On October 27th and 28th 2011, Empire Entertainment produced the first Russian Business and Investment Summit at the New York Stock Exchange. This summit was created to jumpstart American and foreign participation in Russia’s economic growth and to boost activity of listings and trading on the NYSE Euronext. In addition to production management, Empire created outreach materials that activated powerful sponsorships such as Ernst & Young, Russian Standard Vodka and Terex Corporation.CEOs of major Russian corporations, American investors and government officials were invited to meetings and panel discussions to impart valuable perspectives on the current state of Russia’s business and economy. Topics included a broad range, from policy-making trends to environmental regulations. Key speakers included Stuart Lawson, Executive Director and Senior Adviser at Ernst & Young, Congressman Bob Turner and esteemed officials, Deputy Minister Stanislav Voskresenskiy of the Russian Federation’s Ministry of Economic Development and James D. Wolfensohn, Former President of the World Bank.For the first day of the summit, Empire helped to bring together major players of Russian business by organizing one on one meetings between public and private Russian companies and investment funds at the Flatotel in midtown Manhattan. Attendees were provided with private meeting rooms to discuss valuable opportunities in their future relationships and to provide in-depth insight into the state of their businesses. After a day of business meetings, participants were invited to an Opening Gala reception that evening at the Ana Tzarev Gallery. Empire coordinated the cocktail reception complete with a fashion presentation of Russian couture fashion. Guests indulged in drinks sponsored by Russian Standard Vodka, Dozortsev & Sons, and Zhiguli Beer and lavished over Russian influenced hors d’oeuvres provided by Tatiana Restaurant. Roaming models showcased fashions designed by Oksana Remi Couture, Alex Teih, Helen Yarmak and accessories by Alex Soldier Jewelry and M.Y. Accessories. Meanwhile, guests enjoyed each other’s company against the backdrop of Ana Tzarev’s vibrant and richly colored paintings.The second day of the summit took place at the New York Stock Exchange where Empire produced a series of panel discussions concerning the full breadth of the Russian market. Panels included speakers from key Russian companies in telecommunication, pharmaceuticals, energy, and more. That afternoon, VIP participants were invited to ring the closing bell of the New York Stock Exchange. The summit was closed with evening drinks and reception at the New York Stock exchange’s illustrious boardroom.The two-day summit was a great success for businesses and investors alike. A leading organizer of corporate meetings, Empire set the stage for valuable business connections and truly meaningful networking.

On Monday, October 24, Lincoln Center recognized Ralph Lauren’s indelible mark on the cultural landscape and his leadership in the fight against cancer with an unprecedented evening which jointly benefitted the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.

This one night only evening with Ralph Lauren was hosted by Oprah Winfrey, who led a personal and intimate on-stage conversation with Mr. Lauren offering a rare look into the life of an intriguing public, yet very private, cultural icon.

At the conclusion of the discussion, which featured visual projections and multimedia elements presented within a uniquely Ralph Lauren set, the screens flew out to reveal a huge stage set and an unexpected reprise of Ralph Lauren's Spring Runway show with dozens of models in his most luxurious creations.

The multi media on stage conversation was preceded by a champagne reception in Alice Tully Hall and followed by a gala dinner in the David H. Koch Theater produced by KCD.

This landmark event was the most successful fundraising event in the history of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, raising over $7 million.

For this singular fashion event celebrating this true fashion icon, Empire Entertainment was proud to Co-Produce the evening’s stage presentation in collaboration with Producer Darren Bagert.

Empire is a leading producer of noteworthy events for the fashion world.

Partnering with Children Affected by Aids Foundation (CAAF) and Keep A Child Alive (KCA), Empire Entertainment produced Dream Halloween Los Angeles on October 29th. Now in its 18th year, the annual kids-oriented fundraising event attracts over 1500 guests from all over Los Angeles. Proceeds from the event benefits children and families affected by HIV/AIDS.Taking place in the historic Barker Hangar at the Santa Monica Airport, guests drove onto the taxiway and walked a 300’ red carpet to enter the space. The evening’s host, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Ribbon of Dreams Award recipient, Josh Duhamel, were among the attending celebrities.Earle Sebastian, Creative Director and Richard LaSalle, Production Designer had guests entering through a haunted forest. Waiting behind every bend were costumed forest dwellers ready to frighten unsuspecting trespassers. In keeping with the tradition of Dream Halloween, children trick or treated for toys instead of candy, made possible by custom windows built into the forest for distribution. Leaving the narrow, winding forest, guests walked into the transformed cavernous hangar. The main stage was packed with children’s entertainment all night with acts ranging from Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Japanese Drummers to the child performers of Le PeTiT CiRqUe. No Halloween party would be complete without a 20-person rendition of Michael Jackson’s thriller, which was later taught step by step to any eager attendee. Other features of the event included Ghost City, a maze of black light drawn walls further enhanced by the 3D glasses given out.There was never a dull moment as kids enjoyed arts and crafts and face painting by MAC artists. Walk around characters treated guests to photo- ops throughout the evening. Outside the hangar, a teen tent pumped music all night courtesy of Nickelodeon’s own, DJ J Boogie.The fun filled night culminated in a live auction of a one-of a kind Barbie doll made in the likeness of Alicia Keys made by the Mattel design team that was won by one lucky guest and a performance by Disney Channel’s Roshon Fegan from Camp Rock and Shake It Up.Working closely with CAAF and KCA, Empire Entertainment served as overall producer of the event.To learn more about Dream Halloween visit www.dreamhalloween.org or to make a donation to the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation, please visit, www.caaf.org.To learn more about Keep A Child Alive or to donate, please visit, keepachildalive.org.

BizBash, the leading trade magazine for the event industry, announced the winners of the 2011 Reader's Choice awards during the 2011 BizBash New York Expo. Empire's President & CEO, J.B. Miller was honored to win the award for Event Producer of the Year.This prestigious award recognizes an individual event producer who has demonstrated an exceptional ability to execute all aspects of technical and creative corporate event production. With an unprecedented catalog already under his belt for 2011, J.B. is honored to be recognized for his dedication to creating and producing exceptional events in NYC and around the world.J.B. and his team at Empire Entertainment are hard at work on an impressive roster events for this Fall and Winter, continuing to produce the exceptional content that has been recognized by industry curator, BizBash. About our President:J.B. Miller, president and C.E.O. of Empire Entertainment, is an Emmy Award-winning producer with more than 25 years of experience as a producer in the entertainment industry. Born and raised in New York, Miller began making movies with his brothers Bennett and Teddy in his early teens and has continued producing ever since. Over the years, Miller’s career has included work in concerts, comedy, theater, radio, festivals, television, and motion pictures, as well as event production. For the past two decades, his New York City- and Tokyo-based company, Empire Entertainment, has provided the platform, team, and resources to marry his passion for producing events and managing creative enterprises with his widely diverse interests. The result is a prodigious track record of producing thousands of events in more than 65 countries for clients ranging from the White House, Microsoft, and Google to the XIV Dalai Lama and Keep a Child Alive. Miller believes he has the greatest job on earth and is honored to bethe winner of BizBash's Event Producer of the Year.

When a leading insurance company wanted top-quality entertainment to perform for approximately 700 of senior employees and their families, at The Broadmoor, they turned to Empire Entertainment to deliver a one of the most renowned music acts of the past five decades - The Temptations.On the final night of the week-long meeting, the attendees entered the ballroom with excitement, awaiting the performance of the three-time Grammy winning group. After remarks and an introduction by a company executive, The Temptations, featuring original member, Otis Williams took the stage to begin their 75-minute, high energy set. From the very beginning of their greatest hits concert, nearly the entire audience were on the dance floor, dancing and cheering as the band performed their hits including, "Ain’t Too Proud to Beg," "Papa was a Rollin’ Stone," “I Can’t Get Next to You,” “All I Need,” “Just My Imagination,” “Get Ready," and many more. 

The Temptations’ interacted with the audience throughout the night, bringing two male employees onstage to sing “The Girl’s Alright With Me” to their spouses, who were in the audience. At the end of their performance, the band closed with an all-out performance of their #1 hit “My Girl."Empire was responsible for proposing, contracting and arranging travel and accommodations for The Temptations, as well as coordinating and managing all schedules, logistical and technical aspects of the band's performance.Empire Entertainment is a leading producer of private and corporate events in the U.S. and around the world and is proud to provide world class entertainment for this corporate client whom we have served for almost two decades.

Aiming to increase their brand exposure within the tech community, a major global financial institution turned to Empire Entertainment to help them create and develop a unique, branded exhibit space for TechCrunch’s Disrupt San Francisco 2011 event. The space would need to convey the company's unique corporate culture and create a hands-on atmosphere for top-tier programmers, while simultaneously setting the activation space apart from the other event sponsors both visually and experientially.Empire worked with the client to design a custom, tech forward construction that promoted attendee engagement through an event-specific, live-data marketing trading game. The build included 4 plasma screens displaying game statistics and company content, as well as iPad and computer terminals where guests could learn more about the sponsor, compete in the game, or simply show off their programming skills. Comfortable lounge furniture surrounded the area allowing company representatives to engage with prospective employees and other attendees who were eager to rest their feet during the week’s events.As part of its 2011 TechCrunch Disrupt sponsorship, the client also hosted the Disrupt Opening Party where they worked with Empire to create a dynamic, energetic and unforgettable party experience. To supplement the activities inside the 1015 Folsom nightclub, Empire brought in retro arcade games and an arcade-themed photo. As for live entertainment, Empire identified and secured headline DJs Peanut Butter Wolf and The Knocks for a special live performance and DJ set featuring multiple stages and custom video projection.Empire oversaw the client’s entire TechCrunch Disrupt sponsorship activation from conception to completion, designing, building, managing and producing all of the various elements from load-in to load-out.TechCrunch Disrupt has become the frontline of technological innovation; providing insider access to start-ups and many different technologically savvy companies. The conference brings together entrepreneurs, programmers, investors, and venture capitalists to showcase dozens of start-ups and presents engaging panels and keynote speeches that provide insight into the ever-changing industry and market.Empire is proud to produce corporate events and sponsorships, assisting with everything from branding to implementation.

On the evening of September 20th, 2011, over 250 guests, including Academy Award winning director, Fisher Stevens, along with Emily Mortimer, John Leguizamo, Steve Buscemi, comedian Reggie Watts and others, arrived at the Prince George Ballroom to support Reel Works Teen Filmmaking’s 10th Anniversary Gala. Empire’s President and C.E.O, J.B. Miller, co-chaired the gala, Precious producer, Lisa Cortés.Reel Works is a youth filmmaking program based in New York City that matches students with film and television professionals who serve as mentors.The gala began with elegant cocktails and hors d’oeuvres passed while Reel Works teens conducted interviews on the star-studded red carpet. Attendees mingled and perused over 30 silent auction items ranging from backstage passes to The Daily Show With Jon Stewart to a signed photo of the cast of NBC’s The Office. The gallery of the Prince George Ballroom was decorated with custom movie posters featuring the movies of the six teens that were nominated by their peers for the night’s top award.Inside the grand ballroom, Thomas Preti catered a phenomenal three-course meal, which was followed by stage program. Comedy Central’s Hannibal Buress emceed, and the program, featured remarks by Reel Works founders, John and Stephanie Williams. Steve Buscemi and his wife, Jo Andres and others. Buscemi introduced the teen’s nominated movies and, to the applause and standing-ovation of the audience, Reel Works teen, Marco Teapox won the John F. Outcalt Award for his movie Sin Marchas Atra. Miguel M. Salinas, Program Director of Adobe Youth Voices, accepted the Corporate Leadership Award on his company’s behalf. In a heartfelt highlight, John Leguizamo presented his longtime friend, actor and director Fisher Stevens with The Visionary Filmmaker Award. The evening concluded with an outstanding performance by comedian and musician, Reggie Watts.As guests left the ballroom a mash-up video of highlights from the evening that the students had edited together that evening played on the big screen. The video can be watched at:http://www.reelworks.org/rw/Support/galabenefit2011/Event sponsors included Viacom, C2 Media, Digitas, Moet & Chandon, Akvinta Vodka, Six Point, and HBO among others. Working closely with the Reel Works’ team, Empire Entertainment served as sponsor and overall producer of the event. Empire successfully solicited sponsorships and in-kind donations. Empire was also responsible for aspects ranging from event design, layout, technical production and logistics to décor and music. To learn more about Reel Works or to donate, please visit, ReelWorks.org.

Every year, the President and First Lady of the United States host a reception in connection with the United Nations General Assembly in New York City. The event is attended by heads of state from around the world and is a keystone annual event in American diplomacy. This year, the event was held in the iconic New York Public Library.The distinguished guest list, necessity to observe diplomatic protocol in every detail, and extraordinary security precautions imposed by a host of agencies make the project one with many unique challenges. On the night of the event, heads of state, foreign ministers and other high profile guests arrived at the Library in a tightly-choreographed ballet of over 100 individual motorcades. Guests were met at Library entrances by an Honor Cordon representing all of the United States Armed Forces. Once inside, guests moved into a cocktail reception in the McGraw Rotunda and Edna Barnes Salomon Room where their conversations were accompanied by the United States Marine Band’s string ensemble.

President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama met the world leaders and distinguished guests in a receiving line, spending one on one time with each of them.Following the receiving line, guests made their way into the grand Astor Hall where, following, a rousing performance by the Bergen County Cadets marching band, and the standard ruffles & flourishes and “Hail to the Chief” the President and First Lady took the stage in front of a backdrop of American Flags to deliver remarks. Following remarks the President greeted more guests along a rope line and then departed while attendees remained to enjoy dessert and more musical accompaniment by the Marine Band Jazz Ensemble.The event was followed by an after-party for heads of Protocol from many nations featuring music by the Todd Londagin Trio.

Empire Entertainment was proud and honored to serve the United States and our President as producer and production company for this singular event. Photos courtesy of Paul L. Mertikas.

Nothing makes a wedding more special or memorable than the perfect entertainment. And in some cases, when the client wants to create the event of a lifetime, the entertainment required includes some of the bride and groom's fondest memories. This was the case when a client from North Carolina wanted the R&B hit makers Jagged Edge to perform at her wedding at the serene Umstead Spa in Cary, NC.Empire was able to quickly book Jagged Edge and worked closely with their road and production management to create a production scenario that could be achieved in the intimate outdoor space for the ceremony as well as an indoor performance for the reception. The group sang the bride down the aisle to their ballad “I Gotta Be” and then got the crowd partying with a 40 minute set of their greatest hits. 
The guests stood and danced throughout the performance. The client and their guest were ecstatic. Empire handled all booking and logistics, of the project working closely with wedding planners at David Tutera to ensure a smooth experience from load-in to load-out.Empire is a leading talent procurement agency.

Hosting an event in New York City for 1,500 of your top clients is no easy task. But in September 2011, a prominent NYC-based investment bank did just that, at the beautiful and iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art. Empire Entertainment was engaged to work in collaboration with event designer Thomas Noel of EDI to manage the highlight of the evening - a spectacular performance by nine-time Grammy Award winner, Mary J. Blige.Guests enjoyed cocktails in the Great Hall of the Met, before heading off to various areas of the Museum, such as the majestic Temple of Dendur for dinner. While most attendees toured the two million artworks housedin the Museum’s permanent collection, Empire escorted Mary J. Blige to a beautiful balcony above the Great Hall, where she took time to greet and take photos with a select few of the client’s VIP’s.As Blige prepared for her show, attendees in the Great Hall listened to remarks by General Wesley Clark and then bid in a live auction which benefitted The McCarton Foundation, a charity dedicated to increasing educational opportunities for children with autism and developmental disabilities.Empire then escorted Mary J. Blige to the stage for the evening’s grand finalé, and the multi-platinum selling Bronx native did not disappoint. She performed a high-energy set filled with hits including “Family Affair”, “RealLove”, and a gorgeous cover version of U2’s “One.” After the show attendees roared cheers for her incredible performance as Empire ushered the soul-singer straight from the stage to her waiting car.Empire is a preeminent provider of headline entertainment for events worldwide, and is proud to be called upon by end clients and production companies alike for our expertise in producing live performances by the world’s biggest stars.