Co-founded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Project Everyone, the Goalkeepers event takes place during the annual United Nations General Assembly in New York City and brings together Heads of State and international Sustainable Development Goals “Goalkeepers” (those spearheading various missions in their local communities). Among other themes, this year’s Goalkeepers focused on the challenge of fighting global inequality.

Kicking off the two-day event, the 2022 Goalkeepers Global Goals Awards were presented at the Frederick P. Rose Hall at Jazz at Lincoln Center on September 20, 2022. The Awards program opened with a spoken word performance by George the Poet accompanied on harp by Brandi Younger.

Host Tumelo Mothotoane kept the program flowing as global change-makers were honored for their work. Award winners included climate justice activist, Vanessa Nakate, Child Health Rights advocate, Radhika Batra, Afghan journalist, Zahra Joya, and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, who was honored for bringing together leaders to discuss pandemic preparedness, especially in the wake of COVID-19.

Award presenters included Bill Gates, Melinda French Gates, Pakistani activist, Malala Yousafzai, Canadian YouTuber, Lilly Singh, and actress and humanitarian, Angelina Jolie.

After the Goalkeepers Awards program, guests entered the Atrium space overlooking Central Park to enjoy cocktails and custom food bars. Guests interacted with a GIF booth featuring a bespoke GK lettering as a backdrop to their festive photos, while enjoying the vibe set by DJ Amira and Kayla.

The next morning, over 400 guests were welcomed back to the main Goalkeepers event hosted by Nigerian media personality, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, with a stunning choral performance by The Harlem Gospel Choir, performing their rendition of Pharrell’s “Happy” alongside screen content by renowned Treatment Studios.

After the opening, programming began with keynote remarks by Barbados Prime Minister, Mia Motley, and Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, followed by a seated conversation with both Prime Ministers along with Bill & Melinda Gates. Bill and Melinda also had a second Head of State conversation later in the day with Nigerian President, Mohamed Bazoum.

Throughout the day, other speakers delivered impactful messages. This included Vice President Marketing East Africa, Catherine Mudachi, South African Physician, Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng, author, Helena Andrews-Dyer, and Nigerian writer, Chiamamanda Ngozi Adichie (all in conversation with Melinda French Gates discussing women’s power). Additional speakers included NASA Scientist, Dr. Cynthia Rosenzweig, Professor Lindiwe Majele Sibanda, and chef, Pierre Thiam (in conversation with Bill Gates discussing ways to feed the world, as well as writer, Renée DiResta, and journalist, Govindraj Ethiraj (in conversation with Bill Gates and Kal Penn about misinformation). There was also a powerful conversation between Sierra Leonean Mayor, Yvonne Aki-Sawyer, Dr. Kealoha Fox, Satta F. Sheriff, Mikaela Loach, Sukhmeet Singh Sachal, and Prajakta Koli.

Session moderators included British television presenter, June Sarpong (Heads of State sessions), African agriculture and nutrition expert, Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli (Bill Gates’ food security session), actor, author, academic lecturer, Kal Penn (Bill Gates’ misinformation session), correspondent, Zinhle Essamuah (Goalkeepers Community Session), and Kenyan media personality, Janet Mbugua (Melinda French Gates session).

This year, there were performances by various artistic groups, including the Harlem Gospel Choir, the Syncopated Ladies, and a ballerina duo during the Women’s Power session.

Between and after content sessions and as breakfast, coffee breaks, and lunch were enjoyed, guests were invited to experience activations in the Atrium including the “Goalkeeper’s Library”, where the titles from the Goalkeepers community were available for the guests to take. After lunch, the guests networked and socialized to DJ Kayla and Amira’s beats.

Empire was proud to work again with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Project Everyone, and many other partners to present Goalkeepers 2022.

To learn more about the Goalkeepers event, please visit: https://www.gatesfoundation.org/goalkeepers/

Additional information about the Sustainable Development Goals can be found here: https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/?menu=1300

Empire was honored to work with Jerusalem Venture Partners, JVP, to launch the CyberTech hub at Margalit Startup City in SoHo, New York City. This high profile event, co-hosted by JVP Founder, Erel Margalit, and Gwyneth Paltrow, was one of the last, large in-person events to take place before the pandemic.

Since that launch, the JVP CyberTech hub successfully helped to identify, incubate, fund, and scale a host of innovative startup companies in various technology verticals.

Based on this success, JVP expanded its successful model to capitalize on the rise of the Climate Tech sector, and turned again to Empire to help them launch their new ClimateTech Hub with an all-day conference and an evening launch event and afterparty during UN Climate Week in September, 2022.

The daytime conference began with an Israeli networking breakfast and an opening session featuring welcome remarks from Dr. Erel Margalit, Chairman and Founding Partner of JVP, along with JVP Partners Yoav Tzruya, Fiona Darmon, Gadi Porat, Sara Thomas, Marge Breya, Rinat Remler, Shimrit Kenig, and Ilan Ron. A series of main stage sessions and company presentations took place throughout the duration of the day and were livestreamed as a hybrid event.

In the evening, a ribbon cutting ceremony took place at the doors of the Margalit Startup City to commemorate the formal launch of the Climate Tech Hub. The Ribbon cutting took place on a green carpet on which a branded MINI Cooper V-vehicle was parked. Over 400 guests enjoyed cocktails before the evening stage program and toast featuring Dr. Erel Margalit, Moshe Lion the Mayor of Jerusalem, Mike Peyton, Vice President of MINI of Americas, Lisa Lambert, Chief Technology & Innovation Officer of National Grid, and Satya Tripathi, Secretary General of the Global Alliance for a Sustainable Planet. Following an onstage toast moment, the event transitioned into a party with cocktails, passed hors d’oeuvres, and dancing!

Empire’s scope of work included overall project and production management, microsite design & development, technical production, permitting, venue management, programming, development, and creative design.

Empire is proud to have worked with JVP to produce their Climate Tech Launch.

To learn more visit https://www.jvpvc.com/press-releases/jvp-mini-urban-x-city-new-york-partner-launch-international-climate-tech-center-margalit-startup-city-nyc/

Empire was proud to produce the first-ever North American Greentech Festival at The Shed in Hudson Yards, New York City.

GREENTECH SHOW, a Berlin-based group, brought their green sustainability and technology innovation summit to life over two programmed-filled days in the McCourt Theater at Hudson Yards’ renowned The Shed, attended by more than 1,000 visitors.

Night one featured a black tie-optional gala hosted by Louise Houghton with a seated program of awards, dynamic video screen content, a climate change awareness visit from Frankie the Dinosaur, speeches, musical performances, and a cocktail party for over 300 guests featuring DJ Kim Kong. Attendees fêted special prize-winner Carlo Ratti, Director of MIT’s Senseable City Lab, Mobility prize-winner ZeroAvia, and Community-winner, Clean Energy Leadership Institute. Additionally, there was an onstage appearance by Frankie the Dinosaur whose viral video (voiced by actor Jack Black) warns of extinction, and a riveting musical performance by Davie. Day two’s festival-style conference saw over 600 unique visitors for a series of keynote remarks, panels, fireside chats, and bootcamps both on site and at the United Nations, as well as a “Investors Gourmet” networking lunch designed to connect startups and venture capitalists. Speakers included Marco Voigt and Sven Kruger, Co-Founders of GREENTECH FESTIVAL, as well as Christopher Michelbacher of Audi, and Jenny Bofinger-Schuster of Siemens.

Throughout both days, attendees toured multiple sponsor activations from various industries including an Audi electric car, a prototype flying car created by LEO Flight, Parley for the Oceans’ sustainable clothing line, and multiple other sustainably-focused startups. In addition to hosting a “Building Sustainable Communities” breakout session, partner Siemens had numerous executives participate in on-stage panels. Additional sponsors onsite included Pave Motors, Natch Natural Toothpaste Tabs, Green Future Project, Fraîche, Civilized Cycles, and Hevo.

Empire served as the overall event producer, coordinating all logistics, technical production, sponsor management, and creative design and execution. The first-ever US GREENTECH FESTIVAL was a great success and a tremendous lead up for the October 2022 GREENTECH FESTIVAL London event, also produced by Empire.

To learn more, please visit https://newyork.greentechfestival.com

Red Bull recently called on Empire to design an experience to help launch their latest drink, “THE BLUE EDITION” Ocean Blast, during the summer heat of Japan.

A refreshing lychee-flavored energy drink with a summery feel, the launch experience was produced at one of Tokyo’s newest and most popular clubs, BAIA. Empire transformed the venue, drenching it in blue and combining both real and digital elements including sand, trees, and animated waves and fireworks, allowing guests to be transported into this BLUE EDITION world.

Empire, handling all aspects of production, design, construction, and operations, is proud to work with Red Bull once again.

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The Roger Dubuis and Hajime Sorayama collaboration event held in Omotesando, Tokyo, was a spectacular and memorable occasion that showcased the fusion of art, innovation, and luxury craftsmanship. The event attracted a select audience of watch enthusiasts, journalists, and notable individuals.

The event was dedicated to celebrating the creative partnership between Swiss luxury watchmaker Roger Dubuis and renowned Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama. Sorayama is widely acclaimed for his distinctive style, which blends elements of retro-futurism and the robotic with a touch of sensuality. This collaboration aimed to combine Sorayama's artistic vision with Roger Dubuis' exceptional watchmaking expertise.

The event kicked off with an exclusive press conference attended by 40 journalists. During the press conference, a captivating presentation showcased the Roger Dubuis timepieces born from this collaboration. Hajime Sorayama himself took the stage to share his creative vision, inspirations, and the unique story behind the creation of the watch collection. He elaborated on how he integrated his artistry into the design and concept of the watches, offering insights into the fusion of mechanical precision and artistic expression.

After the press conference, a private party was held, graced by the presence of Japanese influencers and notables from the world of fashion, art, and entertainment. This exclusive gathering provided the opportunity to appreciate the watch collection up close, engage in meaningful conversations, and celebrate the success of the collaboration in a convivial atmosphere. The event's elegant ambiance was enhanced by artistic displays and interactive installations inspired by Sorayama's unique style.

Empire Entertainment Japan provided an enormous scope of work for this event including venue search, contracts and negotiations, decor, AV, sound and lighting, casting for DJ and entertainment, catering, and logistics.

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For the first time in three years, Interstate Waste Services brought their reception back to Las Vegas—this time treating over 900 partners, clients, and guests to an evening event at the XS Nightclub in Wynn Las Vegas.

Guests enjoyed the spring weather outdoors with drinks, bites, and seafood based on a classic Italian menu, while listening to classic covers performed by the Christina Amato Band and sets by the XS Nightclub’s DJ. Guests were also entertained by sleight-of-hand magicians and had the opportunity to sample cigars.

By activating a deck with lounge furniture and highboys over the famed XS pool, guests were immersed in the outdoor space, experiencing 360-views including the Vegas nighttime sky, Wynn/Encore hotels, and lavish interior of XS. With lines of eager attendees throughout the evening, there was no better place to celebrate and end the experience at Waste Expo 2022!

​Empire was proud to partner with the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) once again, this time to produce their Connection 2022 staff retreat at the Hilton in Atlanta, Georgia and online.

The hybrid event convened approximately 600 in-person and 250+ virtual attendees from across the globe. For those opting to attend in person, it also marked EDF’s first staff retreat physically together again since before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Early arrivals and leadership meetings were held over the course of two days prior to the official start of the retreat. By day three, a robust program of plenaries, breakouts, concurrent meetings/workshops, and EDF social events were in full swing.

Highlights included all-staff and team meetings; a fireside chat and Q&A with EDF President, Fred Krupp, and Executive Director, Amanda Leland; a dinner keynote with bestselling business author and EDF 2020 Staff Retreat speaker, Dan Heath; the EDF Staff Awards Ceremony; Q&A breakouts on the topic of global operations; karaoke; a dance party; and much more.

Applicable meeting rooms at the Atlanta Hilton were equipped with technology and meeting operators to enable and facilitate interactivity between in-room and online participants so that sessions were inclusive and engaged everyone attending in real time.

All sessions were made available on the event website/app developed for Connection 2022, allowing virtual attendees to join live, watch session recordings on demand at a later time, and schedule 1:1 meetings with others. Similarly, in-person attendees utilized the app and website to reference the agenda, schedule meetings, and watch sessions on demand that they missed.

Empire worked closely with EDF to deliver this incredible retreat for all their employees. Empire’s scope of work included overall project management, consulting on run-of-show development and technical production, speaker advancement, Cvent event website/app development and design, stage scenic design, environmental wayfinding design, stage management, Covid-19 safety protocol management, and overall logistics.

Empire is honored to have worked with EDF to create a truly memorable staff retreat. To learn more about the Environmental Defense Fund and to support their mission visit: https://www.edf.org/

After 10 years in the making, the first-ever list of North America’s 50 Best Bars, sponsored by Perrier, was debuted on June 7th, 2022. Empire was proud to partner with 50 Best to produce this inaugural event, live at New York City’s iconic venue, Capitale.

More than 600 cocktail aficionados from across the continent came to New York City for the event, which counted down the 50 finest drinking destinations from Canada, US, Mexico, and the Caribbean, judged by the leading experts in the North American Bar community.

Guests arrived in style to a red carpet and step and repeat, and the bar nominees were given signature red scarves to wear throughout the evening. There were 17 various sponsor activation bars, each serving 3 or 4 signature cocktails made by the finest bartenders showcasing their craft.

From Perrier, Naked Malt, Torres, Altos, Matusalem, Michters, Remy Martin to Asahi, Roku, Nikka, Scappys and Campari to name a few, it was a cocktail heartland for beautifully crafted libations. DJ Leni kept the party going all night with the hottest beats so guests could party the night away.

Then the ceremony, the moment everyone had been waiting for, began. Hosted by emcee Ms. Franky Marshall, an New York City Bar legend, she took us from No. 50 down to No. 1 fiercely and elegantly, also announcing some very special awards in between. It was New York City’s own Attaboy (@attaboy134) which took the No. 1 spot. Nestled in the Lower East behind an unmarked door, this small but mighty boxcar bar known for their Prohibition-era cocktails won the coveted Best Bar in North America Award.

The entire ceremony was live streamed on 50 Best’s Facebook page and 50 Best Bars TV YouTube channel so viewers could witness the official list to the hottest bars on the continent.

Empire  worked very closely with 50 Best, Twist London, and other partners to deliver this remarkable night of celebration. Empire’s scope of work included overall management, screen content and graphics creation, technical design and management, livestream, sponsor fulfillment and activation, stage management, talent booking, and overall logistics.

Empire was incredibly proud to partner with 50 Best and bring the awards celebration for the first time to North America, shining a light on the best in hospitality.

To learn more about 50 Best Bars and their awards, visit https://www.worlds50bestbars.com/northamerica/ or 50 Best Bars TV YouTube channel to view the ceremony https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcfVWlNK-F5k3hnA3qLLrOg .​

The Summit of the Americas is an annual gathering of Western Hemisphere heads of state and government leaders to discuss common policy issues, affirm shared values, and commit to concerted actions to address challenges faced in the Americas.

The Ninth Annual Summit of the Americas, held in Los Angeles, hosted President Joseph Biden and many other leaders with a focus on “Building a Sustainable, Resilient, and Equitable Future” in the Western Hemisphere.

At this year’s Summit, the Global Methane Hub, a nonprofit that supports The Global Methane Pledge, hosted a side reception at the Grammy Museum Rooftop Terrace to bring together leaders from across the Americas to showcase collective efforts to accelerate methane mitigation towards meeting the Global Methane Pledge.

In addition to ministers and high-level officials from Argentina, Barbados, Canada, and Uruguay, the event featured keynote remarks by Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry, and California Governor, Gavin Newsom.

The reception was livestreamed and covered by global media facilitated by SKDK, a leading progressive communications and political consulting firm.

Empire was proud to support this important event.

To learn more about the Global Methane Pledge and the work of the Global Methane Hub, visit https://globalmethanehub.org

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​Empire was proud to partner with Outright Action International to produce their “Celebration of Courage Gala” at the Tribeca Rooftop in New York City.

Outright Action International works to combat the systemic violence, persecution, and discrimination that LGBTIQ people face around the world. Outright is the only global LGBTIQ organization with consultative status and a permanent presence at the United Nations Headquarters, where they advocate for human rights and equality for LGBTIQ people worldwide.

The gala hosted 380 guests and began with a rooftop cocktail reception overlooking the city and the Hudson River. The guests enjoyed drinks and passed hors d’oeuvres while listening to positive, queer-centric music via DJ Robi D Light.

Guests were then seated in the 12th-floor dining space, decorated in an elegant rainbow color palette. During dinner, the stage program recognized three distinguished honorees: Feminist Lesbian & Academic Activist, Gloria Careaga; Proctor & Gambles’s Senior Director of Global LGBTQ + Equality, Brent Miller; and Artist & Activist and Co-Founder of Pussy Riot, Nadya Tolokonnikova (who received her award remotely). Outright board members also participated in the stage program.

The evening also featured a live and silent auction where over $800,000 was raised! The night was capped by continuing the party on the rooftop, a suitable close to the festive evening.

Empire is honored to have worked with Outright Action International and its featured guests and honorees to create a truly memorable gala.

Empire looks forward to partnering with Outright for many years to come. To learn more about Outright Action International and to support their mission, visit https://outrightinternational.org