Jerusalem Venture Partners celebrated the Grand Opening of the International Cyber Center at 122 Grand St in SoHo, New York. The international venture capital firm partnered with NYC Economic Development Corp. to establish a state-of-the-art center to champion New York City as the next global cybersecurity capital.

Empire was proud to serve as overall producer for the Grand Opening celebration. Over the course of the evening, JVP welcomed hundreds of guests to view the modern center and interact with the 28 companies calling Margalit Startup City their home.

Dr. Erel Margalit, Chairman and Founding Partner of JVP and of Margalit Startup City, welcomed New York City Deputy Mayor of Housing and Economic Development, Vicki Been, a valued partner in the development of the Cyber Center, and James Patchett, President and CEO of NYCEDC, to remark on the ongoing relationship with JVP and the future of New York City as a global epicenter for cybersecurity development.

Academy Award-winner and Entrepreneur, Gwyneth Paltrow, joined Dr. Margalit onstage for a fireside chat to discuss the importance of the increasing role of women in tech, and the expansion of cyber security protect governments, small businesses, and individuals.

Due to the popularity of the grand opening ceremony, Empire activated the retail space next door and transformed the raw space into a glittering afterparty space filled with food from Breads Catering and Israeli DJ, Omri, for guests to enjoy the rest of the evening.

The newly renovated 122 Grand office space offered a modern palette for Empire’s creative design. The windows facing Broadway and Grand were branded with the Margalit Startup City logo to create an impressively imposing presence on the iconic New York City street.

Empire is a leading producer of high-end corporate and tech industry events and we were honored to work with JVP to help produce the successful grand opening of JVP International Cyber Center.

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For more than 40 years, Robb Report has consistently transported its global community to the most extraordinary destinations, experiences, and events. In late 2019, it more than lived up to that reputation by hosting an exceptional event: a special invitation-only gathering of the world’s largest megayachts in the Red Sea, for a celebration of food, music, and culture.

Robb Report created a luxury resort on a former Egyptian outpost in the Red Sea (Sindalah Island, now part of the NEOM economic zone) to host 400 guests from 38 countries over four days. Invitees ranged from business leaders and politicians to oceanographers, artists, and philanthropists. A program of unique discussions and experiences was unveiled, from open-air concerts featuring a line-up of Grammy Award-winning musical names, to exceptional culinary events with some of the world’s finest chefs.

Empire was thrilled to work with the Robb Report to contract and deliver performances by John Legend and Norah Jones for this exceptional event.

Michelin-starred British chef Jason Atherton hosted an exclusive pop-up restaurant, serving a seven-course tasting menu inspired by the local region, while Egyptian-American, Michelin-starred Michael Mina and Saudi chef Almaha Aldossari welcomed guests to their own relaxed Beach House dining experience.

From art masterclasses with Lucy Freud, daughter of artist Lucian Freud, to cultural excursions with local guides, plus numerous sporting opportunities from kite surfing to fishing, guests enjoyed four days of unparalleled luxury and adventure. Exploring one of the great diving locations, all were able to experience first-hand the stunning marine world of the Red Sea—which has some of the best-preserved coral reefs on the planet—whether by transparent kayak, snorkeling, or scuba diving.

A bespoke spa was also created by luxurious Swiss specialists Waldhaus Flims, which took care of those who just wanted to relax.

By bringing over 65 of the world’s largest superyachts to the region, Robb Report has created the most rarefied, annual marine event in the world: the best of the best on the ocean.

With the help of Empire, Hilton Midtown UJA Federation of New York recently hosted their Annual Wall Street Dinner at the Hilton Midtown in New York City for over 1,900 attendees.

This year’s dinner honored Vice-President and Co-Founder of BlackRock, Barbara Novick, the first woman to receive the Gustave L. Levy Award; Co-Chief Investment Officer and Head of Real Estate, of Angelo Gordon; and Adam R. Schwartz, who received the Alan C. Greenberg Young Leadership Award. The evening also featured remarks from Keynote speaker, Andrew Ross Sorkin, financial columnist at the New York Times, as well as Lloyd Blankfein, Dan Och, Suzanne Peck, David Moore, John Paulson, Michael Gordon, Stacy Bash-Polley, and Rob Kapito.

Upon arrival at the New York Hilton, guests were greeted by staff holding UJA-branded paddles, along with a giant LED wall featuring the evenings honorees and keynote speaker. Once passing through registration, guests entered their receptions, which showcased the UJA brand and impactful signage featuring their “Stand Up. Stand Together” campaign. Guests then made their way into the elegant Grand Ballroom banquet hall featuring an attention-grabbing branded Dais set up at the front of the room.

Following the stage program, guests proceeded to the afterparty, dancing to a live set by DJ Taela Noemi, experiencing unbelievable slight-of-hand magic by Doug McKenzie, and enjoying desserts in the transformed cocktail space. Dessert stations and candy bars lined the room while partygoers played VR games, competed in a card toss for exclusive prizes, and posed in the photo booth. This year’s Wall Street Dinner raised over $31 million to tackle many of the major challenges facing people in need in New York, in Israel, and worldwide. Empire was proud to work closely with the UJA Federation and Wall Street Division to deliver a lively and memorable evening.

To kick-off the opening night of Art Basel in Miami, Florida, Mastercard collaborated with Empire to bring Mastercard’s Taste of Priceless experience to life for Mastercard’s senior leadership, clients, and guests at the 1 Hotel South Beach. During the event, Mastercard presented the two original Taste of Priceless macaron flavors in the colors of Mastercard’s iconic interlocking circles that perfectly embody the key attributes of the company’s brand personality as well as its symbol. Conceived by Kreëmart, and crafted by Ladurée, the macaron flavors of Passion (red) represents the company’s energy and commitment to helping people get closer to the things that they love. And Optimism (yellow) signifies its confidence and efforts to making the world a better place. Together, they champion Mastercard brand’s platform to Start Something Priceless.

In addition to the flavorful brand expression, Empire continued to creatively present Mastercard’s multisensory identity into to a tangible “Priceless” experience for event guests through sound, touch, and sight with a custom-designed interactive video wall including Mastercard’s sonic brand and floral arrangement symbol.

Earlier this year, Mastercard removed its name from its logo, leaving only the iconic symbol of two overlapping circles; debuted a global sonic identity that’s being heard around the world; and reimagined its culinary strategy by opening its first permanent restaurant, Bistro by Mastercard, in the Rome International Airport, and its flagship restaurant, PRICELESS, with a pioneering, fully-immersive restaurants-in-residence model at Spring Studios, in New York City.

Prior to this event, Empire was proud to collaborate with Mastercard at The New York Times Food Festival by building out a custom-designed immersive experience where Mastercard featured the taste of Priceless. Festivalgoers were invited to look for Mastercard’s signature red and yellow colors onsite in Bryant Park and visit the Mastercard tent for a first taste of Passion and Optimism; Mastercard holders were also treated to additional “Priceless Surprises.”

Available first in New York City, Mastercard cardholders will soon be able to purchase the custom macarons on priceless.com with pickup available from Ladurée’s SoHo location. Additional pickup locations in the U.S. and internationally are slated for Q4 2019.

Created by Josh Littlejohn MBE, Co-Founder of the Scottish charity and sandwich shop Social Bite, the 2019 World’s Big Sleep Out campaign hosted over 50,000 people sleeping out on the same night in dozens of cities around the world to raise money and awareness about homelessness and internationally displaced people. Empire was thrilled to produce the New York flagship event featuring Will Smith in the heart of New York City, Times Square.

The event was run in partnership with the Institute for Global Homelessness (IGH), UNICEF USA, Malala Fund, Coalition for the Homeless, and Social Bite. This year’s Sleep Outs took place in iconic locations such as Times Square (New York) and Trafalgar Square (London), along with the major cities of Edinburgh, Dublin, New Delhi, Los Angeles, and many others.

Empire was proud to support the cause and produce the Sleep Out in Times Square, working closely with the Times Square Alliance, The Mayor’s Office of Citywide Events, SAPO, NYC Parks Department, NYPD, and many others who helped ensure the event’s success and safety. Hundreds of people slept in sleeping bags, generously donated by Modell’s Sporting Goods, across four Broadway plazas spanning from 43rd to 47th Streets, braving the below-freezing overnight temperatures.

To kick off the event, a live program featured performances by Broadway star Jeannette Bayardelle, local New York City buskers, pianist James Matthews, On Site Opera, The War & Treaty, and Jay Buchanan. Comedian Dulcé Sloan hosted the program and charity partners such as UNICEF USA, Breaking Ground, Coalition for the Homeless, and Ali Forney Center. Additionally, New York City Public Advocate, Jumaane Williams, and Manhattan Borough President, Gale Brewer, gave speeches in support of the Sleep Out.

The program ended with a bedtime story from award-winning actor Will Smith, who performed a rendition of the iconic “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” theme song.

On Sunday morning, participants arose from their sleeping bags at 5:30 AM with a sense of what it means to be homeless in New York City. The sleeping bags have since been donated to nonprofit organizations including Coalition for the Homeless, The Bowery Mission, and The Church of St. Francis Xavier.

Empire is a leading producer of nonprofit events and we are honored to have played an integral part of this campaign.

To support or learn more about The World’s Big Sleep Out, please visit: https://www.bigsleepout.com/

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Empire was proud to help Bvlgari Japan host the 4th BVLGARI AVRORA AWARDS, a high-profile gala event, in Tokyo. Launched in 2016, the annual awards are the culmination of a year-long program that focuses the spotlight on extraordinary Japanese women who shine in their fields and are an inspiration to women throughout Japan. Through a unique Recommender-Awardee engagement, an Awardee is nominated each month throughout the year and their story shared in a series of videos and articles. Their achievements are recognized and celebrated when they come together for a memorable evening that has become the highlight of Tokyo’s annual event calendar.

The 2019 BVLGARI AVRORA AWARDS was held at the Maihama Amphitheater in front of a large media contingent and audience of over 2,000. Awardees who walked the “Golden Carpet” included Marathon runner and Olympic Gold Medalist, Naoko Takahashi, actress Sonoya Mizuno, singer Ayaka Hirahara, actress Koyuki, and Seven Summit mountaineer, Marin Minamiya. They were congratulated by Bvlgari Global CEO, Jean-Christophe Babin, and numerous celebrities including Koki, Rola, Hikari Mori, Rila Fukushima, Mika Ahn, and Maggy. The AWARD presentations included powerful performances by singers Ayaka Hirahara and Crystal Kay.

Empire is honored to have produced the BVLGARI AVRORA AWARDS since its inception in 2016, and to be a part of fulfilling BVLGARI’s vision for this important movement. As the AWARDS continue to grow and evolve, we look forward to working together to further build their reach, recognition and impact.

Digest Video: https://vimeo.com/379715695

Medidata, the global leader in the digital transformation of life sciences and a Dassault Systèmes company, hosted their 14th Annual NEXT Conference at Spring Studios in New York City, welcoming more than 2,000 attendees.

Medidata NEXT, “Where Science Meets Technology Meets the Future,” is the premier conference in the field where like-minded professionals, developers, data scientists, researchers, executives, and Medidata product experts connect, learn, and inspire each other.

Medidata took over every available space at Spring Studios, filling the venue with multiple sessions about the hottest topics on precision medicine and new ways to develop new therapeutics. An “Innovation Lounge” was created where attendees could fill up their coffee, grab a bite to eat, and network among sponsors and colleagues. Custom-built product demos showcased Medidata’s current suite of solutions for biotech and pharmaceutical companies that enable them to bring new therapies to market more efficiently and effectively.

Composed of overlapping general sessions and six distinct breakout tracks, Empire was tasked with optimizing the space for both large and small audiences for various sessions. Among the solutions deployed was a production design that allowed for the general session space to be converted into two separate, fully-equipped breakout session spaces and back again multiple times over the course of two days. Accomplishing this technical engineering feat while ensuring flawless execution required detailed planning and advance technology design.

Empire and Medidata’s marketing and event teams worked together seamlessly to bring the Medidata brand to life across every inch of Spring Studios. Bold, expressive signage stretched across the exterior, interior walls, and a series of bright LED screens, presenting Medidata’s brand and projecting a visual identity that reinforced their position as the leading innovator and disruptor in Life Sciences.

Empire is proud to collaborate with Medidata on this annual, top-tier business event.

To learn more about Medidata NEXT and to view highlights of NEXT 2019, please visit: https://youtu.be/6dxYr9sd5cQ  

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Endeavor's annual Gala brought together 500 network members, including global entrepreneurs, top investors, and international industry leaders. Empire was proud to once again support this year’s gala to raise critical funds to support the high-impact entrepreneurship movement around the world.

The Gala  took place at Spring Studios in New York City's trendy Tribeca neighborhood. At cocktails, guests enjoyed hors d'oeuvres served on innovative hand-carried serving vessels by Pinch Food Design and a full bar featuring a selection of white, red, and sparkling wine provided by Bacchus Wine Fund.

After, guests made their way upstairs to a seated dinner in the massive, minimalist studios. The dinner program included keynote remarks by Endeavor Global Chairman, Edgar Bronfman Jr., and Co-Founder and CEO, Linda Rottenberg. Dan Schulman, President and CEO of PayPal, was presented with the High-Impact Leader of the Year award and participated in a fireside chat. New this year, The Linda’s, honoring Endeavor Entrepreneurs who most embody the Endeavor spirit of “dreaming crazy, scaling up, and paying it forward,” were announced and presented a custom award created by an artisan from Endeavor Entrepreneur company, Artemest.

After dinner, guests moved downstairs to the Gala afterparty High-Impact Night sponsored by Dell in the cocktail space, which had been transformed into an upscale lounge featuring music by Hannah Bronfman.

Empire and the Endeavor team collaborated closely to ensure that the organization’s mission was showcased at the Gala in addition to highlighting entrepreneurs in their network. This year the first-ever Endeavor Store was introduced, featuring products from Endeavor Entrepreneurs. A live plant lounge with hundreds of plants was powered by Endeavor Entrepreneur company, Bloomscape, adding an impactful décor element to the space. Guests experienced an interactive, live art activation as Italian artisan, Maria Giannini, from Endeavor Entrepreneur company, Artemest, created unique paper marbling alongside attendees. Guests could also share their Endeavor story in a recording studio using state-of-the-art microphones from Endeavor Entrepreneur company, Antelope Audio.

Empire is a leading producer of innovative not-for-profit galas and is proud to support Endeavor Global’s work. Endeavor is transforming the economies of 35+ growth markets by helping entrepreneurs scale, create jobs, and multiply their impact by becoming outstanding role models, mentors, and investors to the next generation of founders.

To learn more, visitwww.endeavor.org

Empire once again partnered with Techonomy to help produce their ninth annual flagship conference in Half Moon Bay, CA. Techonomy Media uses this annual event as a platform to host pioneering conversations on the subject of technology’s influence on our socioeconomic status and culture.

Each day of the conference kicked off with morning activities ranging from coastal bike tours and surfing to early morning yoga and golf.

This year’s three-day conference focused on topics including Starting Up to Challenge Amazon, Investing and Entrepreneurship for a Warming Planet, Why AI Has to be Humble, and Turning Tech Toward Humanity.

Innovative professionals and industry leader speakers included Jane Long, Senior Contributing Scientist at the Environmental Defense Fund, and Casper Klynge, Tech Ambassador at Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who spoke on the topic of Will Geo-Engineering Become Necessary and What Silicon Valley Means to Diplomats.

As in years past, the visual design of the event was carefully curated. Décor and furniture selections were inspired by this year’s theme, "Reset + Restore", which drew inspiration from the Year of Hygge, the Danish lifestyle trend that focuses on qualities of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment and well-being. Coastal Hygge accents underscored the vast, sweeping views of the Northern California coastline, surrounding the venue.

Attendees were invited to choose from among several dinner parties on the first night, each focused on a specific theme. Themes included Superminds for Climate Change; Life at Work: Culture, Balance & Humanity; A Geek Dinner: Cutting Edge Tech (AI, Quantum, etc.); and Super Human: Health & Wellness.

Techonomy Media advocates for a greater understanding through the publication of editorial content and video journalism across a variety of platforms including online, print, and through its conferences and events.

To see more about this year’s conference visit https://techonomy.com/2019/11/techonomy-2019-full-webcast/

Empire is a leading producer of forward-thinking conferences and head-of-state and C-level thought leadership programs.

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The Coalition for the Homeless held the 25^th annual ARTWALK NY at Spring Studios, bringing together more than 750 art lovers, celebrities, artists, collectors, and Coalition supporters for an evening filled with over 100 pieces of contemporary art in a silent and live auction.

Empire was proud to serve as overall producer for ARTWALK for the 10th consecutive year. The evening was generously presented by Italian fashion house Max Mara. This year, artist Katherine Bernhardt was honored for her contribution to contemporary art, and Michael Platt, Co-Founder and CEO of BlueCrest Capital Management, was honored for his philanthropic support of the Coalition.

Aileen Agopian auctioned off a stunning selection of art pieces courtesy of some of the world’s most renowned artists, including Jenny Holzer, Ed Ruscha, Louise Fishman, and the night’s artist honoree, Katherine Bernhardt.

The evening began with cocktails graciously provided by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Stella Artois, Hendrick’s Gin, Milagro Tequila, Flor de CanaRum, Hudson Whiskey, Monkey Shoulder, and Glenfiddich. Tasting stations were provided by a selection of New York City’s best restaurants, including Indochine, Claudette, Café Luxembourg, Cafeteria, Empire Diner, Houseman, Colonia Verde, Jay’s Brooklyn, and Wild Ink.

Throughout the night, guests bid on and purchased works from established and emerging artists while listening to upbeat tunes spun by DJ Mia Moretti and DJ Elle Dee.

The Coalition for the Homeless has been developing and implementing cost-effective strategies to end mass homelessness in New York City for close to four decades. The Coalition works tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of more than 3,500 homeless and at-risk men, women, and children each day by providing emergency food and clothing, housing, crisis services, job training, and programs for homeless youth.

Working closely with the Coalition for the Homeless’s event steam and title sponsor Max Mara, Empire served as executive producer of the event and was responsible for event design, production and logistics, décor, and restaurant coordination.

To learn more about the Coalition for the Homeless or to get involved and donate, visit http://www.coalitionforthehomeless.org/