When one of Israel’s fastest-growing insurance companies was looking to bring their executive management team to New York City for its annual conference, they turned to Empire to design and produce the full 3-day event. Every year the CEO surprises his management team with a trip where they discuss the coming year’s business plan. Each trip is organized around one of the company’s major tenets through specially curated activities. This year’s theme was “challenge,” which was incorporated into key programs throughout the trip.Working together with a marketing team local to the client, Empire handled everything from their arrival to departure. Looking for a boutique hotel close to Central Park, we booked the guests at Le Parker Meridien. For many of these guests it was their first visit to New York so much of the itinerary was designed to give them a first hand taste of the Big Apple. This included eating at classic restaurants such as the Carnegie Deli, traveling via Subway like native New Yorkers, and visiting historic locations such as the United Nations & the 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero.Kicking off the conference, Empire helped coordinate a briefing from the Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Ron Proser by securing a private room within the UN and handling all of the audio visual needs. Ambassador Proser was able to give guests a feeling of home while discussing the constant challenges he faces in his position. The theme really took off at the first dinner, where guests were divided into 7 teams and were given the first challenges commencing the city wide scavenger hunt the group would participate in throughout the second day.Edie Lutnick, Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund, inspired guests on the second morning with a talk about the tragedy and challenges surrounding the events of 9/11 and those family members and companies it affected. From there the attendees paid their respects at the memorial at Ground Zero and began the daylong scavenger hunt. This included solving clues directing teams to capture pictures of the Statue of Liberty, MetLife building, each other ice-skating at Rockefeller Center and the Atlas statue on 5th Avenue.The day culminated in a gala dinner at Apella designed by Empire, where The Honorable Mayor Rudy Giuliani gave an engaging speech to the executive team about the challenges of leadership. Empire produced all aspects of the dinner including lighting, décor, entertainment and all audio, video & media needs. Afterwards the groups celebrated by performing choreographed and lip-sung remixes of hit songs about their company and boss, followed by a dance party featuring one of the best corporate DJ’s.The pinnacle of the three-day trip was on the last day when, as a surprise to all of the employees, Empire secured the Thompson Reuters and NASDAQ billboards in Times Square welcoming the company to New York City. After all this excitement, the company finally settled into NASDAQ Market Site for their actual conference where Empire booked and secured the venue, a kosher caterer, and again handled all audio, visual and media needs.

Empire is a worldwide producer of company meetings, managing all aspects of a conference including stage production, technical production, video, photography, site selection, contracting, logistics, catering, décor, talent coordination, security and on-site supervision.

For the 2nd year in a row, the Bank of Tokyo - Mitsubishi UFJ (BTMU) entrusted Empire to produce their annual holiday party at the famed Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City in December 2011.Empire worked closely with BTMU’s Lee Linderman, Vice President, Corporate Sponsorships & Events, to design a Latin event theme to highlight BTMU’s operations in South America. By infusing the natural elements found in Latin America, Empire transformed the stately Cipriani into a tropical paradise. Twelve-foot palm trees towered overhead and exotic tropical flora consisting of huge green elephant ear leaves, yellow orchids and red helaconia florals garnished the bars, topped buffets and adorned tables dressed in shimmering green linens. The 40-ft high ceiling was washed in amber foliage patterns by the lighting design by Star Group.As guests arrived, they were greeted by the enticing sounds of a Brazilian jazz band. Later, in anticipation of the speaking program, samba percussionists took to the stage to create a dramatic lead-in for the remarks by Tony Marino, Head of Human Resources and CEO Masa Tanaka. Following remarks, guests were treated to a surprise dance performance by ZeeCee, featuring Tanaka’s son Zabu and dance partner Chris. ZeeCee displayed their slick pop-n-lock moves to an original mix while the intelligent lighting system added dynamic lighting effects on the dance floor. Both the remarks and the dance number were captured by the 2-camera IMAG team and projected onto the large 9’x16’ screen over the stage.Cipriani strayed from their classic Italian fare to feature a Latin American menu offering items such as ceviche, steak with chimichurri, empanadas and desserts drizzled with tres leches sauce. While some guests stuck to the dance floor, others hovered around the main central bar, a stunning white plexi 16’x16’ square glowing with amber LEDs. Matching white plexi and amber LED lounge tables flanked the dance floor with sleek white leather banquettes and custom palm print throw pillows.In an adjoining lounge area, guests could play a few rounds at the golf simulator or take photos with friends at the 2 green screen photo booths, which featured distinctively South American backgrounds including Machu Picchu and an Amazonian waterfall. Halfway through the party, guests got to see their photos (as well as everyone else’s photos -- including CEO Masa Tanaka’s own shots) projected onto the large video screen.In addition to providing décor & design, entertainment, stage management and technical direction of sound, lighting, video and staging, Empire was in charge of overseeing the check-in and distribution of custom pre-printed name badges for all 1,300 guests, which began early in the afternoon at BTMU’s offices in NYC and Jersey City. Empire also managed the round-trip bus transportation of 500 guests from Jersey City to Cipriani 42nd Street. Both Empire and BTMU were pleased at having produced a stellar, high level holiday party in spite of strict budgetary guidelines and constraints in a time of fiscal austerity. Empire is a leading creative producer of business meetings and events worldwide.

For the third consecutive year, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton hosted “Diplomacy at Home for the Holidays” at the Diplomatic Reception Rooms at the Department of State. This annual event honors the service, dedication and sacrifice of U.S. Government employees and their families who endure long periods of separation due to assignments in hardship posts around the world. This year, Empire worked with the Office of the Chief of Protocol to bring together a unique partnership with Internet voice & video phone service Skype to help bring these separated families together over the holiday season using new and innovative technologies.Using Skype, families attending the event in Washington DC were able to celebrate and re-connect live in a meaningful way with their mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and other loved ones serving at U.S. Embassies around the world. During the holiday event for approximately 350 guests a Skype Group Video call was initiated so that personnel around the world could view a live stream of the program hosted by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. Skype was also set up on several laptops outfitted with webcams around the Benjamin Franklin State Dining Room for families to use.During the event, children of U.S. diplomats serving unaccompanied tours, and children from the respective foreign embassies in Washington DC, also prepared Hallmark cards, recordable storybooks and art projects for those serving abroad. As an expression of gratitude, the completed projects were sent to the recognized hardship embassies for display during the holiday season.The highlight of the event came during the stage remarks by Secretary of State Clinton and Ambassador Capricia Marshall when Jennifer Mauldin and her family came onstage to talk about the challenges of being apart from her husband. In the midst of her remarks a surprise reveal moment occurred when Jimmy Mauldin suddenly appeared live at the event via Skype video call from Pakistan where he is serving a year in the Economic Section at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad. The family, children and the entire audience teared up during this touching digital reunion.In honor of this event and inspired by the history and significance of the Diplomatic Reception Rooms, interior designer Erinn Valencich created holiday decorations to complement the existing collections and colors in each room. The decorations would remain on display through the month of December in the Benjamin Franklin State Dining Room, Thomas Jefferson State Reception Room and James Monroe Reception Room on the eighth floor of the Harry S Truman building. Every day, the Diplomatic Reception Rooms play host to the most senior levels of American diplomacy and showcase our nation’s heritage to visitors from around the world. These stately rooms are maintained without taxpayer or government funds.Empire was honored to make the connection between its clients with the U. S. State Department and Skype and to develop what is sure to be a growing partnership in years to come.A full transcript of the evening's remarks is available at http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/12/178868.htmYou can learn more about starting to use Skype at http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/support/user-guides/start-skype/. You can also find more info about making video calls using Skype at http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/support/user-guides/video-calling/.Empire is a leading producer of innovative events for clients in both the private and public sector and is honored to serve our country.

Leading online music streaming service Spotify, which launched in the United States in July 2011, held its first ever press conference on November 30, 2011, unveiling the Spotify Platform, and announcing, “this is the beginning of something game-changing for digital music." The press conference introduced Spotify's new platform and a range of apps, created in partnership with some of the best and brightest brands in the world.

The fastest-growing and most popular music service of its kind, the Swedish-founded Spotify is quickly changing the face of the music industry; with more than 10 million active users, over 2.5 million paying subscribers, and now available in 12 countries. The press conference was delivered by Spotify Founder and CEO Daniel Ek, who was joined on stage by the CEOs of a number of the partner apps, including Jann Wenner, the iconic founder of Rolling Stone. CEOs from Last.FM, Tunewiki, and Songkick also shared the stage with Ek to discuss their respective apps, and answer questions from the audience on the impact the development of the Spotify Platform would have on the Spotify user experience, and on the music industry at large. Up and coming indie pop band, fun, gave a fantastic acoustic performance to cap off the stage presentation before guests were invited to interact with the custom-built partner installations Empire placed around the room, allowing guests to demo the new apps. To punctuate the initiative of accessibility, the event was live streamed to audiences in London and Stockholm as well as to individual media outlets around the globe – an idea that not only extended the reach of the event, but also resulted in the press conference becoming the number one trending topic on Twitter in real time.

For attendees in NYC, Empire layered and enriched the event experience with multiple elements that underscored the Spotify brand and created a much buzzed-about experience. Large-scale custom-designed graphics and Spotify visuals populated the room, while a guest-curated Spotify playlist emanated from the speakers. Unique and innovative catering offered additional fodder for the press blogs, while installations showcased the newly-announced Spotify applications designed to enhance user experience.

“As seems to be Spotify’s style, the event has unusually high production values: waiters are handing out espressos and bite-sized breakfast foods that I’ve never heard of (but are quite delicious). The company has a custom backdrop for the stage featuring music-themed illustrations.” -Jason Kincaid, Tech Crunch

“The platform was announced at a press conference in New York that bore all the hallmarks of Apple and Facebook's set-piece keynotes, with chief executive Daniel Ek outlining the news with the help of several partners.” -Stuart Dredge, Guardian.co.uk

Empire is a leading producer of innovative product launches and announcements and is a leading event marketing agency to some of today’s fastest growing Internet and media brands.

When E18 & L'Experience, both highly-respected producers of live and corporate events in India, sought an internationally known comedian to perform a 5-city tour, they turned to Empire Entertainment to deliver Rob Schneider, star of films such as "Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo", "Grown Ups", and "50 First Dates".The event sponsor, Black Dog Scotch Whisky, have built a reputation for hosting India's top comedy events and raised the bar with Rob Schneider's recent visit to Pune, Bangalore, Kolkata, Gurgaon (New Delhi), and Mumbai/Bombay.One of India’s top comedians, Mumbai-based Sorabh Pant, was the opening act throughout the tour. His 20-minute performance each night got the audience revved up for the evening's headliner.When Rob Schneider took the stage he was greeted by a roar of applause from the 600-1000 audience members, complete with fans shouting catchphrases from his various films. His set of 60-75 minutes began with 15 minutes of humorous observations and jokes on India and his experiences during the trip which he tailored to each city's unique culture. His material on what it's like working in Hollywood and more universal topics such as marriage cut though culture barriers and resonated strongly with the Indian audiences who roared with laughter throughout all performances.This first-ever visit by Rob Schneider included extensive press coverage from every major newspaper in India, including Times of India and Malayala Manorama, as well as television interviews with CNN/IBN and CNBC.Empire is a leading advisor and partner to international producers and talent buyers on every continent and a gateway to world-class entertainment. Empire is proud to partner with E18 & L'Experience in India and similar organizations throughout the world who have contributed to our work history of projects in 65 countries to date.

On November 15, 2011, Empire Entertainment once again served as producer of the Coalition for the Homeless’ 17th annual ARTWALK NY – New York's premier contemporary art auction event. More than 900 art collectors, art appreciators and celebrities came together in Skylight Studio for a night of festivities, including a live and silent auction.The core of ARTWALK was a silent and live auction featuring over 130 works of contemporary art donated by some of the world’s most celebrated artists from Andy Warhol, Shepard Fairey, Wade Guyton, Invader and Yoko Ono. All of the biggest names in the art world were represented and up for auction, all benefiting the Coalition’s efforts to end homelessness in New York City and beyond.The evening began with hors d’oeuvres by Canard and cocktails graciously provided by Star Vodka, Beck’s, The Odeon and Sud de France. Food was provided by several of New York’s best restaurants, including Macao Trading Company, Michael’s and Edi and the Wolf.In the live auction room, co-chairs Alec Baldwin, Carey Lowell, Richard Gere and honorary chair Coco Rocha took the stage to acknowledge the important work and various projects of the Coalition for the Homeless. When the live auction bidding began, Phillips de Pury auctioneer Aileen Agopian auctioned off a Shepard Fairey original painting as well as works by Andy Warhol, Wade Guyton, Ed Ruscha, Jenny Holzer and others.The rest of Skylight’s cavernous space served as a gallery for the silent auction. Throughout the night, guests bid on and purchased works from established artists like Yoko Ono, Leonard Rosenfeld, Olaf Breuning, and Christo. The silent auction featured works ranging from paintings and photographs to sculptures and installation pieces.The event was sponsored by FENDI and featured an exclusive FENDI Lounge where guests could relax on lounge furnishings between bidding sessions. Working closely with Coalition for the Homeless’ events team, Empire Entertainment served as overall producer of the event and was responsible for aspects ranging from event design, selected art solicitation (including the Andy Warhol piece), layout, production and logistics to décor, restaurant coordination and music.ARTWALK NY raised over $850,000 for the Coalition for the Homeless and reached the highest attendance in the event’s 17 years. Empire Entertainment is honored to have worked in collaboration with the Coalition for the Homeless and its many supporters, to make this year’s ARTWALK NY event the most successful one yet. To learn more about the Coalition for the Homeless or to get involved and donate, visit www.coalitionforthehomeless.org

The Gotham Independent Film Awards is an elegant dinner gala staged every year by the Independent Filmmaker Project. The funds raised by the event are channelled to independent filmmakers through the IFP's many programs and services. The Gothams are held at Cipriani's iconic Wall Street location, and are the marquee event of New York's prestigious independent film world.

At the 2011 Gotham Awards, tribute presenter and pint-sized comedian Patton Oswalt delivered one of the most memorable lines of the night as he stood at the podium with freakishly tall Charlize Theron draped on his left shoulder: "Yeah, this is what people really want to see. Charlize Theron with a bag of flour." Theron was one of four Gotham Awards tributees, along with Gary Oldman, director David Cronenberg and producer Tom Rothman, and one of many celebrities attending the star-studded 2011 Gotham Independent Film Awards. Ang Lee, Jim Jarmusch, Edie Falco, Alec Baldwin, Oliver Platt, Tilda Swinton and many others were out in force to support independent filmmakers and kick off the Oscars award season. This was Empire Entertainment 's fourth year producing the event.

On November 7, 2011, Microsoft publically released their new Windows Phone 7.5 software in a BIG way by building a six-story mobile phone in Herald Square, and activating it with a full day of interactive performances, free food, and a headline performance by Far East Movement.For this large undertaking, Empire was engaged by Microsoft to work closely with Seattle-based creative agency, Wexley School for Girls, and The Production Network to make sure that the five hour event went flawlessly. Empire worked closely with the Mayor’s Office and a variety of NYC agencies to secure the various event location permits for Broadway between 34th & 35th Streets, plus the surrounding streets for production vehicles and equipment to support the nearly week-long production. In addition to location permits Empire acquired additional permits from the Department of Buildings, Department of Transportation, Department of Health, FDNY and NYPD.Next up was talent: For a rocking lunch time concert, Empire booked and secured the Far East Movement to perform a 15-minute headline set, including their international hit, “Like a G-6”. Returning at the end of the day was the Far East Movement’s own, DJ Vermin, who spun hits for over an hour, turning Herald Square into an impromptu, outdoor dance club! Once the band was secured, it was on to securing local celebrities, actors, singers, and dancers to perform a series of vignettes created by Wexley that brought the phone applications to life throughout the day. These included: The voice of the phone, Cortana, Reporters from Accuweather, dance performances by “Zombies vs Aliens,” a “Fruit Ninja,” “Chefs,” onstage mini-makeovers, a Fitness Expert, The Humane Society, with live kittens for adoption, a real life marriage proposal, among others! Additionally, Empire secured all of the costumes and props, including Original Ray’s Pizza and popcorn, which were dispensed to the crowd. The full day event was a huge success, with locals and tourists alike, visiting the phone structure that combined huge LED displays with live stages. For more information, and a video mashup, please visit:http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=PitGqCeJF8chttp://www.bizbash.com/microsoft_debuts_new_windows_software_with_six-story_mobile_device/newyork/story/21851Empire is a leading event marketing agency that supports clients and partner companies with innovative event marketing events in New York City and around the world.

The Happy Hearts Fund, an organization founded by model Petra Nemcova and dedicated to rebuilding sustainable schools in areas devastated by natural disasters, held their annual Land of Dreams event at the Metropolitan Pavilion on November 5th, 2011. This year’s event focused on Haiti and the tremendous need following the devastation of the 2010 earthquake. Empire was engaged to help produce the multi-faceted evening and to transform the Metropolitan Pavilion into an authentic environment that showcased the best of Haiti. On the evening of the event. Guests traveled over a mango carpet, past a projected departures board and were checked in for their journey to Haiti by stunning stewardesses in full uniform who handed out boarding cards and passports to all of the Haitian sites inside.Once inside festive music from a traditional Haitian band and specialty rum cocktails welcomed guests to the warmly lit reception in the expansive event space. Surrounding the room, a series of Haitian vignettes showcased highlights of Haiti. In the Iron Market Guests sampled mango, pineapple, bananas and Haitian coffee beans displayed in large wooden bowls and baskets. In the Pirate Bar, costumed bartenders served rum concoctions and Caribbean specialties in front of an authentic recreation of a pirate ship. In the Haitian School, guests read hand-drawn phrases in Creole on a blackboard and also wrote their own names on individual bricks symbolizing their individual commitment to provide the bricks needed to build new schools. In the Haitian Art station guests admired colorful paintings by Michel Brudent, a renowned Port au Prince artist. In the Urban Zen space Donna Karan’s team created a visually sumptuous display of Haitian housewares and crafts including handmade ironworks, carved wooden candelabras, papier-mâché sculptures, and horn jewelry. In the Beach Shack Haiti’s beautiful coast came to life around an aged wood structure outfitted with swaying palm trees, a projection of the water lapping Caribbean shores and a real live Macaw parrot. In the final station, Empire recreated Haiti’s iconic Citadel, where volunteers shared facts about the legendary fort and important Haitian history alongside a full size cannon, cannonballs and Haitian flags. After the cocktail reception, guests moved into the North Pavilion for the seated dinner and program. Bloomberg Television’s Margaret Brennan, the emcee of the evening, introduced the founder of the Happy Hearts Fund, the stunning Petra Nemcova and Executive Director, Phil Caputo who welcomed guests and set the tone for the evening to come. The dinner program also featured remarks by honorees Rene Haugrud and tireless Haiti relief activist Sean Penn who has lived and worked for much of the past year in Haiti. Grammy Award-winner Josh Groban and his band gave a heart-felt performance of three songs including his famous, “You Raise Me Up.” After dinner auctioneer Simon De Pury, of Phillips de Pury & Company, raised over $1 million dollars in an action packed live auction that included lots ranging from use of a Caribbean villa and an insider’s Victoria’s Secret Show experience to a custom James Bond mission and an exquisite Damien Hirst artwork entitled Mantra that sold for $100,000. For the grand finalé of the evening, Haitian musician and global sensation Wyclef Jean and delivered a high energy party performance that drew Petra Nemcova, Sean Penn and the rest of the guests out of their seats, onto the stage, and past midnight as they danced on chairs and tables in their black-tie attire. In addition to the evening events, Happy Hearts Fund hosted 300 children at the Metropolitan Pavilion earlier in the afternoon for an array of educational, interactive and kid-friendly activities all focused on Haiti. The Children learned traditional Haitian dances, painted their faces, created Haitian jewelry, learned to draw with a renown Haitian artist and even talked to the parrot.Working closely with Happy Hearts Fund, Empire served as Producer of the Land of Dreams, managing elements including décor, technical production, performing talent and stage management. To learn more about the efforts of the Happy Hearts Fund or to donate, please visit happyheartsfund.org. Empire is proud to serve charitable organizations like the Happy Hearts Fund and to help support their important work in Haiti, Indonesia, India and Peru.

On November 3, Empire Entertainment was once again proud to serve Keep a Child Alive as Producer of their 8th annual Black Ball Gala at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. Graciously sponsored by Sachin & Saurabh Foundation, this year’s event featured extraordinary performances and collaborations by Alicia Keys, Usher, will.i.am, Norah Jones, Jay Sean, Richie Sambora, Gary Clark Jr, Midival Punditz and Karsh Kale.

A star-studded guest list of over 700 came to support Keys and Keep a Child Alive, an organization providing life-saving support to children and families affected by HIV/ AIDS in Africa and India. Clive Davis, Serena Williams, Queen Latifah, Tyra Banks, Keys’ husband, producer Swizz Beatz, Russell Simmons, and Padma Lakshmi were among many others who came to show their support in the fight against the global AIDS pandemic.This year’s event focused on India, marking Keep a Child Alive's new presence there. Guests entered the venue and were immersed in a stunning decor reminiscent of an old opulent India designed by Creative Director of Keep a Child Alive, Earle Sebastian, and designer Bruce Thompson. Hanging marigold entryways, tufted fabric walls with antique framed images, and backlit bars featuring traditional Indian patterns created a majestic setting for the evening.

Following cocktails, the guests moved into the main hall of Hammerstein Ballroom into a breathtaking candlelit oasis where they enjoyed a delicious Indian-inspired dinner menu served by Creative Edge Catering. All wine and spirits for the evening were generously donated by Sherry-Lehmann Wine & Spirits. Powerful emotive graphic messages and a series of films about the work and impact of Keep a Child Alive in India were projected onto multi-leveled projection screens.Like every year, The Black Ball honors individuals whose remarkable acts of giving have helped to transform lives.

This year’s Ball honored New Yorker, Anthony Scaramucci the managing partner of SkyBridge Capital who pledged that he and SkyBridge would raise $1 million for KCA next year.This year KCA also honored the late George Harrison for his spiritual, musical and philanthropic legacy throughout the world. Olivia Harrison, George’s wife, told the audience, “Tonight we’re all here because of the compassion and courage of two people who never met,” and pledged a donation to Keep a Child Alive. Alicia went on to say that George’s love of India’s philosophy, culture and people helped raised consciousness of the world and helped give rise to music’s first large scale rock & roll benefit concert, The Concert for Bangladesh, that took place in 1971 in New York City. The spirit of the late George Harrison was felt at the event as Keys honored him for helping "people change their view of how to act as humanitarians."

After a touching program, a Sotheby’s auctioneer and KCA advocate Tyra Banks worked together onstage to auction a series of incredible once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The duo worked in unity to auction an adventure to India, private tennis lessons with Serena Williams, a dinner party for 10 with Naomi Watts and Ed Norton, an America’s Top Model makeover experience with Tyra Banks and Fred Leighton bracelets worn by Ms. Keys herself. The auction raised over $300,000.

The concert program for which the Black Ball is renowned began led by Alicia Keys and her incredible band. Keys orchestrated an evening of tributes where all artists covered one of Harrison’s most remembered songs as well as their own material. Indian fusion musicians Midival Punditz and electronic composer Karsh Kale opened the set with “Within You Without You,” followed by Jay Sean and Keys sultry R&B duet of hit ballad “Something.” It was then blues–rock guitarist Gary Clark Jr.’s turn who jammed with Alicia on “My Guitar Gently Weeps” and brought the audience to their feet. Norah Jones then came onstage to deliver a sweet solo rendition of “Don’t Know Why” and a duet of “Isn’t a Pity” with Alicia Keys. Usher again brought the audience to their feet with his high energy “OMG,” later joined by Bon Jovi Guitarist Richie Sambora.

The evening concluded with a pop performance of Black Eyed Peas member will.i.am, singing “Where is the Love,” into Harrison’s “Got my Mind Set on You,” and a crowd pumping version of “I Got a Feeling.” All told, the 2011 Black Ball raised over $3 million for AIDS affected children and families in Africa and India.Once again,

Empire Entertainment served as overall event producer for the Black Ball and managed aspects of the event including site selection and contracting, logistics, catering, décor, talent coordination, technical production, security and onsite management. Empire Entertainment is proud to serve as partner of Keep a Child Alive in saving lives and raising awareness in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa and India.