Playworks celebrated their third annual New York Get in the Game Gala, recognizing Most Valuable Principal, Sandra D’Avilar of Brooklyn’s PS 9, and Most Inspiring Leader, Dr. Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, President Emerita of the Robert Wood Foundation.

This school year, the acclaimed nonprofit Playworks has provided safe, healthy and inclusive play for more than 65,000 girls and boys in 110 schools across New York and New Jersey. This is just the first stop on their road to reach 200,000 kids here in our region by 2020 with safe and healthy play to reduce bullying, increase physical activity, improve learning, and promote social and emotional skills.

The evening featured remarks from Executive Director of Playworks, Kim McCall, Founder and CEO Jill Vialet, a live auction led by Pat Tully, entertainment from international recording artist ELEW, recess games, a friendly ping pong and basketball tournament, plus food and drink. Funds raised support the expanding efforts of Playworks to bring the power of play to every girl and boy in New York and beyond.

To help make this event a success, Empire produced the fundraiser at the elegant Tribeca Rooftop venue where we transported guests from the ballroom to the playground on the transformed rooftop space. Attendees enjoyed stunning Manhattan views and experienced play through sophisticated and immersive activations of traditional recess games like Four Square and Switch, along with life-sized installations of Scrabble, Jenga, and Connect 4.

Working closely with Playworks, Empire served as the event producer, managing elements including venue, décor, technical production, and performing talent. Empire is a leading producer of fundraising events and we are honored that Playworks continues to work with us to produce successful events.

To support or learn more about Playworks, please visit www.playworks.org

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Empire has been producing The Webby Awards since 2005, and this year was one of the best yet.

Empire secured comedian and actor Joel McHale to host the 21st annual Webbys and his opening monologue set the tone for the evening: irreverent, hilarious, and at times, poignant. He also reminded winners of the show’s unique “five words or less” acceptance speech rule, warning them that if they were to speak more than five words, “we use the same security as United Airlines”.

As always, the Webbys honored a variety of the internet’s best. Winners included Artist of the Year, Solange, Best Actress, Gillian Anderson (presented her award by her X-Files co-star David Duchovny), and Best Actor, Steve Buscemi, who received his trophy from comedian and actor Louis C.K.

Other winners and presenters included political commentator, Van Jones, multi-Grammy Award-winning rap musician, Residenté, The Women’s March Co-Chairs Carmen Perez, Linda Sarsour, and Bob Bland, New York Times Crossword Puzzle Editor, Will Shortz, and YouTube Creators for Change ambassadors, Franchesca Ramsey, Amani Al-Khatahtbeh, and Humza Arshad.

The event was once again held at Cipriani Wall Street and featured a colorful and exciting set design created by David Korins, the Tony-nominated scenic designer of Broadway’s “Hamilton” and “War Paint”.  After a standing ovation for the Founders of the Women’s March ended the show on a high note, attendees enjoyed a fantastic afterparty at Highline Ballroom, where Empire presented Questlove to spin and keep the dance floor packed.

Empire is honored to have worked with The Webby Awards for 13 consecutive years. The 21^st Annual Webby Awards are now available to watch online here.

Now in its 9th year, the Shorty Awards continue to honor the best influencers, celebrities, brands, and agencies on social media across Snapchat, Periscope, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and other platforms. In order to keep up with the competition’s growth, the Shorty Awards upgraded to the PlayStation Theater in the heart of Times Square in New York City for the ceremony.

Nearly 800 influencers, brands, agencies, and guests packed the theater for the ceremony, which featured a cocktail reception, a seated dinner, and an afterparty at Refinery Rooftop. The staged event streamed live on YouTube to over 60,000 viewers internationally, as fans all over the globe tuned in to watch their favorite social media stars.

Tony Hale (Arrested Development and Veep) hosted the show and kept the audience entertained while presenters including Casey Neistat, Bill Nye (The Science Guy!), Skai Jackson, Kaitlyn Bristowe, Kelsey Darragh, and Shay Mitchell gave out the awards. Mitchell and Nye even won their own categories of Best Actress and Best in STEM, respectively.

This was the most competitive show to date, as over 5 million votes poured in from fans allover the world, a record for participation. Winners of the signature Whale-Tail Trophy included Gaten Matarrazo, Doug the Pug, Gigi Gorgeous, Chrissy Teigen, BTS, Mara Wilson, and many more! Karlie Kloss was the esteemed recipient of the inaugural Shorty Phenom Award for Kode with Klossy, a summer camp where she works to inspire young girls across America to pursue their interest in computer sciences.

Rising star and R&B/hip-hop artist Lizzo amazed the crowd with energetic performances of her songs “Scuse Me,” “Phone”, and “Good as Hell.”  

We’re proud to partner with The Shorty Awards for our third year and we wish a huge congratulations to all the winners this year!

Watch the Shorty Awards Here

​Empire was proud to once again serve as the producer of the TIME 100 Gala, which took place at the Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center. Each year, TIME publishes the TIME 100: a list of the most influential people in the world. To celebrate this highly anticipated release, TIME hosts an exclusive gala event in New York City attended by current and past TIME 100 honorees. With its extraordinary mix of world leaders, innovators, and celebrities, the TIME 100 Gala is globally recognized as one of the most prestigious annual events.

As in past years, the 2017 TIME 100 was attended by a who’s who of global icons from industry, culture, sports, fashion, and politics.

Participants and performers at this year’s Gala included John Legend, Demi Lovato, Viola Davis, Ava DuVernay, Raed Al-Saleh, Bernard J. Tyson, and George Church as well as Time Inc. President & CEO, Rich Battista, TIME Editor-In-Chief, Nancy Gibbs, and Time Inc. Senior Vice President of News, Luxury and Style, Meredith Long.

Among the notable attendees this year were Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Margot Robbie, Trevor Noah, RuPaul, Samantha Bee, Ashley Graham, Leslie Jones, Megyn Kelly, Katie Couric, Rebekah and Robert Mercer, Lindsey Vonn, Tom Perez, and Naomi Campbell.

The gala featured an extensive red carpet on two floors, an elegant cocktail reception over which was flown a ‘photo chandelier’ of TIME 100 honorees, a seated dinner and program that combined remarks, musical performances, toasts by some of the evening’s honorees, and an afterparty with DJ Mick. This year’s gala event was sponsored by Citi, Johnnie Walker, and Aston Martin.  

As one of the world’s most high-stature events, the TIME 100 draws extensive global media coverage which this year included NBC’s Today Show, CBS This Morning, FOX, Entertainment Tonight, E! News, and Access Hollywood. Additionally, the TIME 100 generates extraordinary digital reach through TIME.com, online bloggers and social media from the attendees themselves.

With the world watching through such extensive coverage, the production of the TIME 100 requires the highest caliber of precision planning and flawless execution. Empire was proud to work closely with the TIME team to once again deliver a flawless and extraordinary evening.

Empire’s responsibilities included event design, talent booking and coordination, staging and technical production, venue and catering logistics coordination (catering provided by Great Performances), broadcast facilities, stage management, staffing, front of house logistics, security and sponsorship activations.

Empire is proud to continue our eight-year history with the TIME 100.  

At the southern end of the Japanese Alps, 1,400 meters above sea level, lays Achi Village, also known by the Ministry of Environment, “the best place in Japan to see the stars".

Beginning in 2012, the “Sky Night Park Tour” was created. Bringing in a total of 100,000 people, visitors ride a gondola lift where they can enjoy activities that mix the beauty of the stars with the allure of science and technology. Empire Japan teamed up with a visual artist and enra’s very own creative director, Nobuyuki Hanabusa, and produced this year's tour.

Using the existing gondola lift the visual artist created a spacestation-like atmosphere. With his visual and audio creativity the tour took spectators on a 15-minute journey through the infinite universe. Beyond mere production of computer graphics, Mr. Hanabusa, with support of Empire, created anew “Sky Night Park Tour”.

The 2017 DEEP SPACE TOUR will be from April 15 to October 21. During this period, Empire Artist super group enra will also be performing a special program for this engagement.

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For the first time ever, all five networks comprising AMC Networks – AMC, BBC America, IFC, Sundance and WEtv – came together to present a single upfront under the umbrella of AMCN. This year’s ambitious event featured a multi-room staged experience and a star-studded dinner for over 600 VIP guests.  

Upon arriving at Skylight Clarkson North, guests were immediately transported into the world of AMCN. An elegant arrival hall featuring key art of programming across all five networks led guests into the smart and sophisticated cocktail reception. Guests enjoyed savory hors d’oeuvres and prosecco until Scott Collins, President of AMC Networks Ad Sales, delivered welcome remarks and revealed the dinner.

On cue, drapes pulled open to reveal a massive, elegant dining room to the awestruck guests. Two giant, towering high resolution LED video walls, each 64’ in length, flanked the room, and a sea of tables sparkled custom-designed centerpieces of bell glass-enclosed lights. While dining on the gazpacho and mini lobster roll amuse bouche, provided by Abigail Kirsch, President & GM of AMC, and SundanceTV's Charlie Collier spoke about the upcoming programming on both networks while visual content adapted to the unique screens illustrated each point in perfect synchronization. Collier called Walking Dead star Norman Reedus to stage to time how long he could speak without mentioning the show (about 12 minutes).  

After Collier’s remarks he welcomed Sarah Barnett, President & GM of BBC America, to the stage where she shared breathtaking, immersive footage from Planet Earth 2 and other exciting news. Collins then returned towel come with fanfare nearly 60 of the stars from across all AMC Networks, who made their way into the room and joined the guests at each table. Among others, Pierce Brosnan, Amanda Peet, Hank Azaria, Elijah Wood, Steve Buscemi, Carrie Brownstein, Norman Reedus, Kendra Wilkinson, Fred Armisen, and Mama June dined with guests and rotated tables between courses.

Following dinner, Marc Juris, President & GM of WEtv, and Jen Caserta, President & GM of IFC, both shared news about their respective networks’ upcoming slate and announced new partnerships and acquisitions. Collins then welcomed guests to yet another revealed space, the afterparty lounge, where guests took photos with their favorite AMCN celebs. Throughout the afterparty, guests enjoyed cocktails mixed with theatrical flair, danced to music spun by DJ Jon Black, and shared photos taken on a social media green screen photo booth where they dressed in AMC Networks programming-inspired costumes, like servers at Los Pollos Hermanos with talent like Romeo Miller.

MediaVillage journalist Simon Applebaum wrote of the event, “While other cable-distributed channels dropped out of the 2017 New York Upfront scene, AMC … bounced back with yet another unforgettable presentation.This time, however, AMC was joined by the other networks in its fold – IFC, BBCAmerica, SundanceTV and WEtv… To quote a Broadway song classic, ‘some enchanted evening.’ High-quality in all the key aspects, and kudos to all the talent for letting attendees get to know them.”

Empire was proud to continue our long-term partnership with AMC Networks and serve as overall event producer, provide concept, design, technical production, décor, and execution of all aspects of this very special upfront event.

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Empire produced the Lowline’s 2nd-ever Underground Garden Party to celebrate the closing of the Lowline Lab in the Lower East Side. The Lowline Lab is a one-of-a-kind testing space for the Lowline’s technology and vision. Since opening in October 2015, the lab welcomed over 100,000 visitors from across New York City and from around the world and numerous to preview the Lowline protoype as well as its numerous the organization’s research, community outreach, and cultural programmings. The Lowline Lab opened its doors one last time, after being open for a year-and-a-half, to welcome guests to commemorate the Lowline’s accomplishments and the future of the project.

As guests entered a lush green entranceway they were welcomed to vines, branches, bromeliad plants, and handmade kokodama balls suspended from the ceiling, artfully installed by the talented John Mini Landscaping team. Guests enjoyed wine and cocktails sponsored by Reyka Vodka and Palm Bay Wines, and hors d’oeuvres made by Pinch Catering Designs. Under the overhead solar canopy and throughout the space, dancers, including the talented Mirror Man contortionist, presented by Vance Garrett Productions mingled with guests.

Another design element of the evening included an LED lighting tube installation along the walls, suspended from the hanging greenery, and on tabletops to create a dramatic lighting statement highlighting the Lowline’s fusion of technology and vision for an underground oasis. Following cocktails, a seated dinner inspired by the Lowline’s edible plants was served. The fun menu designed by Pinch included an Underground Tin Garden featuring fresh sushi tuna, beets, and micro greens sponsored by Gotham Green that guests were invited to trim themselves. For their main course, guests enjoyed an elegant Radiant Cod dish using roasted root vegetables and trout roe.

The program featured speeches by Lowline co-founders Dan Barasch and James Ramsey, and Padma Lakshmi, who presented the evening’s honoree, Jolie Hunt, CEO of Hunt & Gather and Lowline Board Member. Jolie Hunt later took a moment to recognize the current Young Ambassadors of the Lowline Young Ambassadors Program—an innovative, 6-month long program that seeks to enhance youth education surrounding science, technology engineering, arts, and math (STEAM), as well as provide communication and leadership skills. To end the dinner portion of the event, Jolie Hunt led the evening’s pledge moment to raise funds to support the future of the Lowline.

Immediately after the stage program, Pinch presented guests with gourmet ice cream cones for a sweet segue to the afterparty using innovative ice cream flavors provided by experimental ice cream shop based in NYC, Ice + Vice. To continue the celebration, DJ ?uestlove took to the stage spinning for an additional 150 guests who joined in the festivities. Empire is honored to serve as the Lowline’s event producers since 2013 and proud to support the creation of the world’s first underground park.

To learn more about the Lowline, visit http://thelowline.org/

Target partnered with Empire to produce their Financial Community Meeting – an annual presentation to analysts and media where Target reported on their 2016 earnings and shared an overview of plans for the future.

Attendees were greeted with breakfast before being seated for opening remarks by John Hulbert, Target VP of Investor Relations. The first portion of the presentation featured CEO, Brian Cornell, COO John Mulligan, and CFO Cathy Smith, focusing on investments in the business for the long-term. These include the enhancement of digital and in-store experiences alongside the evolution of stores and supply chains, and the introduction of new exclusive brands across the apparel and home departments.

For the second portion of the presentation, Michael E. McNamara (EVP, Chief Information and Digital Officer), and Mark Tritton (EVP and Chief Merchandising Officer), joined the other executives onstage to field questions from the audience. Guests then proceeded downstairs for a luncheon and the opportunity to network with the Target leadership team.  

Following the stage program, Target conducted a separate Q&A for the media. CNBC was also onsite for an exclusive interview with CEO Brian Cornell.

The brand messaging and aesthetic were most prominent in the custom stage backdrop accompanied by sleek, white theater seating in the Main Ballroom.  

Empire is proud to collaborate with Target, a Fortune 50 company, to create and execute this top-tier business communication event.

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For the sixth 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 Marc Benioff, Chairman and CEO of Salesforce, a pioneer of cloud computing and creator of the 1-1-1 model of philanthropy which leverages its resources to improve communities around the world. The evening was co-hosted by Ron Conway, Laurene Powell-Jobs, Sir Richard Branson, Van Jones, Lyn and Norman Lear, Ken Hertz, and Polo Molina.

The i.am.angel Foundation supports charitable activities and educational programs providing college scholarships (i.am scholarship), college preparation (i.am College Track), and opportunities in STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math)—all part of will.i.am’s commitment to TRANS4M-ing his hometown neighborhood of Boyle Heights in East Los Angeles.

More than 350 supporters gathered at will.i.am’s studio and headquarters known as “The Future” for an intimate evening that showcased the Foundation’s programs and students. i.am.angel Foundation donors enjoyed cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and musical surprises by the Printz Trio as they made their way through The Future’s space, engaging with students in a variety of demonstrations related to i.am.angel Foundation’s STEAM programming.

After cocktails, guests made their way to Milk Studios, 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 included heartwarming student testimonials, an education and philanthropy conversation between will.i.am and Marc Benioff, and a guest appearance by the Mayor of Los Angeles, Eric Garcetti. As the evening progressed, auctioneer Abra Annes took the stage and led guests to bid on VIP experiences that ranged from a safari at Richard Branson’s Mahali Mzuri Lodge in Kenya to meeting Chris Rock at The Total Blackout Tour.

The evening finished with a high-energy performance by The Original Black Eyed Peas and afterparty beats provided by DJ Ali Shaheed.

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 iamangelfoundation.org

Every year, salesforce.com brings together businesses and technology leaders who are focused on opportunities in cloud-based and mobile computing from Japan to Tokyo for two full days of sessions, expos, and events. Empire's Tokyo office recently produced the Japan edition of this leading technology event for the fourth year in a row.

Salesforce.com hosted over 10,000 attendees over the course of two days at the Prince Park Tower and Toranomon Hills Forum venues in Tokyo. Additionally, sessions were livestreamed to an audience of over 1.2 million.  

This year’s keynote speakers included Adam Blitzer and Chief Scientist Dr. Richard Socher, with special performances by the Yoshida Brothers (a world famous Shamisen duo). There was also a special session on day one, which featured four-time Olympic Gold Medalist Kaori Yoshid and her Olympic coach, Kazuhito Sakae. The second day featured a special session in which Japanese major league baseball player, Norichika Aoki, was invited to talk with Shinichi Koide, Salesforce Japan’s CEO.  

This year’s exhibition hall was completely redesigned and rebranded, representing a substantial evolution from the prior year and a new experience for the audience. The Toranomon Hills Forum, the hub for developer experts, was also redesigned and rebranded as a Developer Forest.

Empire’s Tokyo-based Asia division was responsible for all event design, production, and management, including technical production and coordination.

Empire is a leading producer of global conferences and events in the Asian region and serves as the partner of choice for some of the world’s most sophisticated technology companies to produce their premier business events.

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