Our Work

Co-founded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Project Everyone, the Goalkeepers event takes place during the annual United Nations General Assembly in New York City and brings together Heads of State and international Sustainable Development Goals “Goalkeepers” (those spearheading various missions in their local communities). Among other themes, this year’s Goalkeepers focused on the challenge of fighting global inequality.

Kicking off the two-day event, the 2022 Goalkeepers Global Goals Awards were presented at the Frederick P. Rose Hall at Jazz at Lincoln Center on September 20, 2022. The Awards program opened with a spoken word performance by George the Poet accompanied on harp by Brandi Younger.

Host Tumelo Mothotoane kept the program flowing as global change-makers were honored for their work. Award winners included climate justice activist, Vanessa Nakate, Child Health Rights advocate, Radhika Batra, Afghan journalist, Zahra Joya, and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, who was honored for bringing together leaders to discuss pandemic preparedness, especially in the wake of COVID-19.

Award presenters included Bill Gates, Melinda French Gates, Pakistani activist, Malala Yousafzai, Canadian YouTuber, Lilly Singh, and actress and humanitarian, Angelina Jolie.

After the Goalkeepers Awards program, guests entered the Atrium space overlooking Central Park to enjoy cocktails and custom food bars. Guests interacted with a GIF booth featuring a bespoke GK lettering as a backdrop to their festive photos, while enjoying the vibe set by DJ Amira and Kayla.

The next morning, over 400 guests were welcomed back to the main Goalkeepers event hosted by Nigerian media personality, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, with a stunning choral performance by The Harlem Gospel Choir, performing their rendition of Pharrell’s “Happy” alongside screen content by renowned Treatment Studios.

After the opening, programming began with keynote remarks by Barbados Prime Minister, Mia Motley, and Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, followed by a seated conversation with both Prime Ministers along with Bill & Melinda Gates. Bill and Melinda also had a second Head of State conversation later in the day with Nigerian President, Mohamed Bazoum.

Throughout the day, other speakers delivered impactful messages. This included Vice President Marketing East Africa, Catherine Mudachi, South African Physician, Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng, author, Helena Andrews-Dyer, and Nigerian writer, Chiamamanda Ngozi Adichie (all in conversation with Melinda French Gates discussing women’s power). Additional speakers included NASA Scientist, Dr. Cynthia Rosenzweig, Professor Lindiwe Majele Sibanda, and chef, Pierre Thiam (in conversation with Bill Gates discussing ways to feed the world, as well as writer, Renée DiResta, and journalist, Govindraj Ethiraj (in conversation with Bill Gates and Kal Penn about misinformation). There was also a powerful conversation between Sierra Leonean Mayor, Yvonne Aki-Sawyer, Dr. Kealoha Fox, Satta F. Sheriff, Mikaela Loach, Sukhmeet Singh Sachal, and Prajakta Koli.

Session moderators included British television presenter, June Sarpong (Heads of State sessions), African agriculture and nutrition expert, Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli (Bill Gates’ food security session), actor, author, academic lecturer, Kal Penn (Bill Gates’ misinformation session), correspondent, Zinhle Essamuah (Goalkeepers Community Session), and Kenyan media personality, Janet Mbugua (Melinda French Gates session).

This year, there were performances by various artistic groups, including the Harlem Gospel Choir, the Syncopated Ladies, and a ballerina duo during the Women’s Power session.

Between and after content sessions and as breakfast, coffee breaks, and lunch were enjoyed, guests were invited to experience activations in the Atrium including the “Goalkeeper’s Library”, where the titles from the Goalkeepers community were available for the guests to take. After lunch, the guests networked and socialized to DJ Kayla and Amira’s beats.

Empire was proud to work again with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Project Everyone, and many other partners to present Goalkeepers 2022.

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

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

Empire was honored to work with Jerusalem Venture Partners, JVP, to launch the CyberTech hub at Margalit Startup City in SoHo, New York City. This high profile event, co-hosted by JVP Founder, Erel Margalit, and Gwyneth Paltrow, was one of the last, large in-person events to take place before the pandemic.

Since that launch, the JVP CyberTech hub successfully helped to identify, incubate, fund, and scale a host of innovative startup companies in various technology verticals.

Based on this success, JVP expanded its successful model to capitalize on the rise of the Climate Tech sector, and turned again to Empire to help them launch their new ClimateTech Hub with an all-day conference and an evening launch event and afterparty during UN Climate Week in September, 2022.

The daytime conference began with an Israeli networking breakfast and an opening session featuring welcome remarks from Dr. Erel Margalit, Chairman and Founding Partner of JVP, along with JVP Partners Yoav Tzruya, Fiona Darmon, Gadi Porat, Sara Thomas, Marge Breya, Rinat Remler, Shimrit Kenig, and Ilan Ron. A series of main stage sessions and company presentations took place throughout the duration of the day and were livestreamed as a hybrid event.

In the evening, a ribbon cutting ceremony took place at the doors of the Margalit Startup City to commemorate the formal launch of the Climate Tech Hub. The Ribbon cutting took place on a green carpet on which a branded MINI Cooper V-vehicle was parked. Over 400 guests enjoyed cocktails before the evening stage program and toast featuring Dr. Erel Margalit, Moshe Lion the Mayor of Jerusalem, Mike Peyton, Vice President of MINI of Americas, Lisa Lambert, Chief Technology & Innovation Officer of National Grid, and Satya Tripathi, Secretary General of the Global Alliance for a Sustainable Planet. Following an onstage toast moment, the event transitioned into a party with cocktails, passed hors d’oeuvres, and dancing!

Empire’s scope of work included overall project and production management, microsite design & development, technical production, permitting, venue management, programming, development, and creative design.

Empire is proud to have worked with JVP to produce their Climate Tech Launch.

To learn more visit https://www.jvpvc.com/press-releases/jvp-mini-urban-x-city-new-york-partner-launch-international-climate-tech-center-margalit-startup-city-nyc/

Empire was proud to produce the first-ever North American Greentech Festival at The Shed in Hudson Yards, New York City.

GREENTECH SHOW, a Berlin-based group, brought their green sustainability and technology innovation summit to life over two programmed-filled days in the McCourt Theater at Hudson Yards’ renowned The Shed, attended by more than 1,000 visitors.

Night one featured a black tie-optional gala hosted by Louise Houghton with a seated program of awards, dynamic video screen content, a climate change awareness visit from Frankie the Dinosaur, speeches, musical performances, and a cocktail party for over 300 guests featuring DJ Kim Kong. Attendees fêted special prize-winner Carlo Ratti, Director of MIT’s Senseable City Lab, Mobility prize-winner ZeroAvia, and Community-winner, Clean Energy Leadership Institute. Additionally, there was an onstage appearance by Frankie the Dinosaur whose viral video (voiced by actor Jack Black) warns of extinction, and a riveting musical performance by Davie. Day two’s festival-style conference saw over 600 unique visitors for a series of keynote remarks, panels, fireside chats, and bootcamps both on site and at the United Nations, as well as a “Investors Gourmet” networking lunch designed to connect startups and venture capitalists. Speakers included Marco Voigt and Sven Kruger, Co-Founders of GREENTECH FESTIVAL, as well as Christopher Michelbacher of Audi, and Jenny Bofinger-Schuster of Siemens.

Throughout both days, attendees toured multiple sponsor activations from various industries including an Audi electric car, a prototype flying car created by LEO Flight, Parley for the Oceans’ sustainable clothing line, and multiple other sustainably-focused startups. In addition to hosting a “Building Sustainable Communities” breakout session, partner Siemens had numerous executives participate in on-stage panels. Additional sponsors onsite included Pave Motors, Natch Natural Toothpaste Tabs, Green Future Project, Fraîche, Civilized Cycles, and Hevo.

Empire served as the overall event producer, coordinating all logistics, technical production, sponsor management, and creative design and execution. The first-ever US GREENTECH FESTIVAL was a great success and a tremendous lead up for the October 2022 GREENTECH FESTIVAL London event, also produced by Empire.

To learn more, please visit https://newyork.greentechfestival.com

Red Bull recently called on Empire to design an experience to help launch their latest drink, “THE BLUE EDITION” Ocean Blast, during the summer heat of Japan.

A refreshing lychee-flavored energy drink with a summery feel, the launch experience was produced at one of Tokyo’s newest and most popular clubs, BAIA. Empire transformed the venue, drenching it in blue and combining both real and digital elements including sand, trees, and animated waves and fireworks, allowing guests to be transported into this BLUE EDITION world.

Empire, handling all aspects of production, design, construction, and operations, is proud to work with Red Bull once again.

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The Roger Dubuis and Hajime Sorayama collaboration event held in Omotesando, Tokyo, was a spectacular and memorable occasion that showcased the fusion of art, innovation, and luxury craftsmanship. The event attracted a select audience of watch enthusiasts, journalists, and notable individuals.

The event was dedicated to celebrating the creative partnership between Swiss luxury watchmaker Roger Dubuis and renowned Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama. Sorayama is widely acclaimed for his distinctive style, which blends elements of retro-futurism and the robotic with a touch of sensuality. This collaboration aimed to combine Sorayama's artistic vision with Roger Dubuis' exceptional watchmaking expertise.

The event kicked off with an exclusive press conference attended by 40 journalists. During the press conference, a captivating presentation showcased the Roger Dubuis timepieces born from this collaboration. Hajime Sorayama himself took the stage to share his creative vision, inspirations, and the unique story behind the creation of the watch collection. He elaborated on how he integrated his artistry into the design and concept of the watches, offering insights into the fusion of mechanical precision and artistic expression.

After the press conference, a private party was held, graced by the presence of Japanese influencers and notables from the world of fashion, art, and entertainment. This exclusive gathering provided the opportunity to appreciate the watch collection up close, engage in meaningful conversations, and celebrate the success of the collaboration in a convivial atmosphere. The event's elegant ambiance was enhanced by artistic displays and interactive installations inspired by Sorayama's unique style.

Empire Entertainment Japan provided an enormous scope of work for this event including venue search, contracts and negotiations, decor, AV, sound and lighting, casting for DJ and entertainment, catering, and logistics.

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For the first time in three years, Interstate Waste Services brought their reception back to Las Vegas—this time treating over 900 partners, clients, and guests to an evening event at the XS Nightclub in Wynn Las Vegas.

Guests enjoyed the spring weather outdoors with drinks, bites, and seafood based on a classic Italian menu, while listening to classic covers performed by the Christina Amato Band and sets by the XS Nightclub’s DJ. Guests were also entertained by sleight-of-hand magicians and had the opportunity to sample cigars.

By activating a deck with lounge furniture and highboys over the famed XS pool, guests were immersed in the outdoor space, experiencing 360-views including the Vegas nighttime sky, Wynn/Encore hotels, and lavish interior of XS. With lines of eager attendees throughout the evening, there was no better place to celebrate and end the experience at Waste Expo 2022!

​Empire was proud to partner with the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) once again, this time to produce their Connection 2022 staff retreat at the Hilton in Atlanta, Georgia and online.

The hybrid event convened approximately 600 in-person and 250+ virtual attendees from across the globe. For those opting to attend in person, it also marked EDF’s first staff retreat physically together again since before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Early arrivals and leadership meetings were held over the course of two days prior to the official start of the retreat. By day three, a robust program of plenaries, breakouts, concurrent meetings/workshops, and EDF social events were in full swing.

Highlights included all-staff and team meetings; a fireside chat and Q&A with EDF President, Fred Krupp, and Executive Director, Amanda Leland; a dinner keynote with bestselling business author and EDF 2020 Staff Retreat speaker, Dan Heath; the EDF Staff Awards Ceremony; Q&A breakouts on the topic of global operations; karaoke; a dance party; and much more.

Applicable meeting rooms at the Atlanta Hilton were equipped with technology and meeting operators to enable and facilitate interactivity between in-room and online participants so that sessions were inclusive and engaged everyone attending in real time.

All sessions were made available on the event website/app developed for Connection 2022, allowing virtual attendees to join live, watch session recordings on demand at a later time, and schedule 1:1 meetings with others. Similarly, in-person attendees utilized the app and website to reference the agenda, schedule meetings, and watch sessions on demand that they missed.

Empire worked closely with EDF to deliver this incredible retreat for all their employees. Empire’s scope of work included overall project management, consulting on run-of-show development and technical production, speaker advancement, Cvent event website/app development and design, stage scenic design, environmental wayfinding design, stage management, Covid-19 safety protocol management, and overall logistics.

Empire is honored to have worked with EDF to create a truly memorable staff retreat. To learn more about the Environmental Defense Fund and to support their mission visit: https://www.edf.org/

After 10 years in the making, the first-ever list of North America’s 50 Best Bars, sponsored by Perrier, was debuted on June 7th, 2022. Empire was proud to partner with 50 Best to produce this inaugural event, live at New York City’s iconic venue, Capitale.

More than 600 cocktail aficionados from across the continent came to New York City for the event, which counted down the 50 finest drinking destinations from Canada, US, Mexico, and the Caribbean, judged by the leading experts in the North American Bar community.

Guests arrived in style to a red carpet and step and repeat, and the bar nominees were given signature red scarves to wear throughout the evening. There were 17 various sponsor activation bars, each serving 3 or 4 signature cocktails made by the finest bartenders showcasing their craft.

From Perrier, Naked Malt, Torres, Altos, Matusalem, Michters, Remy Martin to Asahi, Roku, Nikka, Scappys and Campari to name a few, it was a cocktail heartland for beautifully crafted libations. DJ Leni kept the party going all night with the hottest beats so guests could party the night away.

Then the ceremony, the moment everyone had been waiting for, began. Hosted by emcee Ms. Franky Marshall, an New York City Bar legend, she took us from No. 50 down to No. 1 fiercely and elegantly, also announcing some very special awards in between. It was New York City’s own Attaboy (@attaboy134) which took the No. 1 spot. Nestled in the Lower East behind an unmarked door, this small but mighty boxcar bar known for their Prohibition-era cocktails won the coveted Best Bar in North America Award.

The entire ceremony was live streamed on 50 Best’s Facebook page and 50 Best Bars TV YouTube channel so viewers could witness the official list to the hottest bars on the continent.

Empire  worked very closely with 50 Best, Twist London, and other partners to deliver this remarkable night of celebration. Empire’s scope of work included overall management, screen content and graphics creation, technical design and management, livestream, sponsor fulfillment and activation, stage management, talent booking, and overall logistics.

Empire was incredibly proud to partner with 50 Best and bring the awards celebration for the first time to North America, shining a light on the best in hospitality.

To learn more about 50 Best Bars and their awards, visit https://www.worlds50bestbars.com/northamerica/ or 50 Best Bars TV YouTube channel to view the ceremony https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcfVWlNK-F5k3hnA3qLLrOg .​

The Summit of the Americas is an annual gathering of Western Hemisphere heads of state and government leaders to discuss common policy issues, affirm shared values, and commit to concerted actions to address challenges faced in the Americas.

The Ninth Annual Summit of the Americas, held in Los Angeles, hosted President Joseph Biden and many other leaders with a focus on “Building a Sustainable, Resilient, and Equitable Future” in the Western Hemisphere.

At this year’s Summit, the Global Methane Hub, a nonprofit that supports The Global Methane Pledge, hosted a side reception at the Grammy Museum Rooftop Terrace to bring together leaders from across the Americas to showcase collective efforts to accelerate methane mitigation towards meeting the Global Methane Pledge.

In addition to ministers and high-level officials from Argentina, Barbados, Canada, and Uruguay, the event featured keynote remarks by Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry, and California Governor, Gavin Newsom.

The reception was livestreamed and covered by global media facilitated by SKDK, a leading progressive communications and political consulting firm.

Empire was proud to support this important event.

To learn more about the Global Methane Pledge and the work of the Global Methane Hub, visit https://globalmethanehub.org

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​Empire was proud to partner with Outright Action International to produce their “Celebration of Courage Gala” at the Tribeca Rooftop in New York City.

Outright Action International works to combat the systemic violence, persecution, and discrimination that LGBTIQ people face around the world. Outright is the only global LGBTIQ organization with consultative status and a permanent presence at the United Nations Headquarters, where they advocate for human rights and equality for LGBTIQ people worldwide.

The gala hosted 380 guests and began with a rooftop cocktail reception overlooking the city and the Hudson River. The guests enjoyed drinks and passed hors d’oeuvres while listening to positive, queer-centric music via DJ Robi D Light.

Guests were then seated in the 12th-floor dining space, decorated in an elegant rainbow color palette. During dinner, the stage program recognized three distinguished honorees: Feminist Lesbian & Academic Activist, Gloria Careaga; Proctor & Gambles’s Senior Director of Global LGBTQ + Equality, Brent Miller; and Artist & Activist and Co-Founder of Pussy Riot, Nadya Tolokonnikova (who received her award remotely). Outright board members also participated in the stage program.

The evening also featured a live and silent auction where over $800,000 was raised! The night was capped by continuing the party on the rooftop, a suitable close to the festive evening.

Empire is honored to have worked with Outright Action International and its featured guests and honorees to create a truly memorable gala.

Empire looks forward to partnering with Outright for many years to come. To learn more about Outright Action International and to support their mission, visit https://outrightinternational.org

Empire recently presented and produced three headline concerts in three cities. In May 2022, we produced a performance by the legendary Ms. Lauryn Hill in New York City for a very lucky private art gallery audience of 300 people. Ms. Hill was dressed to kill in a space-age themed outfit and floored the crowd with hits like “Lost Ones", "Doo Wop (That Thing)”, and her iconic cover of “Killing Me Softly”. That same month we also presented Pitbull for an electrifying show at Club LIV at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami. “Mr. Worldwide” and his dancers had the private venture capital crowd jumping along to chart-toppers such as “International Love” and “Feel This Moment.” And finally, in early June, Empire presented pop sensation Andy Grammer for an insurance company’s private conference in Santa Barbara. The outdoor show at the Fess Parker Winery was a spectacular setting for Andy’s feel-good performance with platinum-selling songs including “Honey I’m Good” and “Good To Be Alive”.

Empire has been a leading resource for headline entertainment since our inception in 1993. Artists we have presented and/or produced for our clients include Adele, Justin Timberlake, P!nk, Jerry Seinfeld, John Mulaney, John Legend, Sebastian Maniscalco, Seth Meyers, Andrea Bocelli, David Copperfield, David Blaine, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, Rihanna, Taylor Swift, and hundreds more.

Nextdoor, the neighborhood social network, recognized some of their super amazing, never-not-there-when-you-need-them neighbors from across the country with a nationwide awards program called “The Nextdoor 100”.  

After almost 50,000 nominations were submitted, a panel of celebrity judges selected 100 winners from across the country. Judges included singer Tim McGraw, FIFA Women's World Cup champion, Brandi Chastain, comedian, Cedric the Entertainer, President of Gannett Maribel, Perez Wadsworth, Editor-in-Chief of Woman's Day, Meaghan Murphy, Founder of Operation HOPE, John Hope Bryant, and CEO at URL Media S., Mitra Kalita. To celebrate the initiative and bring neighbors together in real life to promote kindness, Nextdoor partnered with Empire to produce three, simultaneous Nextdoor 100 Block Parties across America—in Atlanta, GA, Indianapolis, IN, and Sacramento, CA.

Each free and open-to-the-public event featured hyper-local hosts, multiple vendors and small businesses, food trucks, arts & crafts, family-friendly activities, live music, and award ceremonies to honor finalists in each market for their acts of kindness.

In Atlanta, the stage program was led by Heather Catlin, local host and reporter from WSB-TV, and featured performances by Atlanta native and American Idol contestant, Andrew Weaver, hip-hop artist, Svnday, an all-female a cappella group, Octave Atlanta, and music spun by Atlanta-based DJ, Wally Sparks.

In Sacramento, the host was Mark S. Allen, a local celebrity and anchor at ABC10, and the DJ throughout the day was Eddie Z, the former in-game DJ for the Sacramento Kings. There were also performances by Ryan Hernandez & Friends, a rock band whose members are all Sacramento natives; Consci8us, a rapper and youth educator; and The Gold Souls, a soul & funk band based in Sacramento.

In Indianapolis, the day was led by local host, reporter Rashika Jaipuriar from IndyStar. Throughout the day, Indianapolis-based DJ B-Rad spun hits that got the crowd dancing. There were also performances from Indianapolis natives including soul artist, Bashiri Asad, and soulful singer/songwriter, The Girl Called BOOKS.

Empire worked closely with the Nextdoor team as well as other creative and production partners from the initial phases of concept development through final execution. Among other roles, Empire was responsible for site selection and contracting, tenting, staging and technical production, signage and branding, staffing, security, talent contracting, stage management, and the creation of media and promotional content.

Empire is extremely thankful to have been a part of these celebrations and congratulates all the Super Amazing neighbors who were honored.

Visit https://thenextdoor100.com to learn more.

Empire, working alongside the many teams at Dartmouth College, produced the historic opening and celebration of Dartmouth’s newly-transformed West End of campus with an unprecedented festival of ideas, the Dartmouth Innovation & Technology Festival, which highlighted the intersection of science, technology, business, engineering, energy, and entrepreneurship.

The multi-day festival welcomed over 1,000 attendees including Dartmouth alumni from around the world, students, faculty, senior leadership, and members of the public. Guests toured the state-of the-art educational infrastructure and collaborative learning spaces of the new Class of 1982 Engineering and Computer Science Center, The Arthur L. Irving Institute for Energy and Society, the Magnuson Center for Entrepreneurship, and the DALI Lab—all now strategically neighboring the Thayer School of Engineering and the Tuck School of Business.

The festival featured various events and activities including the Magnuson Startup Competition Semi-finals and Finals, Academic Sessions, building tours, community cookouts and entertainment, food trucks, a light show, and other interactive experiences and installations.

On the main evening, following the building dedication of the Class of 1982 Engineering and Computer Science Center, guests made their way to an elegant gala dinner in a clear roofed tent that celebrated Dartmouth’s Tradition of Innovation, its real-world impact, and its visionary future—a new era of innovation and technology underpinned by liberal arts scholarship and supercharged in part by the co-location of these new synergistic institutions.

The Gala dinner was hosted by Laurel Richie, Former Chair of the Dartmouth Board of Trustees and co-chair of The Call to Lead campaign for Dartmouth, and included remarks by Dartmouth President, Philip J. Hanlon. Among the many high points of this evening were a presentation of the McGuire Prize for Social Impact to Prof. Jason McLellan, a researcher whose work at Dartmouth’s Geisel School of Medicine was instrumental in the development of the MRNA Covid-19 vaccine. The Gala dinner concluded with presentations by several students sharing their visions for how their academic work will change the world and concluded with the guests joining a student celebration and DJ party that featured a spectacular light show that illuminated the entire West End that was co-created by Dartmouth student DJs and a world-class lighting team.  

Two days of special Academic Sessions included keynotes, panel discussions, fireside chats, and compelling conversations with technology, business and innovation leaders—mostly Dartmouth alumni—on topics ranging from artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency, to wearable technology, electric vehicles, and health care. Speakers included: John Burnett, Co-Founder of Omniex (acquired by Gemini Trust Company); Christine Kim, Research Associate, Galaxy Digital; Akin Sawyer, Managing Director, Feleman Limited; Matt Slaughter; Paul Danos, Dean of the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth; Richard Barth MD, Geisel School of Medicine, Co-Founder of Cairn Surgical Inc.; Kaitlin Maier, Co-Founder & CEO, Reia; Amogha Tadimety, Co-Founder & CEO, Nanopath; Samantha Truex, CEO, Upstream Bio; Sherri Oberg, President and CEO, Particles for Humanity; Keith Dunleavy, Founder and CEO, Inovalon, Inc.; Andrea Reisman Johnson, Co-Founder and CEO, Rally Reader; John Sargent, Founding Partner, BroadReach Group; Eugene Santos, Professor of Engineering, Dartmouth; Daniel Rockmore, William H. Neukom 1964 Distinguished Professor of Computational Science; Kevin Hand, Astrobiologist, NASA Jet Propulsion Lab; Colin Meyer, Assistant Professor of Engineering, Dartmouth; Laura Ray, Myron Tribus Professor of Engineering Innovation, Dartmouth; Tracy Wolstencroft, former Partner, Goldman Sachs, Former CEO, National Geographic; Justice Amoh, Co-Founder, Clairways, Smart Lung Monitoring; Jeff Bemowski, Co-Founder, Clairways, Smart Lung Monitoring; George Boateng, Co-Founder and CEO, SuaCode.ai; David Kotz, Provost, the Pat and John Rosenwald Professor in the Department of Computer Science, and the Director of Emerging Technologies and Data Analytics in the Center for Technology and Behavioral Health; Maria Nyamukuru, PhD candidate; Annie McLane Kuster, United States Representative; Abby Hopper, President and CEO, Solar Energy Industries Association; Aly Jeddy, Senior Partner and Consultant, McKinsey & Company; and Dan Reicher, former US Assistant Secretary of Energy, among others.

Keynote speakers included Dave Girouard, Founder and CEO, Upstart; Freeman A. Hrabowski III, President, University of Maryland Baltimore County; Kristen Morrow Johnson, Business Operations & Implementation Manager, Ford Pro Charging, Ford Motor Company; and Rob Portman, United States Senator, U.S. Senate, who appeared live virtually.

Highlights of the One Dartmouth Start-Up Competition Finals presented by the Magnuson Center for Entrepreneurship included the final three startup finalists presentations to a judges panel that included Errik Anderson, Ulysses Diversified Holdings, Caroline Hribar, COO, Bionic, and Geoff Ralston, President, Y Combinator. Closing Remarks and Announcing of the One Dartmouth Startup Finalist Winners was by Jeff Crowe, Senior Managing Partner, Norwest Venture Partners.

Empire worked with the Dartmouth teams in advancement, marketing and communications, facilities and operations, and leadership for months to design, refine, and ultimately deliver the entire Dartmouth Technology & Innovation Festival.

Empire was thrilled to once again support Dartmouth College for this historical milestone and we are excited to support Dartmouth in the years ahead to revolutionize how we think, teach, learn, and lead.

​After a three-year interval, Interstate Waste Services brought their legendary Waste EXPO reception back to Las Vegas, this time hosting nearly 900 partners, clients, and guests for an exciting evening event at the XS Nightclub at the Wynn in Las Vegas, NV.

Guests enjoyed the spring weather outdoors with drinks, bites and seafood based on a classic Italian menu, while listening to classic covers performed by the Christina Amato Band and sets by the XS Nightclub’s DJ. Guests were also entertained by world class sleight-of-hand magicians including Doug McKenzie, and had the opportunity to sample freshly-rolled cigars.

By activating XS Nightclub's pool deck with lounge furniture and highboys, guests enjoyed the excitement of the Las Vegas night al fresco, experiencing 360-views including the Vegas nighttime sky, Wynn/Encore hotels, and lavish interior of XS.

With lines of eager attendees throughout the evening, there was no better place to celebrate and end the experience at Waste Expo 2022!

Empire was proud to partner with The Public Theater to produce their annual Gala, live and in person.

This year’s theme, the “Gala on the Green”, began with guests arriving at The Delacorte lawn for a sunset cocktail hour. After a quick check-in and COVID compliance process, guests enjoyed views of Central Park with a step-and-repeat for photos, a fun flower crown making activity, as well as a sketch artist, who artfully captured guests' portraits. DJ Rich Medina kicked the night off with an upbeat set during cocktails before a brass band led the guests to the lawn outside The Delacorte Theater for the seated dinner and program.

Once the 700 guests were seated, they enjoyed an evening program that featured performances by Renée Elise Goldsberry, Oscar Isaac, Kimber Elayne Sprawl, Kelli O’ Hara, with remarks by Actress and Public Theater Trustee, Danai Gurira, Artistic Director of the Public Theater, Oskar Eustis, and Public Theater Board Chair, and Theater Producer, Arielle Tepper—all under the stars and sprinkled twinkle lights.

The event was emceed by Liev Schrieber and honored the singular Gil Shiva, whose leadership, integrity, and stewardship of the Susan Stein Shiva Foundation have guided The Public Theater for decades.The dinner ended with The Public presenting its second annual Community Leadership Award to Jamie Maleszka, Director of Creative Arts at The Fortune Society, one of Public Works' founding community partners, while guests dined on delicious desserts by Union Square Events.

With an online auction, ticket sales and in person donations, The Public Theater raised over $2.2 million supporting the arts, artists, and commitment to producing theater for all.

Empire worked closely with The Public Theater, Hometown Flower Co, Rana Florals, and many other partners to deliver this beautiful night. Empire’s scope of work included overall management and coordination, technical design and production, decor, logistics, and vendor coordination.

Empire was extremely proud to partner again with The Public Theater and bring back live events stronger than ever.

To learn more about The Public Theater and their programs and to become a member and supporter, visit http://www.publictheater.org/

Photos by: David Nicholas

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Empire produced the 26th Annual Webby Awards at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City. The full show is available to view now at watch.webbyawards.com

After two years of being a virtual event due to the pandemic, the energy in the room was tangible as the best of the best on the internet gathered to be honored for their work online.

Empire booked Roy Wood Jr. (from the Daily Show with Trevor Noah) to host the show, and his tech-savvy monologue brought the house down.

Winners and presenters included Megan Thee Stallion, Ben Stiller, Drew Barrymore, Takashi Murakami, Questlove, and many more. The Webbys are considered the Internet’s highest honor, and the show is renowned for allowing winners just 5 words for their acceptance speeches. This year’s winners showed just how powerful and clever so few words can be:

• Professor Anita Hill accepting the Webby Award for her Public Service & Activism, General Series (Podcasts):  “Take equality seriously, for real.”

• Adam Scott accepting the Webby Award for Best Actor addressing the recently leaked Supreme Court draft that would overturn Roe v. Wade: “Supreme Court…..eat my shorts.”

• Laverne Cox accepting the Advocate of the Year Award: “Transgender. Unstoppable. Beautiful. Belongs. Everywhere.”

• Chef Gordon Ramsay: “No cursing tonight? F*ck me!!!”

Empire was proud to once again have the show feature a stage and set designed by David Korins Design (the creative force behind shows such as Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, and Beetlejuice, as well as the 2022 Academy Awards). Empire produced nearly all aspects of the event including the red carpet, the media lounge—where winners went for interviews and portraits—and of course the show itself.

Empire is honored to have produced every live Webby Awards event since 2005, and we consider the Webby Awards team part of the Empire family.

For more information on this year’s Webbys, check out #Webbys across Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to catch up on the fun, and watch the show now!

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The reviews are in for this year’s NewFront presentations, and it’s official, Tubi’s NewFront was a hit. MediaVillage’s Simon Applebaum assessed what worked and didn’t work across each presentation, and reported that when it came to Tubi’s, “there was nothing that didn't work."

Tubi, FOX Entertainment’s free ad-supported video on demand service (AVOD), joined dozens of other leading tech and entertainment firms for the triumphant in-person return to the IAB’s biggest annual event series. Empire has worked with FOX’s world-class creative services team for decades, so it was no surprise when they reached out to work with them and the Tubi team to produce their first simultaneous in-person and virtual NewFront event, welcoming 170+ in-person guests plus a dual livestream to an additional audience of 2,000+ media buyers and planners.

The Tubi NewFront began with guests arriving to Manhattan’s West Side to a fully branded experience in the newly opened modern Glasshouse venue. Past a swift check-in, Covid compliance, and badging process, guests stepped out of the 6th-floor elevator to breathtaking views of the Hudson River through floor-to-ceiling windows. Once inside, guests enjoyed a cocktail experience in a fully Tubi-branded living room environment complete with a series of stations where they could test drive Tubi’s interface and content offerings on iPads and various smart devices. Celebrity DJ and media personality, Nick Cannon, provided an upbeat soundtrack to the pre-show while the red carpet and step & repeat hosted Tubi’s VIPs.

Guests were then welcomed into a specially created immersive theater to view the stage program which featured both in-person and pre-recorded presenters. Screens surrounded the entire audience, immersing them in the Tubi interface and mimicking the look and functionality of the dynamic platform. As host Vivica A. Fox and a series of Tubi executive speakers appeared, guests were transported into environments representing the breadth and depth of Tubi’s content catalog of over 40,000 films and television series. These environments included riding horses in the wild west with Brad Pitt, romantic walks in Paris, and even a world stage soccer game experience with Réal Madrid. The concise 45-minute program with sizzle videos, surround-motion graphics, live moments, and surprises conveyed to the audience the reason why Tubi is experiencing explosive growth and is positioned for much, much more.

After the stage program and afterparty ended, guests were greeted by a Tubi-branded double decker bus to shuttle them to their next destination.

Empire worked closely with Tubi Ad Sales Marketing, FOX Creative Services, Glasshouse, Relish Caterers, and many other partners to deliver the program. Empire’s scope of work included overall concept ideation, scripting, screen content and graphics production, technical design and management, stage management, and overall logistics.

Empire was extremely proud to collaborate with Tubi on this year’s NewFronts event and looks forward to collaborating with Tubi as they grow for years into the future.

To read more, visit:

https://www.mediavillage.com/article/tubi-is-pushing-the-pedal-on-originals-and-ad-opportunities/

​Empire was honored to help produce the Environmental Defense Fund’s (EDF) Vision 2030 Talks.

The all-staff webinar featured 10 five-minute talks followed by an engaging Q&A session, hosted at two different times for employees across the globe. Vision 2030 is EDF’s plan for bold climate action in this pivotal decade, reflecting EDF’s mission of “A vital Earth. For everyone.”

EDF staff members spoke on key initiatives covering three broad goals, focusing on places around the world where they can make the most difference in stabilizing the climate, strengthen people’s ability to thrive in a changing climate, and support people’s health. The initiatives span a wide range of topics including innovation, transportation, markets, nature, methane, fisheries, agriculture, water, clean air, and chemicals.

Program highlights also featured remarks by EDF’s President Fred Krupp and Executive Director Amanda Leland, who provided context on the Vision 2030 plan. The program gave EDF employees the opportunity to learn about initiatives outside of their own teams, uniting the staff around current achievements and what’s to come.

Empire worked closely with EDF on producing the program, with scope of work including program development, creative design, coordinating in-person shoots, conducting remote records, video editing, and subtitling the entire program in several foreign languages.

Empire is a leading producer of virtual events of every kind: corporate & non-profit conferences, fundraising galas, experiential marketing engagements, festivals, concerts, and more.

We are proud to support the Environmental Defense Fund. To learn more about Vision 2030, please visit: https://vision2030.edf.org/

More than 3,200 of the world’s most engaged social entrepreneurs, social innovators, and leaders in finance, philanthropy, academia, government, business, media, and the arts gathered online for the annual Skoll World Forum.

With an opening plenary & awards ceremony and closing plenary session hosted by Femi Oke, attendees heard from world leaders, activists, and notable voices including Donald Gips, Marla Blow, Samantha Power, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Jonathan Dotan, Jola Mukherjee, Githinji Gitahi, Michelle Bachelet, Alaa Murabit, and Jonas Poher Rasmussen, among others—all sharing stories and experience to fuel the global audience’s efforts to create social and environmental impact.

The program also included performances by five-time Grammy Award-winner & Founder of Batonga Foundation, Angélique Kidjo, Grammy-nominated musicians Amadou & Mariam, and playwright, actor, and professor, Anna Deavere Smith.

To bring the 2022 Forum’s theme, “Face/ Forward", to life, the Empire and Skoll teams worked hand-in-hand to design and execute the event’s creative motif using custom animations, curated footage, and creative filming techniques intended to emphasize “a sense of space and place".

A two-day in-person shoot took place in San Francisco, bringing together seven award winners from around the globe for the first time, capturing their in-person interactions, remarks, acceptance speeches, and memories in a custom living room set. One virtual participant, unable to travel from Brazil, joined the group live in a unique hybrid appearance.

Working hand-in-hand with the Skoll team, Empire managed multiple aspects of the session production, including speaker management and briefings, set design, international filming (on-site and remote), budgeting, creative, host preparation, remote recording, and video editing.

To learn more and experience the Skoll World Forum content, visit https://skoll.org/2022-skoll-world-forum-face-forward/

Empire is a leading producer of thought leadership events and virtual events of every kind, and has been proud to serve leading not-for-profit organizations and foundations for nearly three decades.

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Empire was thrilled to work once again with Samsung on their annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest. The nationwide competition motivates Middle and High School students to use S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) to approach solutions to real-world issues impacting their communities.

After months of hard work, problem-solving, and preparation, the 10 national finalists pitched their prototypes in front of the panel of esteemed judges at Samsung 837.

Following the Pitch event, the students were treated to private tours throughout New York City, including The Museum of Illusions, a bus trip on The Ride, and a dinner cruise on the Hornblower Lexington, which included a trip under the Brooklyn Bridge, and time spent right in front of the Statue of Liberty.

The next day, the schools were invited back to Samsung 837 for a special brunch and the final reveal event, where the three National Winners were announced. Each of the seven national finalist schools were awarded $50,000 in Samsung technology and classroom materials, and the top three winners each won a total of $100,000 in Samsung technology and classroom materials.

Empire was thrilled to again collaborate with Samsung Solve for Tomorrow on this fabulous program and to continue our long tradition of work in S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education events.

To see the Pitch and Reveal Event, please visit: www.samsungsolvefortomorrow.com

Empire had the pleasure of producing Target’s Financial Community Meeting 2022, an annual presentation by the company’s leadership to analysts and media to announce their growth plans, earnings, and recent accomplishments, along with their strategies for continued growth.

The event began with a catered breakfast and quality networking time for the attendees. Once guests entered the main theater, Target leaders discussed its plan to invest up to $5 billion to continue scaling its operations in 2022. Target will invest in its physical stores, digital experiences, fulfillment capabilities, and supply chain capacity to further differentiate its retail offerings and drive continued growth.

At the conclusion of the presentation, Target’s leadership team engaged in an Investor Q&A segment which was immediately followed by a smaller session with media only.

Additionally, Target leaders had one-on-one live broadcast interviews where they further discussed Target’s recent achievements and success.

Empire worked closely with Target’s team to plan and execute each component of the event, overseeing all aspects of coordinating, permitting, venue management, technical  production, programming, development, budgeting, creative design, and catering. Empire also managed new accessibility features, as well as health and safety measures to ensure the safety of all persons in attendance.

Empire is proud to have worked with Target to produce their 2022 Financial Community Meeting to showcase Target’s growth and successes.

Working with our long-time partners in Asia, Empire delivered multiplatinum and Grammy Award-winning artist John Legend for his first-ever visit to Vietnam.

The inaugural VinFuture Prize Award Ceremony took place at the historic Hanoi Opera House before a live audience of 250 VIPs, including the Prime Minister of Vietnam, Phạm Minh Chính, and was broadcast live throughout Southeast Asia and the world on Vietnam Television (VTV).

John Legend’s world-class performance included his hits “You Deserve It All" and “All of Me“, and for the finale, a special rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine”. The event also featured performances by the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra with acclaimed Conductor, Honna Tetsugi, and Vietnamese-Canadian classical pianist, Đặng Thái Sơn.

The VinFuture Prize Foundation is an independent and non-profit organization in Vietnam. The Foundation was established with the vision of catalyzing meaningful changes in the everyday lives of millions of people by honoring transformational technological innovations at a global scale. https://vinfutureprize.org/

The first global award of its kind from Vietnam, the VinFuture Prize, presented US $4.5 million to international scientists to support breakthrough scientific research and technological innovation. In addition to the the Grand Prize, three special prizes recognized female innovators and outstanding achievements in emerging fields and in developing countries.

In addition to artist booking and contract negotiation, Empire advanced all technical and creative aspects of John Legend’s participation for the event, including staging, sound, lighting, LED screen graphics, teleprompter, run-of-show, schedule, and dressing room hospitality. Empire also provided consulting on all matters regarding artist interactions with press and media, television interview, press releases, broadcast/livestream, and music licensing concerns.

Empire coordinated all air transportation, hotel accommodations, ground transportation, and visa acquisition. For this unprecedented event, Empire worked closely with the client team to confirm changing border restrictions and PCR testing requirements for travel to and from Vietnam, Japan, Singapore, and the United States, and to arrange a private charter into Vietnam where no commercial flights were available.

Empire Entertainment is proud to deliver global musical artists for events by forward-looking organizations, such as VinFuture Prize in Vietnam and Asia.

Empire was honored once again to help produce the BVLGARI AVRORA AWARDS 2021, hosted in-person at the Maihama Amphitheater in Tokyo, continuing the star-studded annual award ceremony launched back in 2016.

Focusing on extraordinary Japanese women who shine in their respected fields and are an inspiration to women throughout Japan, the audience for this prestigious event included over 2,000 attendees and a large media contingent.

Awardees who walked the “Golden Carpet” included actress Kyoka Suzuki, manga artist Akiko Higashimura, Mori Art Museum Chief Curator Mami Kataoka, actress Yuko Oshima, journalist Shiori Ito, violinist Moné Hattori, renowned chef Natsuko Shoji, comedian High Heel Ringo, singer Akiko Wada, and e-Woman founder & CEO Kaori Sasaki.

The award ceremony also included powerful performances by Tsuchiya Anna and Miyavi.

Empire was intimately involved in the successful planning of the BVLGARI AVRORA AWARDS, and was honored to serve Bulgari in producing this premiere, high-profile event.

Empire is a leading producer of events and projects for luxury brands throughout the world.​

In collaboration with Forbes, Anthony Pratt, Executive Chairman of Pratt Industries, hosted the first-ever DTC Cocktail Reception at Pratt’s spectacular multi-story private residence in New York City.

Upon arrival, guests were greeted with passed champagne and lux hors d'oeuvres from Abigail Kirsch and Mr. Pratt’s personal favorites.

The catered reception featured a three-hour performance from DJ Mark Ronson, who spun a mix of new and old-school favorites in front of a gorgeous Manhattan skyline.

The evening also featured a panel discussion led by Forbes Editor and Founder of Forbes 30 Under 30, Randall Lane, which featured Jarret Streebin, Founder and CEO of EasyPost, as well as Jesse Horowitz, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Hubble Contacts. Randall Lane discussed with Jarret Streebin and Jesse Horowitz the current state of supply chains, consumers, and their predictions for the upcoming year.

Attendees witnessed the exclusive launch of Prattbox.com, a new DTC website service offering custom D2C packaging to small and medium businesses.

In attendance were other notable Forbes Executives as well recent Forbes 30 Under 30 classes.

Empire was responsible for securing and producing Mark Ronson’s performance,  the screen content design, technical production, onsite management, and talent booking/coordination.

Empire is leading producer of bespoke private events and staging headline performances in intimate environments.

Empire was honored to help produce the Environmental Defense Fund’s (EDF) Hybrid Staff Retreat. The annual Staff Retreat, which is typically held over several days and shared with employees across the globe, gives EDF employees the opportunity to celebrate their achievements from the previous year and for their leadership team to set the tone for what's to come. This year, Empire was tasked with consolidating a typical several-day event into a three-hour program that was engaging, informative, and celebratory.

The Zoom Webinar, which featured live and pre-recorded remarks, panel discussions, and original video content, was viewed by over 600 EDFers internationally. Program highlights included remarks by EDF’s President, Fred Krupp, Executive Director, Amanda Leland, and current sitting US Senator, Tammy Duckworth. Speakers joined the program both remotely from their homes as well as in-person at EDF’s New York City and Washington DC offices, where small, live audiences also participated in the event.

Empire also worked closely with EDF to create three original videos, which highlighted what it's currently like to work at EDF and where employees hope the organization will go in the future. To create these videos, Empire interviewed over 60 EDF employees from across the globe, each of whom answered a standard set of questions. The responses were then cut together to create the videos, titled “A Look Back from 2030,” “How Will We Get There,” and “What It Will Be Like to Work at EDF?”, all of which included the 60 EDF voices across the three videos.

Empire’s scope of work included the development of the program’s run-of-show, technical production consulting, creative design of the live stream screen graphics, and production and editing of the feature videos.

Empire is a leading producer of events including corporate & non-profit conferences, fundraising galas, experiential marketing engagements, festivals, concerts, and more.

Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (VP&S) celebrated its 12^th annual Crown Awards virtually this year. Empire was honored to produce the virtual benefit program highlighting Columbia’s efforts to address the mental health effects of the pandemic, and healing in its aftermath.

The evening program was hosted by Dr. Judith F. Joseph—a VP&S alumna, an expert on child, adult, and family psychiatry, and a medical media contributor. The event also featured remarks by Dr. P. Roy Vagelos, Chair of the Board of Advisors, and Dr. Anil K. Rustgi—Interim Executive Vice President and Dean of the Faculties of Health Sciences and Medicine, Director of the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Herbert and Florence Irving Professor of Medicine.

Dr. Jeffrey Lieberman—the Lawrence C. Kolb Professor and Chair of Psychiatry, Columbia University VP&S, Director of New York State Psychiatric Institute, and Psychiatrist-in-Chief atNew York-Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Irving Medical Center—introduced the short films on Mental Health. These films recognized the doctors, clinicians, researchers, and Columbia’s efforts to affect global improvements in mental healthcare as well as develop tools and techniques to improve mental health equity through increased access to quality care.

Tony Award-winning actress, Adrienne Warren, closed the night with songs such as “Simply the Best,” “Impossible Dream,” and “Home/What’s Love Got to Do with It” to highlight the evening’s inspiring theme and occasion.  

Empire worked closely with the Columbia team to implement the design and run-of-show. Empire also recorded the speakers and talent (safely in person and remotely), and oversaw the technical production and livestream.

Empire is a leading producer of virtual events of every kind. We are proud to support Columbia University’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.

To view the program, learn more, and donate, please visit ColumbiaCrownAwards.org

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