Empire was proud to work with Samsung who hosted some of the brightest young minds for the final round of their annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest. The nationwide competition encourages students to use STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) to address real-world problems in their local communities. Students from the top ten schools flew in to New York City from all over the country to pitch their innovations to a panel of esteemed judges.  

After a nine-month journey through various phases of the contest, the final event kicked off at Samsung 837, a cultural destination and digital playground. Hosting the event were Michele Mosa, Senior Manager of Corporate Citizenship at Samsung Electronics America, and Kyle Hill, a science editor/YouTube educator. They introduced the Co-Founder of the program, David Steel, Executive Vice President and Head of Corporate Affairs at Samsung Electronics America, to welcome contestants and their supporters. Students then presented their project ideas and prototypes to a panel of esteemed judges. The themes of kindness and empathy, health and safety, and environmental solutions led the winning ideas for the finalists, including an app-based outdoor home fire extinguishing sprinkler system to contain wildfires and a device that allows first responders to safely collect hazardous needles left behind by opioid and other drug users. These student inventions show how STEAM learning can take a simple idea to the next level, empowering students to reach a new potential and make a difference.

The event was also livestreamed so friends and families were able to watch from their home states. To wrap up a great day of presentations, Samsung surprised the students with a video announcement from Tim Baxter, President and CEO of Samsung Electronics North America, informing them they would be featured on Good Morning America to announce the winners. Following the big reveal, students boarded "The Ride" for a personalized bus tour around Manhattan, followed by a celebratory dinner at a top Italian restaurant in New York City.

On Tuesday evening, the students and teachers were invited to unwind and mingle at a Samsung loft location. Students took photos in the Samsung low-light photo booth and journeyed into space using the new Samsung Virtual Reality Headsets, all while sipping on custom mocktails. Each of the ten national finalist schools were awarded with $50,000 in Samsung technology, and the top three winners each won a total of $150,000 in Samsung technology for their schools.

Empire was thrilled to collaborate with Samsung Solve for Tomorrow by helping coordinate the final event at Samsung 837 and fun evening at the loft. For most students, it was their first visit to the Big Apple and an experience they will never forget. The future sure looks bright to us!  

To learn more about the student's innovations, click the links below: https://news.samsung.com/us/2018-samsung-solve-pitch-event-live-streaming-video/Good Morning America Winners Reveal: https://news.samsung.com/us/2018-Samsung-Solve-for-Tomorrow-National-Winner-Announcement/

Since 1967, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) has worked tirelessly to solve the world’s biggest environmental problems. To celebrate 50 years of “finding the ways that work”, EDF gathered longtime supporters, partners, and associates to thank them and outline the pivotal steps on the path ahead.

On the heels of the success of the first celebration in San Francisco in the fall of 2017, the second installment of 50^th Anniversary celebrations occurred at the newly re-designed and re-opened Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City.

Over 300 guests enjoyed mingling during a cocktail hour, complete with a full bar, hors d’oeuvres, and a live jazz trio.

Guests then moved into the ballroom for the stage program and seated dinner. Following the over-arching theme of the “Four Waves” of environmentalism, host Margaret Hoover (author, activist, and CNN analyst) introduced two original videos generated specifically for the occasion: the first documenting the growth of the environmental movement and EDF’s role in it, and the second focusing on EDF’s work harnessing the power of partnerships to achieve environmental progress.

To further drive home the message of impact, EDF welcomed a rancher, farmer, and fisherman to share stories on how EDF programs have directly benefited them and their industries, while advancing conservation for species and ecosystems. As a surprise unveiling, the fisherman (Buddy Guindon, announced to the crowd that the entrée they had just enjoyed was from his very own catch from the Gulf of Mexico.

The keynote speech was given by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who discussed his partnership with EDF during his tenure as mayor and since he left office.

EDF President, Fred Krupp, who has led the organization for the past 34 years, rounded out the night with an impactful speech. His message acknowledged the challenges ahead, but offered hope that EDF – with the help of people in the room and others like them – could continue to make progress on the most pressing environmental problems facing the world.

Empire is proud to have produced this anniversary event and supports the work and mission of the EDF.

To learn more about the Environmental Defense Fund, please visit www.edf.org.

During the past several years AMC and Empire have partnered to create large-scale, ground-breaking upfront events worthy of their extraordinary programming. This year, AMC opted to host a series of intimate, bespoke culinary events in New York City and Chicago designed to present a "tasting menu" of AMC Networks’ award-winning programming. Each event was intimate, elegant and created the perfect environment for conversations between the guests, the programming and the network hosts.

Six of the upfronts took place at Chefs Club, a trendy SoHo restaurant that welcomes culinary masterminds into their state-of-the-art chef’s kitchen. AMC Networks took full advantage of this unique space to provide guests a once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience, with menus curated and prepared by some of the world’s best-known chefs including: Chris Santos, executive chef and owner of The Stanton Social, Beauty & Essex and Vandal; Scott Conant, James Beard Award Winner and co-owner of Fusco; Alex Guarnaschelli, executive chef at Butter Midtown and author ofO ld-School Comfort Food; Tyler Florence, owner of Wayfare Tavern; and Tom Colicchio, recipient of five James Beard Awards and owner of Gramercy Tavern, Craft, and Colicchio & Sons.

Each event began with a cocktail hour and passed hors d’oeuvres during which AMC Networks executives and ad sales teams mingled with advertisers and agency personnel. Following cocktails, guests were seated for welcome remarks from Josh Sapan, President and CEO of AMC Networks, and Ed Carroll, COO of AMC Networks. Charlie Collier, President and GM of AMC, Sundance TV and AMC Studios, and Scott Collins, President of National Ad Sales, AMC Networks, teased new programming coming to AMC, BBC America, Sundance, IFC, and WeTV. Guests also had the opportunity to preview new shows on screens positioned throughout the dining room. As dessert was served, each chef gave a personalized introduction to the course.

In addition to AMC Network execs and celebrity chefs, show talent from across all five networks also attended the various events, giving clients the opportunity to mingle with the stars. Attendees included Norman Reedus, Julianna Margulies, Paul Giamatti, Kevin Smith, Danay Garcia, and Eli Roth.

In addition to the six upfronts at Chefs Club, another event was held at Boka Resturant in Chicago.

Empire was proud to work closely with AMC Networks to create these exclusive culinary experiences. Empire served as overall producer of the event series, secured the venues, contracted and worked with each chef on menu and logistics, provided technical production and décor, and executed all needs for the programs.

Empire is a leading producer of standout upfront events and key business-to-business presentations.

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When KIRIN, Japan’s beverage giant, wanted to find ways to increase awareness and popularity of their green tea line, Namacha, Empire Japan was there to help.

During this first seasonal campaign, held at the Ocha No Iroha building, guests were instantly engulfed in a sea of cherry blossom trees after entering the space. The fitting theme of the evening was “Hanami by Namacha”, or "cherry blossom viewing by Namacha".

KIRIN and Empire created an experience where one could relax and enjoy “Namacha” because of careful space design and eye for detail. Once guests made their way through the beautiful cherry blossoms, they were invited to enjoy original Namacha-inspired cherry blossom sweets. Building this installation at a prime location garnered multiple interactions and brand impressions over the course of the four day campaign.

Empire is a proven leader of executing innovative, consumer-face brand marketing projects in worldwide markets.​

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Since the late 1800s, this top watchmaker company has written some of the finest chapters in the history of haute horlogerie, including a number of world firsts. To continue their rich legacy, it was a natural choice for this luxury brand to have Empire Japan lead all aspects of their three-day event.

With the theme "Spring of Le Brasch", held at the beautiful G735 Gallery in Tokyo, Empire transformed this modern luxury car gallery to the lush Vallée de Joux. With over 200 brand guests in attendance, all were instantly transported from Tokyo to the beautiful greenery of the Vallée de Joux, Switzerland.

The highlights of the evening were an original menu by acclaimed French restaurant Joel Robuchon and an original live performance by Empire Artist's very own juggling extraordinaire, Yuusaku Mochizuki.

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

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​All Hands and Hearts, Co-Founded by philanthropist and supermodel Petra Nemcova, called on Empire once again to produce their Third Fight for Education gala in the renowned Cipriani Wall Street.

On February 15, leaders from finance, sports, and fashion gathered to support the All Hands and Hearts mission to address immediate and long-term needs of communities impacted by natural disasters by engaging and leveraging volunteers, partner organizations, and local communities.

The action-packed evening was kicked off by internationally-acclaimed tenor James Valenti singing the National Anthem. After the moving performance, Petra invited All Hands and Hearts volunteer, former NFL star, and Good Morning America anchor Michael Strahan to speak about his recent experiences with the foundation as they worked to rebuild Houston after the devastation ofHurricane Harvey.

After his moving remarks, All Hands and Hearts co-chair Tina Lindstrom took to the ring to introduce their new partnership with Equinox and thank guests for their attendance. Then, veteran sports announcer Mark Fratto stepped into the ring to begin announcing the night’s roster of bouts.

The evening proceeded with six fights featuring amateurs in finance representing JP Morgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Siris Capital Cantor Fitzgerald, among others. The highlight of the night was the last fight between All Hands and Hearts Co-Chairs, Tina “TNT” Lindstrom and Kathleen “Kitty” Kelly, and showcased the women’s fierceness as well as their dedication to the cause.

In between the action, Sotheby’s auctioneer Ben Doller led the live auction of eight lots, including a trip to Mexico City to experience the famous Formula 1 on the Mexico City Grand Prix F1 track, and a special VIP package to NYFW.

Throughout the elevated evening, the nearly 400 guests were treated to a three-course meal of spring salad, entrée choices of world-famous Cipriani pasta, short rib or sea bass, and family-style desserts for a sweet finish.

Empire was proud to be a part of this creative fundraising event, having been the producer of All Hands and Hearts’ annual events for the last eight years, and is a leading producer of not-for-profit events globally.

To learn more about All Hands and Hearts, please visit https://www.allhandsandhearts.org/

Empire presented nine-time Grammy Award-winning artist, Sheryl Crow, and her full band for a corporate audience in Las Vegas. Approximately 500 guests of all ages packed the Palazzo Ballroom at the Venetian Hotel and Casino for the private performance.

The audience flocked to the stage as Sheryl Crow performed all of her greatest hits including, "All I Wanna Do", "Everyday is a Winding Road", "My Favorite Mistake", "Soak Up the Sun", and of course, "Leaving Las Vegas."

Empire was responsible for proposing, negotiating, contracting, and advancing all logistical and production elements for Sheryl Crow’s performance.

Empire is a leading provider of talent for corporate events and celebrations around the world.

For the seventh year, Empire teamed up with visionary artist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist will.i.am to produce the annual TRANS4M Gala, benefiting his i.am angel Foundation.

This year’s gala honored Sean Parker, Chairman of the Parker Institute, for Cancer Immunotherapy, which is responsible for uniting laboratory and clinical efforts that will lead to the immunological treatment, control and prevention of cancer. The evening was co-hosted by Marc and Lynne Benioff, Ron Conway, Dean Kamen, Laurene Powell-Jobs, Van Jones, Ken and Teri Hertz and The Anneberg Foundation.

The i.am angel foundation supports charitable activities and programs providing college scholarships (i.am scholarship), college preparation (i.amCollege Track), and opportunities in STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), and remains committed to TRANS4M-ing will.i.am’s hometown neighborhood of Boyle Heights in East Los Angeles.

350 supporters gathered at Milk Studios for an intimate evening that showcased the foundation’s programs and students. i.am angel’s donors enjoyed cocktails and hors d'oeuvres as they engaged with students in a variety of demonstrations related to i.am angel’s STEAM programs.

After cocktails, guests made their way to The Hangar, which was transformed into an elegant dining room with long rustic wooden tables juxtaposed with the venue’s steel and urban vibe. Flourishes including hanging greenery, pin-spotted tabletop florals, and flickering candlelight for a warm yet forward-looking style.

The program was emceed by the Roast Master General, Jeff Ross. As the evening progressed, guests listened to heartwarming student testimonials and a fireside chat between will.i.am and honoree, Sean Parker. Later in the night, auctioneer Zack Krone took the stage with special guest auctioneer and comedian, Chris Tucker.  Together they led guests to bid on VIP experiences that ranged from a VIP U2concert experience to a vegan dinner and lifestyle experiences with Moby and will.i.am. The evening raised more than $1.6 million that will support ongoing STEAM education programs..

The evening finished with a high-energy double-bill performance by Black Eyed Peas and Earth Wind & Fire.

Empire is honored to continue our long-term partnership with the i.am angel Foundation and to serve as producer of this exclusive event.

For more information on this innovative foundation, please visit www.iamangelfoundation.org

Empire was proud to work with CoreMedia Systems to produce their 25^th Anniversary benefiting the Good Tidings Foundation. The high-profile charity concert featured celebrity talent with the goal of raising funds for the Good Tidings Foundation, a children’s charity that looks to equally support arts, education, athletics, and dreams for youth from communities in need all over the country.

Guests were welcomed to Gotham Hall, meticulously decorated in jewel-toned hues of blue and green velvet with gold accents to complement the golden dome of the 19^th century building. Empire transformed the historic former bank into a sleek and modern lounge with a smoking room luxe atmosphere. Over 700 attendees enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres, food stations, and specialty cocktails along with a photo booth activation, silent auction, and an interactive digital graffiti wall.

The concert featured upbeat music from DJ Natasha Diggs, a main stage performance from Marc Roberge of O.A.R. and friends, and guests danced the remainder of the night away to tunes from famed DJ Questlove.

The host of the event, CoreMedia Systems, Inc. develops and supports CoreDirect, the advertising industry’s most widely used direct-response media management software. The system is used by more than 100 direct response agencies and marketers to plan, buy, manage, measure, and optimize direct response media campaigns.

Glenn DeKraker, the company’s founder and CEO, addressed the crowd along with Larry Harper, the founder o fGood Tidings, who invited famed New York Yankees pitcher, CC Sabathia to the stage to say a few words about the Good Tidings Foundation and announce their latest project in the Bronx to refurbish a Boys and Girls Club. During the evening, CoreMedia graciously presented a check of $334,000 as a donation to the Good Tidings Foundation, raised through the generous contributions of clients and friends in the direct response industry.

Empire served as the overall event producer, coordinated all logistics, catering, décor, talent acquisition and coordination, technical production, program, staffing and onsite management. Empire was proud to partner with CoreMedia Systems (www.coremedia-systems.com) to support the Good Tidings Foundation. To learn more and donate to the Good Tidings Foundation, please visit www.goodtidings.com.

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EBONY Magazine presented the 6th annual EBONY Power 100 Gala honoring the nation’s 100 most powerful and influential African Americans, along with Ebony Icon Award recipient, Maxine Waters, and the inaugural John H. Johnson Award recipient, Robert F. Smith, at the iconic Beverly Hilton's International Ballroom.

The event was hosted by the CEO of Ebony Media Operations, Linda Johnson Rice, The Chairman of Ebony Media Operations, Michael Gibson, and The Vice Chairman of Ebony Media Operations, Willard Jackson.

Following red carpet arrivals, media room activations, and an elegant cocktail reception, approximately 600 guests were seated for a dinner program emceed by Blackish star, actor and comedian, Deon Cole.

Over the course of the evening, attendees were entertained by musical and dance performances, including tap dancers from the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, an acoustic performance by Willow Smith, and a rousing finalé performance by Bell Biv Devoe.

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

Celebrities and A-listers in attendance and featured on stage included Pastor Michael Walrond Jr., Essence Atkins, Tristan Mack Wilds, and Angela Rye.   Additional attendees included Magic and Cookie Johnson, Sugar Ray Leonard, Laila Ali, Anthony Anderson, and many more.

The Ebony Power 100 was presented by Nationwide Insurance, with other noteworthy sponsors and partners including United Airlines, Cadillac, Hilton Worldwide, Shea Moisturizer, and Diageo.

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