For the second consecutive year, one of the world's largest companies chose Empire to produce their multi-day recognition event for their top technical employees. The event took place at the world-renowned Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco, where guests were treated to a weekend full of activities, speakers, entertainment, educational seminars and celebration. Following an introductory dinner, with keynotes from several of their top executives, the always comical magic duo, Penn and Teller, performed a customized magic show. The team ended with a trick that included one of the company's senior vice presidents, which resulted in a huge round of applause. An after party took place in the breathtaking Crown Room with San Francisco legend, Bud E. Luv performed his famous Las Vegas-style cabaret performance.

The next morning, the Crown Room was transformed into a serene environment with citrus accents and rose petals in which Tai Chi and Yoga classes were offered to attendees by world-renowned instructors. Later that morning, attendees entered the main ballroom, which mimicked the sets of morning talk shows like Good Morning America and The Today Show. After breakfast, the live program commenced, hosted by a company executive and featuring several custom video roll-ins that were filmed, edited and produced on site. In addition to the humorous live morning show-style commentary, the program featured an educational, interactive panel discussion with several of the company's key executives. Empire also developed custom logos that were branded on mugs, t-shirts and pencils to be handed out to attendees.That afternoon, in what was called the World Perspective University, guests had the opportunity to attend a series of lectures delivered by top professors from eight of the world's leading educational institutions including Oxford, Cambridge, University of California Berkeley and Kyoto University. Each professor offered a sophisticated lecture designed with the intention of intellectually challenging the guests.

That evening, following an elegant cocktail reception, attendees entered the newly transformed main ballroom. With 360 degree digital projection, the ballroom was wrapped in a continuous, 410' long and 18' high screen that projected some of the most cutting-edge, high definition visual imagery ever created. With custom visuals created specifically for the event, guests were treated to a kaleidoscope of color, pattern and movement. Welcoming guests to the dinner, Mass Ensemble performed on satellite stages scattered through the ballroom. The evening featured a keynote address by Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates followed by a surprise fireside chat and Q&A with Gates and one of Hollywood's most acclaimed filmmakers, George Lucas. Immediately after the fireside discussion, guests were shown a 10 minute film created especially for this evening. The film told the visual story of the history of consciousness and technology and projected a vision of the future that was accompanied by an original score.

Following the film, guests were escorted to the Star Wars Disco-themed after party. Guests danced the night away to the music of DJ Crash and performances by acrobatic and aerial troupe, Antigravity. For those looking for a more relaxing environment, a whiskey expert lead a single-malt tasting seminar at one of the Fairmont's original bars. After a long night of festivities, the departure breakfast provided attendees with one last hurrah. With soft jazz playing in the background by Liberty Street Jazz Band, guests relaxed over breakfast before heading home.

Empire developed, designed and delivered every aspect and component of the program in collaboration with the client and supplied all speaker and entertainment booking, staging, sound, lighting, and audio visual services, décor, production management and onsite staffing.

When one of the world's leading media groups sought to present their annual upfront presentation to key advertisers and sponsors, they turned to the creative production team at Empire Entertainment to bring their vision to life and to design and execute this one-chance-only, all important, live presentation. The audience would consist of several hundred senior advertising and marketing executives along with many of their children who were invited to attend. The client in this case was an umbrella business unit comprised of several separate but affiliated media entities in the areas of cable & broadcast television, radio, publishing and Internet. The underlying theme that the client wished to communicate was that these individual media brands can be accessed to work together to serve marketers seeking to reach their demographic segment.

A concert-theme was chosen for the Upfront and the theme would be carried out from arrival to departure. The presentation would feature performances by two of the media group's biggest musical stars, both highly-popular performing artists in the kids / tweens market and featured prominently in the group's programming.The Upfront presentation took place in the Hudson Theater located just off Times Square. Empire, working with it's set design & construction partners, created a dynamic concert stage set that featured walls of programmable LED lighting, flying lighting discs with projection surfaces and a beaded curtain portal that took the shape of the client's logo.

The presentation began with a walk-in performance by Jumpers in Command, dynamic double-dutch jump rope and hip hop dancing team that got everyone in the mood for fun. The upfront presentation then started with a high energy, two song performance by one of the music groups and their backing dancers. Next the senior executive of advertising sales & promotion took the stage and spoke about the group's recent achievements and their many competitive advantages in the market. Then the head of Programming took the stage and previewed future programming offerings with abundant video roll-ins and graphics. The Upfront concluded with a red hot, two song performance by a tween superstar and her dancers and then the program ended with a curtain call from all of the performers and presenters.

Immediately following the Upfront the guests headed up to the 8th floor function space which Empire had transformed into an Asian-style lounge. The after-party lounge featured black lounge furniture, sumptuous lighting, a full-size Buddha carved of solid ice by the artists at Okamoto Studios, a reflecting pond over which hung an array of blosssoms on monofilament, a customized photo station, and an autograph station where children and adults met and got autographs from the musical performers featured in the Upfront. DJ Riddler spun a mix of programming-featured music and Buddha Bar classics to complete the vibe. The attendees loved both the Upfront presentation and the after-party which was extended by an hour by popular demand.

For this production, Empire handled nearly every detail of both the presentation and after-party including set design & construction, staging, sound, lighting, video projection, teleprompter, decor, staffing, logistics, security and management of the after-party and activities. After the event, the client executive in charge called the Upfront "Spectacular!" continuing "We have received nothing but amazing praise on your set, seamless production of the presentation, fabulous party, and attention to detail. We could not have asked for better partners as we raised the bar!"

Empire is a full-service, creative production company that serves world class clients.

Recognizing the importance of the huge Latin American and U.S. Latino markets, Empire Entertainment has created its Latin division to service the needs of private entities and corporations doing business in the Spanish and Portuguese speaking world.Talent buyers and corporations operating in South America, Mexico, Central America, Spain and Portugal who need guidance and relationships with U.S. and world talent have already recognized the importance of Empire Entertainment's Latin division. U.S. corporations and private entities seeking to do business and entertain in the region now have a trustworthy partner to execute their event and event marketing needs throughout the region. Serving as a bridge between the English and Spanish/Portuguese worlds, Empire Latin America is in a position to service a wide spectrum of industries, including entertainment, public relations, communications, and advertising.

General Manager Pablo Aslan is a respected producer in the U. S. Latin market, having been instrumental in the revival of Argentine Tango in the U. S. through his work in the 1990's as a concert and record producer, as well as lecturer and teacher. He has produced and directed events for private, corporate and institutional clients, including Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall Neighborhood Concerts, Mark Morris Dance, Festival Productions, and Stratta Phillips Productions. With extensive experience in several areas of the entertainment business, and a distiguished career as a musician with performances and recordings with major international artists such as Yo Yo Ma, Shakira, and Lalo Schiffrin, Pablo is an insider in both the U.S. and Latin entertainment worlds. He holds an MFA from UCLA and is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese.

Empire Latin America scored its first big project in February 2007 when a prominent public figure in Mexico wanted to invite his old friend, Julio Iglesias, to perform at a private fund raising event. Local organizers turned to Empire Entertainment's new Latin Division to negotiate the terms of the deal and contract this international superstar. Adding to the complexity of this particular situation was the extremely short lead time, and the fact that Julio Iglesias was in the middle of a world tour at the time of the proposed event. Working as translator and mediator, Empire was able to negotiate a mutually agreeable date and coordinated the logistics and production fulfillment, working with the end client, the venue, the Mexico-based agency, the U.S. based booking agency, and Julio's tour management. Empire Latin America's unique position as language and culture translators ensured that the U.S. and Mexican parties understood each other's way of operating, avoiding confusions and misunderstandings, and helping the production move forward against a tight deadline.The highly successful event put Empire Latin America's bilingual and bi-cultural resources to play and delivered Julio Iglesias for what turned out to be a memorable celebration of music, friendship and, yes, love.

Empire Entertainment Latin division looks forward to serving your future needs throughout Mexico, Central and South America, Spain and Portugal.

When one of the world's leading software development companies staged the largest product launch in their history, they turned to Empire to help create a memorable experience. The audience would consist of developers and testers of the product, partners, as well as members of the domestic and foreign press. The event would not only announce the arrival of the new product but would also pay tribute to the years of effort in developing the next chapter in their best-selling product lines.

Empire helped to select ideal locations in New York City to meet the client's needs for this one-day, multi-event launch. With extensive working knowledge of venues throughout the city, Empire secured the elegant Cipriani 42nd Street for an important press luncheon and executive panel discussion, the Grand Hyatt for one-on-one media interviews, and one of New York's hottest concert new venues in the heart of Times Square, the Nokia Theatre. As guests arrived at the Nokia Theater, sexy and stunning world DJ, Donna D'Cruz spun a mixture of African, Brazilian and Latin beats to set the tone for this global launch. Then, Recycled Percussion, a contemporary and hard- hitting rhythmic percussion group, pumped up the energy with its high-speed amazing spectacle of power percussion.

To kick off the launch presentation, Angels & Airwaves, a new musical entity from the creative minds of Tom DeLonge (Blink-182), David Kennedy (Box Car Racer), Ryan Sinn (Distillers) and Atom Willard (Rocket from the Crypt, Offspring) took the stage to perform an incredible opening number. They performed a hard-rocking rendition of Joey Ramone's version of "What a Wonderful World," a song specially licensed by Empire Entertainment specifically for this launch event, synced to visuals projections of the new product and customers. Following the launch presentation the band played a 45-minute performance set for the after party. For this global product launch, Empire assisted with site selection and acquisition, securing and coordinating talent, onsite talent management, and procuring the appropriate music licenses.

Empire is a full-service event and entertainment production company, with special expertise in artist bookings and venue selection.

When one of the world's most respected corporations was planning a divisional summit, a conference held once every seven years, they turned to Empire Entertainment to serve as production company to manage all creative & technical production and video production. Completely branded around a logo designed by Empire, this 3-day event at The Phoenician in Phoenix, Arizona mixed business with pleasure. After a high-energy opening video shot and edited by Empire, guests were welcomed by the President and Co-Chief Operating Officer of the company. Shortly following, guests enjoyed the first two of ten regional videos that were scripted, shot and edited by Empire in advance of the event.

Empire's crews had visited company branches around the nation to creatively capture and share the idiosyncrasies of each office environment - the hilarity of the inside jokes easily made these two videos, as well as the remaining eight videos shown later on, a hit. After dinner, rocker, activist and opening night keynote speaker Bono set the bar high for the conference as he entreated attendees to encourage philanthropy among clients. Set against Empire's customized backdrop of six fabric columns and a large-scale suspended logo, Bono's speech had a resounding effect on the audience and he received a standing ovation.

With an elaborate lighting package, the mood changed from Sunday's night hot red colors honoring Bono's "(Red)" campaign to a more business-like look for the next day's intensive business sessions. After addresses from top executives and world-renowned reporter, Tom Brokaw, and personalized breakout sessions tackling important issues in the industry, attendees were ready for a little fun. Guests laughed their way through a Saturday Night Live "Weekend Update"-style video, cleverly produced by Empire with witty, customized company humor. To elevate the energy again after dinner, Empire staged the theatrical production of a game show with a script, scenery and costuming developed by Empire, conference attendees were laughing and cheering through an incredibly memorable evening as their top executives and regional managers played the roles of host and contestants onstage.

Still elated from the hilarious antics of the game show, guests moved into the afterparty, curious about the concert stage and satellite screens Empire had installed. Utter shock gave way to pride as they rocked out to a band composed of executives in their very own division singing hits like "Sweet Home Alabama" and "We're an American Band." Guests danced and partied the night away as dance band Brian Kirk & The Jerks kept the music going. Though attendees were a bit groggy the next morning from the prior night's festivities, they were impressed by morning keynote remarks from General Colin Powell on the illuminated red, white and blue stage. After a final round of breakout sessions, attendees returned to the ballroom for the awards presentation, with the most anticipated award of "Best Video" going to the Boston region, as Bono's instincts accurately predicted. Empire's closing video of live action moments and memories captured throughout the conference nicely rounded out a successful and seamlessly executed event.

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.

Keep a Child Alive is an innovative charitable organization that is dedicated to providing life saving anti-retroviral treatment to children and families living with HIV/AIDS in Africa, and other parts of the impoverished world. In November 2006, Empire was privileged to support KCA, helping to produce their third annual Black Ball fundraising benefit. This year's program was generously sponsored by the Condé Nast Media Group and held at the Manhattan Center's Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City.

The event began with a cocktail reception and gallery viewing of a Michael Thompson photography exhibit. The photo series, entitled "I Am African," featured celebrities such as Gwenyth Paltrow, Elizabeth Hurley, Richard Gere, Seal, Heidi Klum and others in African attire and was featured in 18 Condé Nast publications. During cocktails African-inspired music was provided by New York's City DJ Tipka. Following the cocktail reception, the 600 plus guests entered the stunning Hammerstein Ballroom lit by candlelight where guests enjoyed a three course dinner and truffle dessert.

The star-studded dinner was attended by notable celebrities including Valentino, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Anne Hathaway, Zhang Ziyi, Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes, Petra Nemcova, Russell Simmons, Kimora Lee Simmons, Tyson Beckford, Helena Christiansen and many others who showed up to support KCA's efforts. Following the dinner and a second concert seating and reception in the first balcony, an extraordinary program began that saluted humanitarians and remarkable leaders in the fight against AIDS. Wanda Sykes emceed the program with her sharp style and wit and introduced speeches and appearances by Leigh Blake (President & Founder of Keep a Child Alive), Iman (Global Ambassador for Keep A Child Alive), Dr. Stephen Lewis (U.N. Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS), Elijah Wood, Russell Simmons, Jeffrey Wright, and Ed Norton. The program also honored Carol Dyanti, of the Ikageng Ministries, Soweto, South Africa, Dr. Paul Farmer, of Partners in Health and Richard D. Beckman, President of the Condé Nast Media Group for their courageous support in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

After the speaking program, rock band Louis XIV kicked off the concert performance. Saul Williams, a spoken word artist, delivered a powerful piece, followed by a jamming performance with Alicia Keys and her band which included "Paradise," "Broken Wings," and Jimi Hendrix' "Voodoo Child." Other highlights of the concert included Alicia's duets with other talented artists: "Welcome to Jamrock" and "Road to Zion," with Damian Marley, and "Africa," with African Queen, Angelique Kidjo. A high point of the show was when David Bowie took the stage to sing "Fantastic Voyage," and performed an incredible duet with Alicia Keys on "Changes". Following the concert, the guests danced the night away during an afterparty with old school hits spun by DJ Cassidy.

Empire served as overall event producer for the Black Ball and managed all aspects of the event including site selection and contracting, logistics, catering, décor, talent coordination, production, security and onsite management, collaborating with Keep a Child Alive and other partners and donors. 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.

For the fourth year in a row, the Executive Council of New York, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to fostering innovation and commerce in New York City, chose Empire Entertainment to produce their Ten Awards program in New York City. This program, billed as "The Academy Awards of Business," annually recognizes the best & brightest in the New York business universe. The host sponsor for this important program was Real Estate giant Cushman & Wakefield. Other sponsors of this year's program included NASDAQ, Zagat Survey, Microsoft, Google, OfficeTiger, Accenture, Loews Hotels, IBM and Philips among others. The Awards program was again hosted by CNBC's Liz Claman and featured a keynote address by former HP CEO Carly Fiorina.

This year's award winners were: CEO of the Year: Jonathan Tisch, Loews HotelsCIO of the Year: Jack Nelson, Mount Sinai Medical CenterDealmaker of the Year: Jonathan Gray, Blackstone Group and Philip Falcone, Harbinger Capital PartnersBest International Non-Profit: Ami Nahshon, The Abraham Fund InitiativesEducator of the Year: Dr. Deborah Kenny, Village AcademiesBest New Product or Service: Are Traasdahl, ThumbPlay and David Rose, Angelsoft LLCCFO of the Year: David Turner, Thomson FinancialMarketer of the Year: John Hayes, American ExpressInnovator of the Year: Jason Finger, SeamlessWebBest Up and Comer: Jared Kushner, New York ObserverBest Executive Team: Tim Armstrong, Penry Price and Craig Nevill-Manning, Google There was also a special Ten Awards NASDAQ Closing Bell ceremony with the winners at NASDAQ's MarketSite in Times Square.

For this upscale event for more than 400 attendees, Empire provided virtually all services including venue selection, staging and set design, sound, lighting, the production of graphics packages, and all program graphic production, catering, stage management, decor, florals, logistics management, security, and signage.

Empire is a leading creative producer of business events, meetings and awards shows worldwide.

When a well-respected, Hong Kong-based production company was searching for the ideal talent to headline an important event for an international jewelry company's top customers, they turned to Empire Entertainment. The entertainment for this spectacular event needed to be suitable for a highly discerning group of high net worth individuals and would have to integrate effectively into the sumptuous visual surroundings designed by the production company. Empire worked with the client to identify several candidates and ultimately negotiated with and secured the client's first choice, Portland, Oregon-based orchestra Pink Martini, to perform at the event in their debut China performance.

Pink Martini are a 14 piece contemporary orchestra, led by Chinese-American musical director Thomas Lauderdale and fronted by female vocalist China Forbes. They have performed throughout the world including at the Hollywood Bowl and the Grand opening of the Disney Concert Hall. Pink Martini play elegant music ranging from jazz standards from the 1930s and 1940's to original contemporary originals. The band performs songs in French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Japanese, Greek, and English. Their music is elegant, sophisticated and ideal for champagne celebrations throughout the world. For this singular event, every detail had to be precisely managed and Empire and the client worked closely with Pink Martini on elements ranging from song list and sequence, to costuming, hair, makeup, and jewelry.

Pink Martini even agreed to learn and rehearse a Chinese song, which thrilled the audience when it was performed as a surprise. After Guests finished dinner at the event, the stage was revealed and Pink Martini played a 75-minute set which soon had guests up and dancing along with several professional dance couples in costume who had been brought in for the evening. Pink Martini's Chinese song brought applause from the audience and their dance-oriented renditions songs like Brasil and Dancez-Vous kept them cheering for encores. The evening ended with a pink champagne VIP meet & greet with the band backstage with the client's managing directors and top customers. For this engagement Empire worked closely with the production company to contract the talent, manage visas and work permits, travel, hotel & ground transportation logistics, production and creative details.

Empire is a leading provider of headline entertainment to production company partners throughout the world. Through its relationships with these companies and Empire's own Asia and Latin America divisions, Empire is able to offer world-class production & entertainment services whether the venue is in Hong Kong, China or elsewhere.

FilmAid International is an extraordinary not for profit organization founded by producer Caroline Baron that partners with Hollywood studio and sponsors to provide motion picture entertainment in refugee camps around the world. For their first ever gala event, FilmAid selected Empire Entertainment to serve as production company. The gala event was held at the Time Warner Cafe in New York City and was attended by over 600 guests. The event commenced a VIP Screening of "God Grew Tired of Us" followed by a panel discussion with Dan Harris. Afterwards guests moved into a cocktails / hors d'oeuvres reception for which Perrier Jouet and Dewars were champagne and liquor sponsors.

Up next was a brief speaking program with remarks by Caroline Baron and the evening's two honorees, Tribeca Films founder Jane Rosenthal and Ambassador Richard Holbrooke.The high-point of the evening was a 20-minute, solo acoustic concert performance by legendary musician Elvis Costello who performed hits including "Allison" and "What's So Funny 'Bout Peace, Love & Understanding?" The event was attended by many celebrities including Ed Burns & Christy Turlington, Danny Glover, Julia Ormond, Matt Dillon and more.For this highly successful, first-time fundraiser Empire provided all production including the Elvis Costello concert, stage management, logistics and coordination and goody bags / in kind andsponsorship solicitation, arranging for sponsorship / donations from HBO, Dewars, Perrier Jouet, Dylan's Candy Bar, Time Out Magazine, Shu Uemura, Judith Ripka, Leading Hotels of the World and others.

Empire is proud to support the efforts of FilmAid International. More information about the charity and information on how to make donations is available at http://www.filmaid.org/

When an important, international charitable organization focused on raising money for education in India needed help, they turned to Empire Entertainment. Pratham USA's Tri State chapter raised over $750,000 during their Annual Gala event attended by over 700 people at New York's Marriott Marquis, Times Square. Pratham is a grassroots non-profit organization that serves over 200,000 children daily in nearly 5,000 underprivileged areas in over 50 cities and 14 states throughout India. The Gala began with a cocktail hour where guests mingled with each other, sipped drinks and indulged in savory Indian appetizers while sizing up the fabulous silent auction items ranging from original Indian artwork to jewelry and even professional photography and spa packages.

Pratham Leadership Sameer Mittal , Sheila Hooda and Anil Shah welcomed the guests followed by the Gala Chairs Drs Leena and Nitin Doshi of Diagnostic Imaging Group who lit the lamp to begin the event in an auspicious Diwali flavor. Emceed by Sreenath Srinivasan, Dean of Students at Columbia Journalism School, the attendees were treated to an electrifying East-West fusion musical performance by the known band Aakruti. The festive event of Diwali added the perfect touch of celebrations to the mood of the attendees. While many got the opportunity to meet their favorite Indian personalities including actor Kal Penn, actress Sarita Choudhury, supermodel Ujwala Raut singer Asha Puthli, socialite Meera Gandhi, Olympian Chetan Baboor, and UN Under-Secretary-General Shashi Tharoor - all sympathetic to organization's goal— to have all the nation's children in school and learning well by 2010.The celebrities demonstrated their commitment to the cause by driving the pledge drive. Socialite Meera Gandhi touched the minds of many with her captivating words as she stressed on the importance of education, "When you educate a child, you're transforming not just one person, but generations to come". Choudhury and Raut, both mothers themselves, expressed how lucky they felt that their children have access to stellar New York City educations and said they wished that the children of their homeland would have the same.

For this major fund-raising event within the New York Indian business and social community, Empire provided all celebrity solicitation, consulting on the overall design and flow of the event and onsite stage management of the program and performances.

Empire is a leading producer of international fundraising events and is an important service provider to India-based businesses and organizations both in the United States and in India.