversary party featured performances by Mico, enra, DJ Yummy, and also debuted a massive Kinect-enabled preview of the largest giga-pixel image of Tokyo ever taken, produced in conjunction with Empire partner Fancam. On display were a number of awards Empire Entertainment Japan has received over their first 10 years and a movie screen-sized presentation of past Empire projects.

At the anniversary party, Empire announced the formation of Empire’s artist management group “Empire Artists”. While still newly launched, Empire is proud to already be representing such great artists as Alexa Meade, Tom Black, Circus of Now, enra, Han Ahn Soon, Kurt Wenner, Marco Tempest and Mico. The event also marked another milestone: the launch of www.empireartists.jp

Empire’s subsidiary Iroco Design Japan supplied the designer furniture for the event. You can view their imaginative selection here: www.irocodesign.jp

Partnering with Empire to bring together this amazing event were Meguro Kogei, Heart-S, Grid, Kyoeisha, Set-Up and Daiwa Act.

Empire Entertainment Japan would like to thank everyone for their support and looks forward to further supplying award-winning events, entertainment, and artists for many years to come.

On July 2, 2015, Empire had the great pleasure andhonor of producing the Independence Day celebration for Ambassador CarolineKennedy at the Ambassador’s Residence in Tokyo.

The 1,200 person guest list included governmentrepresentatives, military officials, business leaders andcelebrities from America, Japan, and other countries around the world. Theguests enjoyed the refined atmosphere and tasteful decor that featured a red,white and blue color scheme inspired by the American flag. Beautifully decorated tents were set up in the gardens outside the residence foreveryone to enjoy music and the best of American cuisine. Entertainment included the Marine Color Corps Guard march, performances by the Army Brass Band, and the Japanese and U.S. National Anthems sung by jammin' Zeb.

Empire was honored to be a part of the 4^th ofJuly celebrations, creating the atmosphere for the most important event of thiskind in Japan.

​

To celebrate the conclusion of the 2015 Waste Expo in Las Vegas, theleading waste removal company in the tristate area, Action Environmental Group,invited their partners, clients, and friends to a luxurious evening inside theChairman’s Salon at the Wynn Hotel.

The newly renovated space offered the perfect setting for thiselegant, supper-club-inspired affair. Against a backdrop of jazz standardsperformed by the female-led Groovin’ High Orchestra, guests were served world- class food & beverages, entertained by sleight of hand magicians, and hadthe opportunity to sample some of the world’s finest cigars.

As the evening drew to a close, friends, family, and a select fewclients made their way to a private poolside bungalow at Surrender, the chicnightclub at the Wynn Encore. Guests sipped on champagne as they danced intothe wee hours of the morning to the popular EDM duo Major Lazer.

​

In conjunction with the imminent premiere of Bravo’s first comedy series, Odd Mom Out—a scripted series about New York City’s Upper East Side—Empire was asked to produce a private screening to showcase its premiere episode. Taking place at the Florence Gould Theater in midtown Manhattan, the event hosted approximately 200 guests and included red carpet festivities and a cocktail hour prior to the screening's start.

Attendees of the screening included the Odd Mom Out cast, Bravo executives, industry influencers, and television stars, all gathering to celebrate Bravo's first development in the scripted comedy space.

After the screening, all guests were driven to the after-party, held at the chic and elegant Casa Lever. Here, attendees were able to enjoy a beautiful New York City evening within both the venue’s indoor and outdoor spaces, enjoy Odd Mom Out-themed cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres. In the outdoor garden, a massive #ODDMOMOUT lighting and foliage display served as the backdrop, making for the perfect photo opportunity to commemorate the evening’s festivities.

DJs Natasha Diggs and Ankia kept the party grooving through a variety of dance tracks old and new. The party was still going strong well past midnight — the mark of a truly successful event.

Odd Mom Out officially premiered to the public on June 8th and has received glowing reviews from critics and fans. The show can be viewed on Bravo Monday nights at 10:00pm EST.

Empire is proud to work with our partners at Bravo Media to create and produce innovative premieres, marketing stunts and Upfront events.

For more on Empire’s past work with Bravo Media, please click here.

For over 100 years, Partnership with Children has worked to“strengthen the emotional, social and academic skills of at-risk children tohelp them succeed in school, society and life.” The organization works withover 17,000 of New York City’s public school students in over 40 schools acrossall five boroughs. Many of Partnership with Children’s students are at highrisk of academic failure and dropping out of school.

To celebrate the organization’scommitment to youth education and gain further support for their mission,Partnership with Children partnered with Empire to produce their annual SpringGala. Taking place at threesixty in New York City’s TriBeCa neighborhood, theGala included a cocktail reception, seated dinner and stage program includingexecutive remarks, honorees, performances and a live auction. The event’s leadsponsors included Marty and David Hamamoto, NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.,MacAndrews & Forbes, Royalty Pharma and Verizon Foundation.

Upon entering the venue, guestswere greeted into the cocktail reception through the sounds of a live jazztrio. Within the cocktail area, Empire designed fully branded Partnership withChildren vinyl graphics placed across the walls, enabling guests to educatethemselves on the organization’s work, story and commitment to improving thelives of New York City’s youth.

During the dinner, Partnershipwith Children honored Mark Dowley – Chief Strategy Officer, MacAndrews &Forbes, Marianne Gambelli, Executive Vice President and Chief InvestmentOfficer, Horizon Media and Kenneth Mortenson, who received the Anne VanderbiltAward for Leadership. Interspersed with inspiring video content produced byReelWorks, further remarks were made by Partnership with Children’s Executive Director,Margaret Crotty.

Renowned auctioneer CK Swett then tookto the stage in an effort to raise funds for Partnership with Children’sprograms. During the auction, former Partnership with Children student RickySaunders spoke about his experience with the organization, and their ability tohelp him graduate high school and become the first male in his family to attendcollege.

By the end of the evening, over$100,000 was raised in just five minutes, with $1.16 million in total fundsraised. To close out the night; a live funk/soul performance was provided byNew York City natives Herve Alexandre and the S.F. crew with the accompanimentof a live dance troupe.

Empire is honored to work withinspiring organizations such as Partnership with Children, and is proud toserve as a production partner to help raise awareness and funds toward theirimportant cause.

​

For the 3rd consecutive year, Empire served as The Fragrance Foundation’s producer of the Fragrance industry’s premier event, the Fragrance Foundation Awards.

Held at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall, the perfect early summer evening began with guest arrivals and a cocktail reception in Alice Tully Hall’s outdoor sunken plaza and soaring glass atrium. Amidst a series of walls artistically printed with striking images of honeybees, guests mingled and sipped champagne while VIPs walked the red carpet and posed for the press photographers in a separate tent on West 65th 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 with both humor and elegance.

Notable program participants this year included Hall of Fame winner and Group President of The Estée Lauder Companies, John Demsey, as well as Lifetime Achievement Perfumer, Firmenich Master Perfumer, Annie Buzantian.

Rock singer Bryan Adams graced the audience with a performance of “Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman,” and closed with a spectacular rendition of “Summer of 69.” Guests let out exuberant cheers and left in awe of his fantastic vocals and charismatic stage presence.

This year’s celebrity presenters included Johnny Weir, Jasmine Tookes, Taylor Hill, Prabal Gurung, Hilary Rhoda, Russell James, Sophia Bush, Kendall Jenner, Zachary Quinto, Anja Rubik, Sally Hershberger, Alexandra Richards, Danielle Brooks, Victor Cruz, Kellan Lutz and Emma Willis.

The dinner after party was held in the Alice Tully Hall atrium and outdoor plaza, creating the perfect summer night cocktail experience.

The evening ended with a sweets truck provided by Sweetery NYC distributing aromatic coffee and Fragrance Foundation gift bags filled with luxurious cosmetics and perfume.

The Fragrance Foundation Awards brings 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, Hermes, Lancome, Zegna, Clinique and Gucci among others.

Empire is a leading producer of events and programs for the luxury brand industry, as well as a leading producer of award shows.

Empire congratulates all of the 2015 Fragrance Foundation Award winners.

​

After several years of hostinga traditional gala, Petra Nemcova and the Happy Hearts Fund team decided to puta spin on their annual event. In June 2015, they called on Empire to producethe first annual Fight for Education martial arts fight night, presented byGlory (an international kickboxing promotional company) benefiting the HappyHearts Fund. This year’s event focused on helping Nepalese children and schools.

The matches, hosted andcurated by Glory, took place in the renowned Hammerstein Ballroom in New YorkCity. A theme of dramatic black and gold was carried out throughout the spacewith VIP lounge suites, complementary screen graphics, and gold boxing gloves placedthroughout.

The action-packed show waskicked off by internationally-acclaimed tenor James Valenti singing theNational Anthem. After the moving performance, Brian Kilmeade, New York Times bestselling author andhost of Fox New’s Channel’s Fox andFriends, welcomed the crowd and invited Petra to the ring.

After Petra graciouslythanked guests for their attendance, it was time to fight!

Announcer Conor Hall andauctioneer Patrick Tully took turns introducing the action: six bouts offighting and six live auction lots, including a meet and greet with fightingchampion Manny Pacquiao. As a compelling finale to the event, the last boutconsisted of lightweight champion Robin van Roosmalen defeating Steve Moxon.

Continuing the elevated “fightnight” experience, over 300 guests were treated to bar snacks of truffleparmesan dusted popcorn and double toasted pretzel rods and heartier offeringsincluding cowboy style ribeye steaks, Dijon roasted chicken, and sweet potatosteak fries, rounded out by passed desserts for a sweet finish, all catered byAbigail Kirsch.

Empire was proud to be apart of this creative fundraising event and is a leading producer ofnot-for-profit events globally.

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

​

When Toshiba America sought to commemorate the milestone of its 50thanniversary in the United States, they turned to Empire to help them design andexecute the perfect celebration.

Held in the R Lounge of the Renaissance Hotel overlooking both TimesSquare and Toshiba’s massive Toshiba Vision LED billboard, which is viewed by millionsduring the annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop, this intimate event hosted VIP customers and senior Toshiba leadership from across America.

Empire’s knowledge and experience serving Japanese clients through both itsNew York and Tokyo headquarters, along with our familiarity with presentingevents to C-level business audiences made us the perfect partner for thislaunch.

Empire’s design team transformed the R Lounge space into a ToshibaAmerica branded environment. Guests were welcomed by a series of hostesses whogreeted guests, checked them in on Toshiba tablets and led them to aphoto receiving line with senior Toshiba America executives.

Inside the reception, the VIP guests enjoyed premium sake, wine andcocktails and passed delicacies while interacting with displays showcasing thebreadth and scope of Toshiba’s products, including a solar-powered hydrogengenerator which creates clean energy to power homes and businesses. Allof the showcases demonstrated Toshiba’s Leading Innovation under the banner of“Human Smart Community”— a concept that speaks to technological advance whilemaintaining commitment to human values and sustainability.

A 60-second countdown played on Toshiba Vision LED billboard and monitorsthroughout the space indicating it was time for guests to move into the R Loungeoverlooking a busy Times Square at sunset. Cyber Illusionist Marco Tempest tookthe stage as the evening’s emcee and welcomed a series of speakersincluding Masaaki Osumi, Chairman & CEO, Toshiba America, TaizoNishimuro, Adviser to the Board Toshiba Corporation, Richard Parsons, SeniorAdvisor Providence Equity, Scott Maccabe, President of Toshiba America BusinessSolutions and His Excellency, Reiichiro Takahashi, Ambassador & ConsulGeneral of Japan to the United States.

At the conclusion of remarks, Marco took the stage and performed aseries of illusions entitled “Anniversary” in which he used augmented realityand other technologies to make magic for the audience. As a finalé to the stageprogram, Marco invited two audience members to join him onstage. Next he calledout to the audience to shout out their own lucky numbers, which he then wroteonto a board for all to see. The audience volunteers then added up the numberson Marco’s board and read the number aloud: 201563. When Marco asked if thatnumber had any special meaning, he then inserted a comma showing that the numberwas actually the day’s date: June 3, 2015 and the date of Toshiba’s 50th Anniversary.The audience was even more amazed when Marco gestured to theToshiba Vision Billboard, displaying the same number in agrand reveal moment.

Following the performance, guests remained in the glass-enclosed RLounge and enjoyed cocktails while watching their candid photos appear on theToshiba Vision billboard overlooking Times Square.

Empire is proud to serve Toshiba America on this occasion of its 50thAnniversary. Empire has had presence in Japan and Asia and for over two decadesand we opened our Tokyo office over 10 years ago, allowing us to serve bothAsia-based clients around the world as well as to support global businesseswith their events and projects throughout Asia.

Empire recently partneredwith Radical Media to produce a sensorial exhibit for a luxury fragrance brand.From May 5-17, the exhibit, located in New York City’s Meatpacking District,brought visitors on a journey through the creation, cultivation, composition,abstraction and revelation of the renowned fragrance.

Throughout its two-weeklong lifespan, the experience hosted over 13,000 visitors and became a trendingtopic across numerous social media channels, press outlets and among fashion,retail and luxury brand industry influencers.

Approaching the venuefrom the street, guests came face-to-face with a massive LED wall that wrappedaround the venue’s busy corner at 10thAvenue& 14thStreet. Once inside, guests were greeted by impeccably dressed hostswho informed them about the brand’s history and the immersive experience ahead.

Guests interacted with aseries of experiences representing five chapters of the fragrance: Creation,Cultivation, Composition, Abstraction and Revelation. These five chapters wererepresented by a series of beautiful mosaics, reflecting pools of water atopLED video surfaces, interactive soundscapes, an anamorphic, touch sensitivelight sculpture and a scent experience.

Upon completing theexperience, guests were ushered into the Social Lounge, where they couldcustomize and mail their own postcards and sample a variety of fragrances.

Empire was responsiblefor managing guest experience and all front of house logistics throughout theevent, ensuring that each and every guest’s experience met the brand’s highstandards. Empire also hired, trained and managed the staff of hosts torepresent the brand for the entirety of the exhibit.

​

Screenvision is the nation’s leading seller ofin-theater advertising, providing marketers and brands the opportunity topresent their message on motion picture screens across America. During the 2015Upfront season, Screenvision sought to differentiate its value proposition tokey advertisers with a memorable experience that communicated a simple message:that the ideal atmosphere of movie theaters, coupled with superior audiencedemographics yield maximum impact for advertisers.

Working with Empire, Screenvision’s Upfront event, entitled “Lights!Camera! Impact!” took the company’s annual presentation out of theexpected movie theatre setting and into a transformed Skylight at Moynihan Station.

The evening began with guests entering through a movietheater “lobby,” complete with animated movie posters on screens supplied byChristie Digital and a concession stand with branded popcorn boxes and soda. Nextthey were escorted into a re-creation of a movie theater for a presentationgiven on the best advertiser medium available: a large, immersive movie screen. After compelling remarksby Screenvision executives, EVP of National Sales, Katy Loria, and SVP of SalesChristine Martino, Loria closed by telling guests that “now it’s YOUR chance toget into the movies.” At that exact moment, drapes were pulled back by ushersto reveal a full working soundstage behind the screen with three busymovie sets, complete with actors, directors and crew, costumes, props andscripts.

To demonstrate the impact that only cinema advertising can deliver, Screenvision invited audience members to physically become a part of themovies with guests choosing from three sets: the western-themed Perfect Posse, a superhero-themed Maximum Impact and the last representingthe sci-fi genre with Ultimate Atmosphere.The next day, guests were emailed their final “movies” which had been editedovernight to include an opening title sequence and sound effects.

Working closely with Screenvision's marketingand creative team, Empire conceived of this innovative way to tell Screenvision’sstory and to provide an immersive experience. To keep the Upfront messagingcohesive and on brand, the three themes were represented throughout the event,including in the movie trailers, posters, photo booth green screen backdrops, sets,drink menus, food stations, and all supporting graphics.

Empire was responsible for all event details including conceptideation, venue acquisition, layout and set design, staging, sound, lighting, graphics,furnishings, carpet, catering, technical production, casting, costuming, andmovie script development.

Empire is a leading producer of innovative Upfronts,Newfronts, and other mission critical business-to-business events.

​