Korean composer Yiruma and Vietnamese star Hà Anh Tuấn teamed up for Sketch a Rose, a sold-out, two-night concert series, entertaining over 20,000 fans. Our team secured Yiruma for the rare collaboration, debuting their new song “Dear, Memory” live with a 40-piece band, including the Saigon Pops orchestra.

From talent booking and creative set lists to staging, sound, and lighting, our team handled every detail. We coordinated music production, travel logistics, visas, and translations between Korean, English, and Vietnamese, while managing media, press, and global content release in order to make this collaboration seamless and successful.  

The inaugural Rosewood Front Row Tokyo marked Rosewood Hotels & Resorts' debut in Japan, celebrating the opening of Rosewood Miyakojima. The third in Rosewood’s global cultural series, this event immersed guests in a sensory journey of Japanese art, design, gastronomy, and music.

Senses in Motion, the event’s core experience, blended Okinawa-inspired cuisine by Chef Natsuko Shoji of the acclaimed été with soulful performances by Reuben James and his band. Artful lighting and projections crafted a dreamlike setting, reflecting Miyakojima’s heritage. The energy continued at an after-party for 400 with a dynamic DJ set by Antonin Courant and bespoke sake cocktails by bar twelv.

Embodying Rosewood’s "A Sense of Place®" philosophy, Front Row Tokyo set a new benchmark for luxury experiences. We are honored to have collaborated with Rosewood Hotels & Resorts to bring this visionary event to life, redefining immersive events within the global cultural series.

ADL’s Never Is Now Summit, held at New York’s Javits Center for several thousand attendees, presented a bold stand against antisemitism, uniting influential voices from across sectors for two days of dynamic programming, standout performances, and buzzworthy social moments that brought together over 40 “Heroes Against Hate” with a combined 90 million followers. 

For this important Summit, our team worked with ADL to produce and provide creative direction for six hours of stage content, broken into three mainstage sessions. From the initial theming, topics, and speaker recommendations to screen content, script writing, music direction, lighting, performers, and the run-of-show, our team collaborated closely with ADL counterparts on content creation.

The mainstage programming was hosted by Hen Mazzig (Tel Aviv Institute Founder) and Montana Tucker (singer-actress-activist), and featured ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt, Billie Jean King (ADL Changemaker Award), NYC Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, David Schwimmer, General Yaov Gallant, Elise Stefanik, Daniel Lubestsky (Courage Against Hate Award), Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba (Abraham Award), and Gal Gadot (International Leadership Award).

The programs also featured performances from high school senior Rachel Buller, Broadway’s Funny Girl Julie Benko (“Tomorrow,” “Don’t Rain on My Parade”), and Tizmoret, a Jewish a cappella group. 

Together, Empire and ADL shaped and executed programming that advanced ADL’s mission to eradicate hate, uplift communities, and unite for justice. To learn more and see the program, visit NeverIsNow.org.

To support the global launch of Shiseido’s latest skincare innovation—The New ULTIMUNE—this groundbreaking, immersive experience welcomed press, influencers, and VIP guests from around the world. The event was a poetic journey into the Origin, Essence, and Science of ULTIMUNE—expressed through immersive art, light, sound, and storytelling. 

The experience opened with an installation that transformed the campaign’s key visual into three-dimensional artwork. Guests stepped into a deconstructed world of flowing Camellia petals, where the visual only fully resolved into the hero image when viewed from a precise perspective—symbolizing the harmony of beauty, resilience, and innovation that defines ULTIMUNE.

In "The Origin", our creative team led the development of an evocative digital art installation that paid tribute to the Camellia flower and its native Goto Islands. A symbol of both strength and elegance, the Camellia is reimagined as light and motion, capturing the regenerative power at the heart of the new ULTIMUNE. 

In "The Essence", visual artist Manami Sakamoto and sound designer machìna created an immersive installation that captured ULTIMUNE’s transformative essence. Four interconnected scenes—each tied to the product—blended the Camellia extract’s purity, fragrance, texture, and timeless power, drawing visitors into a vivid, artistic journey.

In "The Science," media artist Daito Manabe and choreographer MIKIKO collaborated to depict the cellular-level innovation behind the new ULTIMUNE. Abstract, data-driven visuals merged with dynamic choreography to showcase memory T-cells defending the skin from within—turning intricate science into a stunning artistic moment.

The journey ended in "Epilogue", a tranquil gallery space featuring oversized campaign visuals. Guests reflected on the experience, sampling the product in a tactile, multi-sensory close that fused emotion, art, and science.

Bringing together Japan’s top creative talents for this immersive artistry—and partnering with Shiseido’s visionary team to reimagine a beauty product’s experience—proved a privilege and a breakthrough for the new ULTIMUNE launch.

GO BIG AND GO HOME. The annual Endeavor Gala celebrated entrepreneurship with the dual themes of “Go Big” and “Go Home,” encouraging attendees to expand their ventures while investing in their communities. The event brought together over 350 members of the Endeavor network from around the globe for an inspiring evening. This marked Empire's sixth year producing this flagship gala.

Guests were invited to GO BIG the moment they entered the space, where a larger-than-life immersive light sculpture—crafted in collaboration with ArtLab by Rise—hovered above, inspiring reflection on the power of scale and fostering connection among attendees.

Following an inspiring seated presentation, guests were invited to GO HOME and explore the immersive Endeavor Home within the after-party space. Designed with a kitchen, bedroom, office, study, wine cellar, and even a backyard, the Home featured interactive activities that showcased the diverse achievements of Endeavor entrepreneurs. Towering fabric-paneled walls formed a modern, architectural space designed to foster networking—every detail meticulously crafted to enhance both experience and engagement while dynamically shaping the environment.

From curated food and beverage engagements to a photo-booth, and even a fortune teller, the event offered a firsthand look at Endeavor's diverse and innovative portfolio of entrepreneurs. Custom builds brought the concept to life, seamlessly blending aesthetics with function. Rooms featured activations from some of Endeavor’s leading entrepreneurs like Globant, Breadfast, Bartesian, Faladdin, and MIKSI, as well as additional activations from Endeavor's partners Artlab by Rise and Pin Drop Rum.

Empire handled full event production, from technical direction and project management to creative design and execution. We crafted immersive environments, ensured smooth sponsorship activations, and managed logistics. By combining creative vision with flawless execution, Empire helped Endeavor Global create a memorable gala celebrating their mission to inspire attendees to think bigger while staying grounded.

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Photography: Johnny Vacar

Carey Mulligan and Marcus Mumford's Annual Wassail Benefit for Children in Conflict supports Children in Conflict’s humanitarian efforts. The evening balanced connectivity and emotion, inspiring generous contributions that raised over $2.2 million. The fundraiser featured John Oliver as host and remarks from Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Bowen Yang, and Julianne Moore. Luanda Musafiri Emmanuella, a 22-year old Ugandan survivor, told her powerful story that inspired her to create Tumaini, a partner organization supporting women and girls. Star performers included Patti Smith, Brandi Carlile, Leon Bridges, Oscar Isaac, and, of course, Mumford & Sons. 

Over 250 guests enjoyed a touching program focused on the cause, learning about Children in Conflict’s work in war zones and how donations directly impact children in need. Attendees included Anna Wintour, Steven Spielberg, Blake Lively, and many more. Vogue, the event’s exclusive media partner, noted, “Despite the heavy-hitting lineup, none of the above felt remotely corporate, overly earnest, or organized within an inch of its life, as so many charity events are.”

The evening transitioned seamlessly from a lively reception to a seated dinner and program, ensuring a cohesive and creative concept throughout. Catered by our partner Pinch, the New York-style menu was thoughtfully tailored to complement the event’s warm holiday atmosphere, delighting a dynamic mix of attendees. 

We are honored to have brought this evening to life in collaboration with Children in Conflict and our incredible partners. To learn more, read Vogue’s exclusive feature on the night here.

Photography: Yvonne Tnt

WNYC’s 100th Anniversary Celebration at The Glasshouse captured the spirit of a century-long legacy while raising over $2.1 million in support of the New York City's flagship public radio station and WNYC’s parent company, New York Public Radio.

For the fifth consecutive year, we seamlessly blended immersive storytelling with dynamic programming to celebrate WNYC’s enduring impact on audiences and communities. This year, in honor of WNYC’s centennial, a centerpiece of the evening was a visually stunning timeline and gallery of curated archival artifacts, bringing WNYC’s rich history to life.

Hosted by the charismatic Seth Meyers, with Harry Santa-Olalla as auctioneer, the celebration featured unforgettable moments with guests such as Meryl Streep, Julia Stiles, and John Turturro. 

The program included a live auction, remarks from LaFontaine E. Oliver, President and CEO, NYPR, Timothy A. Wilkins, Board Chair, NYPR, and performances by the award-winning Young People’s Chorus of New York City, jazz virtuoso Aaron Diehl, and Broadway powerhouse Shoshana Bean. 

With an afterparty hosted by IG personality New York Nico, the evening featured DJ Talib spinning tracks and a spread of iconic New York favorites: Joe’s Pizza, hot dogs, and, of course, Mister Softee.

Empire was thrilled to produce the centennial event for NYPR, developing program run-of-show, event creative, screen content, and managing technical production and stage management. 

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Photography by Carey MacArthur & Tate Productions.

Hanwha Finance has returned to New York City for its second year of LIFEPLUS NY. A premier annual event bringing together industry professionals and talented students from top universities, LIFEPLUS NY provides professional insight, career advice, and entertainment. This year, Hanwha Finance gathered a total of 21 speakers and three headline musicians and groups from South Korea with over 700 people in attendance.

During the conference portion, industry leaders and experts in finance and tech led panel discussions and keynote lectures. A new 1:1 consulting program was implemented this year where over ten companies brought in career booths, and students were able to meet with company representatives.

A new space within the venue, The Glasshouse, was revealed after the conference for dinner and networking, which was followed by an afterparty. Hanwha invited back Jaeki Cho, rising social media star and founder of Righteous Eats, to MC the evening. The afterparty was headlined by top South Korean musicians such as hip-hop icons Dynamic Duo, rap star pH-1, and fusion rock artists Seodo Band. 

Empire provided overall project management, production conceptualization, design, and execution, program development, and logistics for executives, speakers, and talent. 

GIC’s annual Insights forum isn’t just a gathering—it’s where 300+ global leaders tackle the world’s biggest challenges. This year, marking 40 years in the U.S., GIC tapped Empire to elevate GIC Insights and a Gala Dinner at New York City’s Spring Studios into a standout celebration of vision and impact.

Themed Invested in a Global Future, the day kicked off with a power lunch overlooking the Hudson, flowing into a Forum led by Eric Wilmes (GIC Americas PE Head) and featuring Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and GIC Chairman Lim Chow Kiat. A “Boardroom of Ideas” panel included Stephen Schwarzman (Blackstone), Ray Dalio (Bridgewater), Susan Li (Meta), Dave Ricks (Eli Lilly), and others. The night ended with a 40th Anniversary Gala, where Senior Minister Lee's heartfelt words and a medallion signing toasted GIC’s legacy.

Colin Cowie Lifestyle partnered with Empire to produce innovative and immersive experiences for the 2024 Fortune Global Forum held at Jazz at Lincoln Center. The forum served as a pivotal gathering for global CEOs to address emerging challenges and opportunities, from AI and climate change to geopolitical risks.

Reimagining the traditional conference format, Colin Cowie Lifestyle envisioned an event that combined luxury, entertainment, and business in a way never seen before. The event featured several standout elements including a luxury check-in experience, interactive art installations by BREAKFAST Studio, and sponsored activations for the AFEELA electric vehicle and the Wuliangye specialty baijiu bar. 

Day one culminated in a glamorous gala dinner where guests were greeted with Dom Pérignon, live oyster shucking and caviar, aerialists, buskers, magicians, and more. Highlights from the evening included remarks from Alyson Shontell, Editor-in-Chief, Fortune, a toast from Anastasia Nyrkovskaya, CEO, Fortune, and “Music Through the Ages”—a series of live performances transporting guests through time and music history.

We served as a key partner in executing this vision, offering expertise in project management, technical production, stage management, and logistical coordination. Empire Entertainment remains at the forefront of producing high-impact, immersive events that leave lasting impressions on clients, sponsors, and guests alike.

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Credits

Technical Direction, Logistical Coordination, Project & Stage Management: @empireproduced

Design & Production: @colincowie @colincowielifestyle

Producer: @arnelldesign

Florals: @jsperaltaevents

Photography: @judson_rappaport

Décor: @colincowielifestyle @taylorcreativeinc @luxeeventrentals

Lighting: @levynyc

Entertainment: @onthemoveevents

Stationery: @alexandmima

Scenic: @wearesbi

Technical production: @4wallCatering: @gpfood

Plenary session: @Fortunemag

Video production: @lerevefilms @arnelldesign

Kinetic Art: @breakfaststudio