Our Work

To help bring about the end of the AIDS pandemic, Empire Entertainment partnered with The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation to serve as producer of their inaugural Global Champions of a Mother’s Fight Awards Dinner in New York.Originally scheduled in November 2012 but postponed because of Hurricane Sandy, the rescheduled event was held at New York's Mandarin Oriental Hotel in the Grand Ballroom. Over 500 guests were treated to spectacular views of Central Park and the midtown skyline while dining on a menu designed by celebrity chef Cat Cora.

Chair, President and Editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post Media Group, Arianna Huffington, acted as the evening’s host and also led a rousing Q&A session with the event’s three honorees. Amy Towers, Founder of the Nduna Foundation, accepted the Humanitarian Award. Cookie Johnson, Board Member of the Magic Johnson Foundation received the Global Advocate Award, and Alex Gorsky, CEO of Johnson & Johnson, accepted the Corporate Champion Award on behalf of Johnson & Johnson. Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo was on hand to present all three awards.

Speakers for the evening included Charles Lyons, President and CEO of Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Willow Bay, Co-chair, and Jake Glaser, son of Elizabeth Glaser, along with Florence Ngobeni-Allen, Global Advocate.Two-time Grammy award-winning Canadian R&B recording artist, Melanie Fiona, performed twice during the evening, singing her new single, “Wrong Side of a Love Song” and “L.O.V.E.” to close out the night.

Empire served as the overall production company, managing all aspects of the event, as well as the creative partner working with Jason Wu and Karlie Kloss to design inspired tabletops and stage set decor. The stage set incorporated a photograph of a mother and child from world famous photographer Nigel Barker, and Jason Wu designed furniture from his collection for Canvas.

At the event, Johnson & Johnson announced that they will match all contributions to the Foundation up to $1 million between the event date and Mother’s Day. With Johnson & Johnson’s match, the foundation raised over $1.8 million.

Empire is a leading producer of high-stature fundraising events and has assisted in the fight against HIV / AIDS since our founding two decades ago.

Once again, Empire helped a corporate client achieve a phenomenal concert success by welcoming a truly international star to Japan.On February 3, 2013, one of Empire’s top multinational corporate clients presented Jennifer Lopez, performing live at an award ceremony for an audience of 37,000 at the Kyocera Dome in Osaka, Japan.For this high profile, international project, Empire’s Tokyo-based staff played several roles, providing stage direction & technical liaison between Jennifer Lopez’ team and Japanese vendors and crew, as well as arrival-to-departure local co-ordination for Jennifer Lopez and her musicians and crew during their stay to ensure the most comfortable and satisfying experience in Japan.From advance client / artist liaison to logistics, hospitality, negotiations and onsite management, Empire managed every aspect of the tour. From first class catering to perfectly-scheduled transportation, no detail was overlooked to meet the artist’s every request. One of the challenges of delivering headline artists and large entourages oversees are the many visa, customs and other legal requirements. This is as true for the world’s best-known artists as it is for lesser-known performers. Empire was responsible for handling visas for all 45 members of the touring party. For the artist’s private aircraft flight charter arrival to the Kansai International Airport (KIX), Empire worked closely with an aircraft charter company and airport authorities to ensure the smoothest experience, and arranged top-level security personnel to safeguard the artist’s privacy and safety. Jennifer Lopez’ exciting and energetic performance of her many world-renowned hits attracted rave reviews from the client and a standing ovation from its audience. Empire is honored to have helped deliver Jennifer Lopez in Japan and to add her spectacular performance to the growing list of international artists that Empire has produced in Asia and around the world.

When event designer, Thomas Noel received a request from his international client for a special musical performance at his fiancé’s intimate birthday celebration, he turned to Empire Entertainment to secure the perfect artist. With the show being a week away, taking place in the cozy dining room in a TriBeCa restaurant, with a very limited amount of time for set up, Empire was charged with recommending current headliners who were available on short notice and who could perform to track with minimal technical set-up.Within a very limited time, Empire was able to secure British singer-songwriter and three-time Billboard Music Award winner, Taio Cruz to perform his top-five singles before the international crowd. Following an 8-course meal served by a world-renown chef, and DJ and live music by D&E Entertainment, Taio Cruz took to the stage.As Taio began his performance, the birthday girl, and her guests flocked to the dance floor, where they danced and sang along to “Break Your Heart,” “Hangover,” “Higher,” and “Little Bad Girl.” The conclusion of his set featured an a cappella intro & sing-along into “Dynamite,” which in 2012 became the second best-selling song by a British artist in the digital era.Immediately following his set, waitstaff entered the room with birthday cakes, and Taio Cruz led the guests in a rendition of “Happy Birthday.” It was truly an once-in-a-lifetime experience. Empire was responsible for proposing, negotiating, contracting, and advancing all logistical and technical elements for Taio Cruz, as well as working with the design team to coordinate all schedules and layouts of the tight event space.Empire Entertainment is a leading provider of talent for private events and celebrations in the U.S. and around the world.

On February 7, 2013 Empire Entertainment was proud to produce the 2nd annual TRANS4MATION EXPERIENCE event on behalf of seven-time Grammy winner will.i.am and his charitable organization, the i.am.angel Foundation that supports trans4mation and revival in distressed communities like will.i.am’s hometown in east Los Angeles. This year, the event was named TRANS4M AMERICA and included as its goal the promotion of S.T.E.M. Education (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics). Held at the AVALON Hollywood on the eve of the Grammy Awards, over 1,400 guests came out to support the i.am.angel Foundation including Alicia Keys, Ludacris, Estelle, Mark Ballas, Bobby Brown, the Black Eyed Peas’ Taboo & apl.de.ap, Coco Lee, Paris Hilton, Shaggy, Shepard Fairey, Kimberly Cole, David Arquette, Derek Hough, Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and astronaut Leland Melvin among many others. will.i.am is best known for being a multi-platinum music artist, producer and front man for The Black Eyed Peas, though he is an innovator, entrepreneur and philanthropist as well. As the evening’s host, his message of trans4ming lives through education, opportunity and inspiration was driven home by an emotive program of speakers and videos. Following the speaking program, will.i.am and an incredible band of backing players delivered a non-stop dance concert experience featuring will.i.am and guest performances by Alicia Keys, Ludacris, Estelle, Mark Ballas, Bobby Brown, the Black Eyed Peas’ Taboo & apl.de.ap and Coco Lee. The 90 minute concert had everyone on their feet throughout. Guests were welcome to explore the multi-level venue including the VIP artists lounge, two levels of balcony, and an open-air club, known as Bardot. Bardot was also the hot spot to be for the post-concert after-party where DJs rocked the party until 2am. Keeping in the STEM theme, NASA provided several real-life exhibits at the event that guests were able to use as photo ops. A scale model F-117 fighter jet, hover craft, and lunar rover were big hits with the crowd. Another added element this year was an auction of original art pieces by artists including Shepard Fairey, Os Gemeos, and Retna. With pieces valued at upwards of $35,000, guests were encouraged to bid on these unique works to raise additional funds for the Foundation’s programs. All told, the event raised over three million dollars to support i.am.angel Foundation’s programs to transform communities. Empire Entertainment served as overall event producer for the i.am.angel Foundation TRANS4M AMERICA, managing all aspects of the event including venue contracting, logistics, catering, décor, stage, production, parking, security and onsite management, collaborating with the i.am.angel Foundation, partners, and donors.To find out how you can get involved with i.am.angel Foundation and help trans4m communities around you, visit their website at iamangelfoundation.org

Vibe Media has been the go-to source reporting on urban contemporary culture since 1993. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Vibe launched the Vibe Impact Awards, setting out to honor artists who have played a significant role developing and shaping hip-hop’s culture. In order to produce this celebrity-driven special event, Vibe turned to Empire Entertainment.The first ever Impact Award was bestowed on one of the most influential women in hip-hop, 9-time Grammy Award Winner, Mary J. Blige. The event was hosted at the infamous Sunset Tower Hotel on Los Angeles during Grammy week, drawing numerous industry moguls, celebs and high profile guests. Empire worked with the venue and vendors to design an elegant dinner setting infused with sponsor Malibu Red’s signature colors throughout the dinner and cocktail space.Following red carpet arrivals and cocktails, dinner kicked off with the CEO of Vibe, Ari Horowitz, welcoming guests and introducing the host of the evening- Andre Harrell, long-time friend and the first person to sign Mary J. to Uptown Records. Jermaine Hall, Editor in Chief at Vibe, then took the stage to share Mary’s history with the brand and even got the crowd to sing in her honor. Once dinner was served, Harrell continued the program inviting Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds and Sean “Diddy” Combs to recount some of their personal experiences with Mary. Queen Latifah introduced Anita Baker for a few short words, and afterwards presented the actual award to Mary J.As soon as the program ended, Empire quickly flipped the room to accommodate the additional 300 guests arriving for the after party, which had been stored inside due to weather constraints earlier in the day. The guests piled in to the sounds of DJ Homicide and a special celebrity-DJ set from Nick Cannon. Malibu Red’s specialty cocktails were flowing throughout the room as guests mingled and danced the night away.Empire congratulates Mary J. Blige on her inaugural Vibe Impact Award and becoming the most covered artist in Vibe’s history by gracing her 10th Vibe cover this month.

In January 2013 Empire Entertainment’s Tokyo-based Asia Division was honored to serve as a producer of a series of keynote speaker sessions hosted by the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office (Kantei) for the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2013, otherwise known as the DAVOS meeting.The sessions, entitled “SpeakerBox” were the Japanese Prime Minister’s office’s answer to programming a “Japan Night” event, an evening organized to accommodate the forum attendees. For this amazing event, Empire was responsible for the core elements such as content producing and stage directions. Everything from titles, themes, copywriting, speaker liaison, stage settings and production were managed by the Empire team. We also had the honor of working directly with the Japanese Prime Minister, Mr. Shinzo Abe, to help produce his video speech on the subject of Japan’s future and its Vision in English, which appealed to the DAVOS audience. In addition to fulfilling the audiences’ appetites with wonderful Japanese delicacies such as freshly prepared Sushi and Bento, the attendee’s minds were also stimulated by the innovative and thought-provoking ideas shared by some of the world’s greatest thinkers including the following:Mr. Yasuchika Hasegawa (President and Chief Executive Officer, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited)Prof. Muhammad Yunus (Chairman, Yunus Centre Nobel Peace Prize recipient)Ms. Sadako Ogata (Former President, Japan International Cooperation Agency)MISIA (Japanese Singer / Official Supporter of JICA-TICAD V)Mr. Akira Oshima (Honorary Executive Chef, Japanese Restaurants, Hotel Okura Amsterdam)Ms. Yoshiko Ueno-Mueller, Author and “Sake Samurai”Mr. Atsutoshi Nishida (Chairman of the Board, Toshiba Corporation)Mr. Ian Bremmer (President and founder of Eurasia Group)Mr. Yorihiko Kojima (Chairman of the Board, Mitsubishi Corporation)Mr. Klaus Schwab (Founder and Executive Chairman, World Economic Forum)Empire is proud to serve governments throughout the world with creative and production services for high level thought leadership forums and conferences and is a leading producer of Head of State level events.

On Saturday, January 26, 2013, Innovation: Africa hosted their 5th annual fundraising gala at Skylight West in NYC. After five years of bringing Israeli innovation to African villages, Innovation: Africa hired Empire Entertainment to redesign and produce their 500-person cocktail party into the organization’s first-ever seated dinner and stage program.

Nearly 300 guests joined Innovation: Africa for an evening of special guests featuring a keynote address from the Tanzanian Minister of Education, Dr. Shukuru Kawambwa. Israel’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ron Prosor was honored as well. To help break up the speaking program, Innovation: Africa engaged a costume designer to specially design pieces creatively depicting their work through an entertaining fashion show. Not all was new though when one staple of past years’ events returned, African dance troupe Batoto Yetu performed again accompanied by live drummers, bringing the guests to their feet. Even the I:A volunteers took the stage for one dance.

Following the dinner, the guests were invited to join an ever-growing crowd back downstairs at the after party. Up and coming DJ JPatt of The Knocks kept the crowd dancing late into the night, as guests were welcome to wander and experience interactive installations exhibiting the organization’s work- including an energy generating arm bike, a larger than life slide puzzle, and art installations of solar panels.

Empire is proud to partner with Innovation: Africa to celebrate their 5th anniversary, and congratulates them in their continued success bringing light and energy to rural African villages. To learn more about their work and get involved please visit http://www.innoafrica.org/

On Monday, December 10th, 2012, charity: water hosted their 7th annual charity: ball gala at the 69th Regiment Armory in NYC. Nearly 2,000 guests joined charity: water Founder Scott Harrison and host Seth Meyers, of Saturday Night Live, to help raise over $3 million in a single night. To produce this fast-growing, star-studded event, charity: water brought Empire Entertainment onboard. charity: water has made a name for themselves by always doing things differently and, from the beginning of the planning process, charity: water and Empire set out to innovate the event in order to bring it to the next level. Through months of creative discussions and design meetings, this objective was achieved by utilizing an in-the-round stage, a circular Waterwalk, an innovative live pledge auction experience, dimensionalized water project installations, and RFID wristbands for guests to streamline check-in and pledges. The Waterwalk, a constant at every charity: ball, was redesigned this year to frame the circular stage in the middle of the room. Here guests have the chance to experience first hand a mere fraction of the daily walk that people in developing countries journey to bring water home to their families. Thanks to the generous support of W Hotels and TOMs, every person who walked raised an additional $500. 100% of the money raised from the Waterwalk will fund water projects in India. When complete, these projects will give 19,400 people clean water.The live auction has also been an annual feature of the event, but this year it was re-imagined to be more inclusive, enabling more guests to donate starting at lower, more affordable levels. charity: water asked guests to pledge by moving through a series of bid zones surrounding the stage where their RFID bracelets registered successively higher bids. The auction began with guests bidding at just $200 with opportunities to move up to levels of up to $100,000. It worked, and in a short 25 minutes, charity: water had raised more than $800,000 in pledges from more than 300 people while each bidder’s name appeared on monumental projection screens along with the rising total.Throughout the evening, guests were free to explore a series of innovative installations celebrating charity: water’s work. Guests were invited to pump water at a working well that displayed live data on the water pressure; interact with a fundraiser canopy that was built to showcase hundreds of people from around the globe who have campaigned for charity: water; purchase yellow helium balloons to help fill a giant, inverted Jerry Can (charity; water’s logo); wander an explorable maze of blue pipes highlighting charity: water's recent focus on gravity-fed well systems in Rwanda; and examine charity: water's drilling rig- Yellow Thunder, which was reconstructed inside the venue with large prints and a live twitter feed sharing the rig’s history.With over $3 million raised at the event, charity: ball's goal of taking the annual gala to the next level was reached both in terms of money raised and also by re-imagining the guest experience of this talk-of-the-season event. Empire is proud to partner with charity: water to deliver this one-of-a-kind event, and congratulates them in their success both as an action-oriented charity and an innovative leader in fundraising.To learn more about their work and get involved please visit: www.charitywater.org

Happy Hearts Fund is an organization dedicated to rebuilding children’s lives after natural disasters. The organization was founded by supermodel Petra Nemcova after she survived the South-East Asia earthquake and tsunami of 2004. Every year, Happy Hearts Fund holds its Land of Dreams Gala in New York City and focuses on a different country where they conduct their programs. This year’s gala spotlighted the foundation’s efforts in Mexico and once again, Empire served as the gala producer.

This year’s event, which took place at the Metropolitan Pavilion on Tuesday, December 11, 2012 welcomed special guest Carlos Slim, among others, and featured a performance by Marc Anthony. The evening raised over $3 million dollars for the foundation to rebuild more than 30 schools and to restore hope and opportunity in the lives of children around the world.

The evening’s journey began with a trip down the Happy Hearts Fund orange carpet past the airport arrivals board where flight attendants and airplane pilots welcomed guests into the Land of Dreams: Mexico. Once inside, guests were greeted by the image of a towering Chichen Itza pyramid decorated with flickering candlelight on each of its steps. A beautiful canopy of string lights radiated from the highest point of the pyramid casting a festive glow onto the entire party.

During cocktails, guests enjoyed live music by Mariachi Real de Mexico, while visiting a series of experience stations inspired by treasures from Mexico’s diverse states. These experience stations included Mexico City’s Museo Soumaya, the underwater museum, a craft and food market vignette, and the Happy Hearts school vignette. The Museo Soumaya vignette was inspired by the museum’s extensive collection of Rodin sculptures and its starkly modern architecture. The vignette spotlighted three Rodin replicas with dramatic lighting set against a sleek architectural backdrop. The underwater museum vignette was modeled after the Museo Subacuatico de Arte in Cancun and featured an underwater sculpture installation viewed through an aquarium window. The craft and food market vignette included beautiful displays of pottery, ceramics, baskets, and textiles from various regions in Mexico. In the food market portion, guests were offered a variety of tasting opportunities including mole negro, coffee from Véracruz, Ibarra chocolate from Jalisco, and three kinds of chili peppers from Oaxaca. The jungle vignette was dressed in lush jungle foliage, complete with an adorable live baby cougar named Zeus. The Happy Hearts school vignette was modeled after a Happy Hearts Fund primary school and dressed with traditional Mexican decor while featuring a live Spanish lesson activity.

After the cocktail reception, guests moved into the North Pavilion for the seated dinner and program. Bloomberg Television’s Nicole Lapin, the emcee of the evening, introduced the founder of Happy Hearts Fund, the stunning Petra Nemcova, and Executive Director Phil Caputo to welcome guests and set the tone for the evening.

The dinner program featured remarks by honorees Howard G. Buffett, president of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, and Don Juan Beckmann Vidal, chairman of José Cuervo. Also featured was Lynne Greene, Group President of The Estée Lauder Companies, Inc and Global President for Clinique. The evening included performances by a student from the Happy Hearts Fund Arcadio Zentella School in Tabasco, Mexico and opera singers from Sociedad Internacional de Valores de Arte. After dinner, auctioneer Simon De Pury, of Phillips de Pury & Company, raised over $2 million dollars in an action packed live auction. For the grand finalé of the evening, five time Grammy winner Marc Anthony delivered a high-energy performance that brought guests to their feet and had them dancing until the night’s end.

Working closely with Happy Hearts Fund, Empire served as Producer of Land of Dreams, managing elements including décor, technical production, performing talent and stage management.

To learn more about the efforts of Happy Hearts Fund or to donate, please visit happyheartsfund.org.

Empire is proud to serve charitable organizations like Happy Hearts Fund and to help support their important work across the globe.

Following the cancellation of Keep a Child Alive’s Black Ball due to Hurricane Sandy, the Keep a Child Alive and Empire teams were faced with the challenge of planning an alternate event before yearend. Though the format and venue for the rescheduled event would change slightly, the rescheduled event would need to capture the same essence, vitality and spirit of the legendary benefit event - uniting celebrity with philanthropy to raise awareness and urgently needed funds for children and families affected by HIV in Africa and India.

In the words of Keep a Child Alive co-founder, Alicia Keys: “Hurricane Sandy taught us all that, when disaster strikes, people don’t turn away, they turn it up.” In that spirit, Empire Entertainment, the producer of the Black Ball since 2004, and the Keep a Child Alive team worked quickly to create the “Black Ball Redux”, a once-in-a-lifetime fundraising event that would take place just one month later at Harlem’s world famous Apollo Theater. The Black Ball Redux, emceed by Whoopi Goldberg, honored the incomparable Oprah Winfrey and Grammy Award-winning Beninoise singer-songwriter and activist Angélique Kidjo for their philanthropic contributions in Africa and worldwide.With performances by Alicia Keys, Angélique Kidjo, Bonnie Raitt, Jennifer Hudson and Brittany Howard of the band Alabama Shakes, the Black Ball Redux evoked the dynamism of Modern Africa, paying tribute to the empowerment of women – the heartbeat, soul and backbone of the AIDS movement - and the promise of an AIDS-free Africa.Prior to the commencement of the program, more than 650 guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvre’s designed by celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson, served by Creative Edge Parties with wine and spirits generously donated by Sherry-Lehmann Wine & Spirits.

Next was an inspirational program honoring Angélique Kidjo for her relentless work for social change, and Oprah Winfrey, for her lifelong dedication to humanity. Andrea Fiuczynski, President of Christie’s Los Angeles, and emcee, Whoopi Goldberg, worked together onstage for a live auction of incredible once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Among the evening’s generous donations was that of Stewart Rahr who contributed $1 million to Keep a Child Alive. Mr. Rahr, listed as #298 on the Forbes 400, donated through The Stewart J. Rahr Foundation, who gives generously to support medical issues, education and healthcare.Then the amazing concert program began on the legendary Apollo stage with Angélique Kidjo who opened with her high-energy song “Afrika” and a duet with Keys on “Djin Djin,” rousing all guests to their feet. Jennifer Hudson, with her powerhouse voice, tore the house down with “Save Me” and “Angel.” Alicia Keys then joined the legendary Bonnie Raitt for a beautiful duet of “I Can’t Make you Love Me,” which prompted a standing ovation. Alabama Shakes lead singer, Brittany Howard then joined Raitt for a soulful bluesy rendition of “Wrap it Up.”Keys then took the stage and performed several songs from her newly released album, “New Day,” including “Girl on Fire,” “Not Even the King,” and “Brand New Me.”

Keep a Child Alive’s Black Ball Redux raised over $2.1 million to provide lifesaving HIV treatment, care and support to children and families affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa and India. Since 2004, the Black Ball has generated over $18 million for Keep a Child Alive.

Empire Entertainment once again served as overall event producer for the Black Ball Redux and managed aspects of the event including site selection, logistics, catering, décor, talent coordination, technical production, security and onsite management.

To get involved as a sponsor, donor, partner or supporter, please contact Empire Entertainment or visit www.keepachildalive.org

Recently Empire Entertainment had the opportunity to deliver three musical headline artists on three successive weeks in different locations for three different happy clients. The artists included Usher, Train and Wyclef Jean. November 28, 2012 – Dallas, TXWhen a private client wanted to treat their 800 meeting attendees to a special night out, the turned to Empire to provide the perfect headline entertainer. To announce the surprise performer, Empire worked with the band to create a special video message that was shown during that day’s general session. That message came from Pat Monahan, the lead singer of the award-winning band, Train. Pre-show, band members Pat, Scott Underwood and Jimmy Stafford participated in a meet & greet with 100 guests. When it was time for the rocking concert to begin, a client executive took to the stage to introduce the band, as the curtain opened behind her, kicking off Train’s 80-minute set. In between performing their greatest hits: “Meet Virginia,” “Drops of Jupiter,” and “Hey, Soul Sister,” they also performed client requested covers: Led Zeppelin’s “Ramble On,” Aerosmith’s “Dream On,” and Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” during which two attendees were called up on stage for a sing off and a signed guitar was given out to the winner. Empire was responsible for contracting Train as well as providing all technical and logistical support for this perfect headliner.When a private client sought a world class headliner for an intimate group for the final night of a celebratory week, they turned to Empire to secure talent for a night that they’d never forget, Empire delivered an extremely special, private concert with one of the best-selling artists in American music history, Usher. Prior to dinner, Usher participated in an intimate meet & greet with the guests, getting them excited for the performance of a lifetime to follow. As the concert began, guests flocked in front of the stage, where Usher, his full band and dancers performed a 90-minute greatest hits set including “OMG,” “Yeah,” “Caught Up,” “Without You,” “DJ Got Us Falling In Love,” and his most recent hits “Scream” and “Climax.” This incredible show took place in front of an intricate backdrop of huge LED panels with full, major arena show lighting. This headliner, in this spectacular venue was a hit with the high level attendees. December 15, 2012 – Miami, FLWhat can make your wedding day even better and more special? Sometimes it is the addition of world class entertainment to the celebration. This was the case when a client from Miami wanted the Grammy winning, multi platinum recording artist Wyclef Jean to perform at their wedding at the luxurious Mandarin Oriental. Based on our many prior experiences with this artist, Empire booked Wyclef Jean with his full band and worked closely with their road and production management to create a production scenario that could be achieved in the intimate reception space. Wyclef performed a 60 minute set of his hits with some Fugee classics. The guests stood and danced throughout the performance. The clients and their guests were ecstatic. Empire handled all booking and logistics working closely with wedding planners at David Tutera Events to ensure a smooth experience from load-in to load-out. Whether it’s securing headline musical, comedy or variety talent, contracting or handling production or logistical needs, Empire Entertainment is leader in delivering the biggest names in the world for private performances.

A defining moment in music and tech, brought to life through experience.

As Spotify rapidly expanded its global footprint, the brand set out to create a high-impact, dual-format event in New York City that would engage both the press and industry audiences while reinforcing its cultural authority. The single-day program combined a live-streamed press announcement with an intimate, high-energy evening performance experience.

The raw interior of Cedar Lake Dance Center was transformed into a sleek, white, broadcast-ready environment, anchored by a curved LED main stage and immersive digital canvas spanning a 28-foot screen and flanking LED columns. The daytime program, hosted by CEO Daniel Ek, delivered major platform updates and a headline-making announcement: Metallica’s full catalog joining Spotify. A surprise onstage reunion between Lars Ulrich and Sean Parker became the most talked-about and widely shared moment of the event.

Within hours, the space evolved for the evening experience, seamlessly shifting from press forum to live music venue. Multiple staging environments supported performances by Vampire Weekend, Janelle Monáe, and Frank Ocean, with a custom audio system designed to accommodate in-the-round and multi-stage formats. As the night continued, DJ SBTRKT closed out the experience in a transformed lounge setting.

Our team led creative development and full-scale production, from scenic and technical design to live broadcast and content integration, delivering a dynamic, multi-layered event that merged announcement, performance, and cultural impact in a single, seamless experience.

Non-profit organization, Change the Equation, launched their new online game iON FUTURE live from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif. The event, which was hosted by Keke Palmer, and featured NASA’s ‘Mohawk Guy’ Bobak Ferdowsi, was streamed live into classrooms all across the country.Change the Equation is a not for profit coalition of business leaders aligned to improve learning in the U.S. and to promote careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).As part of their program to achieve this goal, Change the Equation developed iON Future, an interactive, online game to allow middle school and early-high school youth to explore STEM-based professions and to match their interests with different career pathways in STEM. To launch this game and drive initial awareness and trial of iON Future, Change the Equation turned to Empire Entertainment which conceived of an entertaining STEM-related live webcast.Working closely with Change the Equation, Empire created an original 40 minute webcast that originated from the acclaimed NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif. This facility has served as “Mission Control” for generations of unmanned space exploration including the recent Mars Curiosity mission. Hosted by Keke Palmer, star of Nickelodeon’s “True Jackson, VP,” the show took place before a live audience of students from the Los Angeles area and included participation by Mars Curiosity Flight Director Bobak Ferdowski, popularly known as ‘Mohawk Guy’ for his unique haircut. The program also took viewers and students to remote locations where STEM knowledge is needed for success, including:- GlaxoSmithKline in Collegeville, Penn., where they are doing important molecular research on pharmaceutical products; - Rolls Royce in Indianapolis, where students got an inside look at how jet engines are manufactured; and - Viacom’s Network Operations Center in Happauge, N.Y. where networks like MTV, VH-1, Nickelodeon, and others beam their programming via satellite dishes around the world. In addition, each remote segment and the end of the program was accompanied by a challenge that the students at Jet Propulsion Laboratory and viewers could work to solve, giving students an opportunity to see what it is like to be a STEM professional. The iON Future launch webcast was viewed by a significant number of the target audience and drove substantial trial of the iON Future game. Watch the Ion Future Launch Webcast on demand at https://vimeo.com/165209860?utm_source=email&utm_medium=vimeo-cliptranscode-201504&utm_campaign=29220 and play iON Future here: http://ionfuture.org/. Empire is a leading producer of innovative broadcast and webcast projects.

According to the Huffington Post, when the Gotham Independent Film Awards announces its winners, "Awards season is officially officially underway." Every year in late November, the Gotham Awards brings together the best and brightest in the filmmaking world for a gala dinner in New York that is, in addition to an elegant live program, an intimate gathering of famous friends. For the past five years, the Independent Filmmaker Project's flagship event has been held at Cipriani Wall Street and produced by Empire Entertainment. The 2012 Gotham award for Best Feature went to "Moonrise Kingdom," which bested "The Master," "Bernie," "Middle of Nowhere" and "The Loneliest Planet" to achieve the honor. Gotham "Tributes" went to Matt Damon, Marion Cotillard and director David O.Russell. The big show's many attendees and presenters included Jack Black, Emily Blunt, Amy Adams, Willem Dafoe, Billy Crudup and John Krasinski. The Gotham Awards show has become as famous for running flawlessly as it has for being jam-packed with Hollywood A-listers. The Gotham's after party found IFP executive director Joana Vicente effusive: "Everybody is saying it was the best Gothams ever."

Panasonic’s solar project, described as “Filming the Sun, using the Sun” captured the 2012 solar eclipse and broadcast it live over the Internet using only solar power. Panasonic’s “HIT” solar panels efficiently produce energy which is then stored on high capacity portable rechargeable batteries, ready to power all the equipment needed for the broadcast.November 14th 2012 saw a total eclipse that would be visible from the north-east of Australia. Panasonic asked Empire to help plan and execute an attempt to capture that eclipse and broadcast it live to the world. Months of planning went into the project which depended on many factors coming together at just the right moment.By the early morning of November 14th, the Panasonic-branded stage had been set up on the beach at Port Douglas with a second location ready 75Km away at the windy summit of Fitzroy Island. Tension was high as the forecast was not in favor of clear weather, and rehearsals the previous day had taken place in conditions of cloud, wind and rain. However, on the day of the eclipse, Scott Mellish, announcer for the broadcast, was able to describe a beautiful sunrise. Although there were clouds in the sky, each location was able to capture beautiful scenes of the eclipse with Lumix GH2 cameras. Just before “totality” the Sun was actually obscured by clouds, however - as if by magic – they parted right on cue, allowing the eclipse crew, thousands of visitors at the beach and hundreds of thousands of viewers online to witness the incredible spectacle of the Sun being completely obscured such that everything was cast into a cold darkness for over 2 minutes.In addition to over 800,000 views on the dedicated Ustream channels, our stream was picked up by broadcasters across Australia and the world – and was even mistaken for NASA coverage! The response to the broadcast has been phenomenal with thousands of people leaving messages of thanks on the dedicated website (http://www.facebook.com/PanasonicEclipseLiveBySolarPower). We are proud to have been instrumental in bringing this spectacular celestial event to so many people around the world. This a perfect example of how Empire can provide Branded Entertainment to our corporate customers in terms of executing a genuinely exciting event that appeals to a large audience such that the supporting brand gains huge positive feedback.

A digest video of the project and broadcast can be seen HERE.

On November 1st, 2012, Omotesando Hills held a Christmas light up ceremony that celebrated the 110th Anniversary of Walt Disney. This year, the Christmas tree was entirely surrounded by 25,000 Swarovski crystals and the event was given the overall theme of “Love”.

Empire Entertainment Japan was responsible for the event’s entire production, casting child actress, Mana Ashida, as Cinderella.“Mana-Chan” - as she is affectionately known - ascended the stairs wearing a beautiful white fairy-tale dress, escorted by Prince Charming. The two stood beside the sparkling tree, admiring the Christmas illuminations while surrounded by an awestruck audience.

This event was one of the media highlights of the week in Japan, and having successfully delivered the Christmas spirit to Omotesando Hills, Empire is delighted with another fairy tale ending.

On November 7, 2012, Empire Entertainment once again served as producer of the Coalition for the Homeless’ 18th annual ARTWALK NY – New York's premier contemporary art auction event. More than 600 Coalition supporters, art collectors and enthusiasts, and celebrities came together in 82 Mercer for a night of festivities, including a live and silent auction. Artist Jack Pierson was honored for using his art to raise awareness of pressing social issues, and photographer Patrick McMullan was honored for his dedication and support of the Coalition.

The silent and live auction featured over 120 works of contemporary art donated by some of the world’s most celebrated artists including Andy Warhol, Shepard Fairey, Wade Guyton and Ed Ruscha. All of the biggest names in the art world were represented and up for auction, all benefiting the Coalition’s efforts to end homelessness in New York City.The evening, generously sponsored by FENDI, began with hors d’oeuvres by Silkstone and cocktails graciously provided by Belvedere Vodka, and wines donated by Brancott Estate. Several of New York’s best restaurants, including The National, Macao Trading Company, Indochine, The Odeon, David Burke Kitchen, and Michael’sprovided tasting stations.In the live auction room, Sotheby’s Senior Vice President Aileen Agopian auctioned off original works by honorees Jack Pierson and Patrick McMullan as well as works by Andy Warhol, Wade Guyton, Ed Ruscha, Jenny Holzer, Kim McCarty, Louise Fishman, Barnaby Furnas, Adam Fuss, Roxy Paine and Cindy Sherman.

The rest of 82 Mercer's multi-room space served as a gallery for the silent auction. Throughout the night, guests bid on and purchased works from established and emerging artists like Yoko Ono, Leonard Rosenfeld, Olaf Breuning, and Swoon. The silent auction featured works ranging from paintings and photographs to sculptures and installation pieces.Working closely with Coalition for the Homeless’ events team, Empire Entertainment served as overall producer of the event and was responsible for aspects ranging from event design, layout, production and logistics to décor and restaurant coordination.ARTWALK NY raised over $900,000 for the Coalition for the Homeless. Empire Entertainment is honored to have worked in collaboration with the Coalition for the Homeless and its many supporters, to make this year’s ARTWALK NY event the most successful one yet.

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

Turning a television phenomenon into a fully realized, revenue-generating experience, this producer helped bring Top Chef Kitchen to life as a first-of-its-kind culinary activation in New York City. The concept reimagined the fan experience, blending entertainment and hospitality into a fully operational, limited-run restaurant that sold out in just 45 minutes.

Working across concept, design, and execution, they played a key role in transforming a raw Manhattan space into a polished dining environment in just ten weeks. From assembling the right partners to fast-tracking buildout and translating the brand into a physical setting, the project demanded both creative vision and operational precision. The result was an immersive, open-kitchen experience where guests engaged directly with talent, reinforcing the power of branded environments to drive both cultural buzz and real demand.

Their work reflects a strength in bringing ambitious ideas to life quickly and thoughtfully, creating experiences that resonate far beyond the moment.

On November 2, 2012, EBONY Magazine presented the Inaugural EBONY Power 100 Gala, honoring the nation’s most influential African-Americans. The invitation-only affair took place in New York City and Empire was honored to serve as event producer. The gala took place at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall in the Allen Room, and was hosted by the magazine’s Chairman Linda Johnson Rice and CEO Desirée Rogers of Johnson Publishing Company. The red carpet saw the likes of A-listers George Lucas, "Precious" star Gabourey Sidibe, Vivica A. Fox, ROHA & The New Normal's Nene Leakes, celebrity stylist June Ambrose, Glee's Amber Riley and Quvenzhané Wallis of Beasts of the Southern Wild, as well poet Tracy K. Smith and the Reverend Al Sharpton. The dinner program was emceed by stars Sherri Shepherd and AJ Calloway, who introduced a wide range of talent from The Black Monks of Mississippi and the 100-member Abyssinian Baptist Church Choir, to 16-year old classical violinist virtuoso Brendon Elliott, as well as a lively and colorful number from the cast of the Broadway musical Fela! A thirty-minute set by the Grammy Award-winning The Roots rounded out the evening. Honorees were designated in categories including “The Powerbrokers”, “The Thought Leaders” and “The Young Gifted & Black”. President Barack Obama, American novelist Toni Morrison, gold medal Olympian Gabrielle Douglas, American Express executive Ken Chenault, and philanthropist Marjorie Harvey were just a few of the 100 luminaries honored at the fête.

Afterwards, guests filed into the Atrium where they were treated to an after-party, with a sponsored lounge by Nationwide Insurance, and music by celebrity DJ D-Nice. Empire’s role started with early planning and ran through the very last clink of cocktail glasses filled with Hennessey libations concocted special for the event. Empire responsibilities ranged from securing performing talent, overall design & décor, coordinating with the venue and catering (provided by Great Performances), branding and sponsor fulfillment, step & repeat, staging, sound, lighting, video projection, video documentation, talent and presenter coordination, stage management, staffing, and security. Empire Entertainment is a leading producer of high-profile events and is proud to have been chosen to support this remarkable program for EBONY Magazine and The Johnson Publishing Company.

The IAB MIXX Conference & Expo, the Official Interactive Event of Advertising Week, is a key program for marketing and agency professionals—and the publishers and technology firms who help drive their efforts. This year, the cornerstone of the conference was a conversation with Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg and Netscape founder Marc Andreesen. And when IAB needed an interviewer with the gravitas to lead the dialogue, they selected Empire to secure acclaimed broadcast journalist, Charlie Rose.Mr. Rose led the discussion at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in NYC with insightful questions about Facebook's IPO, as well as privacy issues that face the marketing industry in general as technology becomes more pervasive, and perhaps, more invasive as well. When Rose asked Sandberg to explain the evolution of online advertising in relation to Facebook, she responded that Facebook is "the largest and most engaged community of people anywhere in the world and that gives businesses an opportunity to transform their relationships. Rather than just talk at large groups of anonymous people, businesses can relate to a consumer and establish an ongoing relationship." The interview and lively discussion had an intimate feel, and included moments of humor as well as incredible insights and predictions relating to the future of online marketing and advertising from some of the world's most knowledgable minds.

For two decades Empire has been a leading resource for keynote speakers as well as hosts, moderators, panelists and discussion participants. Some of the hosts and moderators that Empire has presented include Oprah Winfrey, Anderson Cooper, Charlie Rose, Barbara Walters, Kelly Ripa, Lisa Ling, Lou Dobbs, Linda Ellerbee, Walter Cronkite, and Tom Brokaw.Some of the keynote speakers Empire has delivered include President Barack Obama, his Holiness XIV Dalai Lama, Bill Gates, President Bill Clinton, Sir Richard Branson, Deepak Chopra, Steven Speilberg, Magic Johnson, George Lucas, Ralph Lauren, Malcolm Gladwell, and many more.

Empire was chosen by US software company Microsoft to launch the latest incarnation of its world-leading operating system.The client’s brief was focused on the need to communicate the excitement of Japan welcoming the new software at the stroke of midnight. Empire’s project team worked tirelessly to put together a plan that would create an irresistible buzz around the launch.

This launch plan included venue search, design and build, awareness building activity planning, and casting at the main venue in the heart of Tokyo’s internationally famous “Electric Town”, Akihabara.

Empire cast Crystal Kay as the main performer for the evening with Fukazawa Rina as MC. Other special guests included the enormously popular all-girl band SCANDAL, commentator Dave Spector, and parkour artist Zen Shimada, all who kept the ever growing audience thoroughly entertained. Akihabara was jumping as Crystal Kay and her dancers lit up the night with a fantastically energetic performance.

Working with Japan’s largest advertising agency, Empire was able to execute to perfection, delivering an exciting and visually stunning launch event for this global brand.

SIBOS is an annual banking and financial conference organized by the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication in various cities around the world. It has been held in Amsterdam, Sydney, Copenhagen, Boston, Berlin, Helsinki and other cities.

This year Empire was asked to produce the conference reception for a major British multinational banking and financial services company.

Held at The Hyatt Regency Osaka, Empire was responsible for all aspects of production from design and layout, to lighting and catering, making sure that the high standards of the bank were met and an enjoyable evening was had by all

Showcase of Traditional Performing Arts at Haneda Airport, Japan. The Haneda Airport International Passenger Terminal played host to a "Short Trip" to the world of Japanese traditional performing arts in which visitors at the terminal could enjoy an informal taste of some of Japan's unique performing art forms.

Traditional Japanese song and dance was performed on an open stage, including a spectacular lion dance, “shamisen” and “koto” playing, with "Shinnai" ballad singing by strolling musicians. Visitors could also take part in a Japanese tea ceremony, or watch and even try the skills of Japanese musical instrument-making craftsmen.

Empire Entertainment Japan was comprehensively responsible for planning, managing and manning the event which gave those leaving and entering the airport terminal a highly authentic, yet delightful taste of Japanese culture.

In connection with the Microsoft Windows 8 worldwide launch, PC giant, ASUS Computer International, turned to Empire Entertainment to produce the launch of their highly anticipated Windows 8 lineup of products.Held at the elegant and modern Espace venue in Midtown Manhattan, the event was attended by 200 of the New York’s top technology media outlets.

The event featured a carefully-scripted onstage presentation that combined the company Chairman's enthusiastic presentation of the products with performances by the world-renowned techno-illusionist Marco Tempest, who wowed the crowd with his interactive virtual magic.

The main focal point of the presentation was a massive LED screen, which displayed the precise custom video content was created for the presentation. The Chairman and Marco interacted heavily with this screen throughout the presentation as they introduced the new products using the large LED wall as their canvas.

As a surprise finale to the show a closing recap video of all of the products, each combined with an onstage illusion by Marco, led to a reveal moment where two huge kabuki curtains flanking the left and right of the stage were suddenly dropped revealing long sleek display tables featuring all of the products just introduced. The media were on their feet and using the products just moments after the presentation ended as wait staff appeared to serve celebratory glasses of champagne.Working closely with the client's talented design team in Taiwan, Empire created all elements of the event including highly-finished stage design, furnishings and demo tables all consistent with the design excellence of ASUS. These elements included a custom LED trimmed stage, demo stations and two 8’ wide ASUS logos that were lit from within with LED lighting.

Empire is the leading producer of cutting-edge product launches that utilize state-of-the-art design and technology and is a strong partner for international brands looking to launch their products in the world's most important media market“ New York City.

When Mindshare, one of the world's largest advertising & media buying agencies sought to create an original branded entertainment work for their client Kimberly-Clarke, they turned to Empire as their production company and creative partner. Shedding light on a topic often discussed in hushed whispers, feminine product Poise and their agency Mindshare teamed up Empire to crete and present The Hot Flash Road Show - a traveling sketch comedy show based on the trials and tribulations of Menopause. The show was written by the Daily Show writer Mo Gaffney and featured Daytime Emmy award-winning co-host of ABC’s “The View,” Sherri Shepherd, and nine time Emmy award-winning actress, Cloris Leachman. Together with the All Girl Review, an all-female comedy troupe straight out of Second City in Chicago, Shepherd and Leachman brought the house down in live performances in New York City and Los Angeles with original skits entitled "The Last Two Eggs," "If Men Had Menopause," and a show-stopping musical performance entitled "Menopositive." Bookending the sketches, pre-recorded interstitial "Couch Talk" videos featured hilarious outtakes of candid interviews with everyday women talking about their experiences with The Change in the manner of When Harry Met Sally. The live events in New York and Los Angeles were also taped for broadcast and livecast to remote audiences.In addition to the olive show, the program also featured a pre-show branded experience with product displays presented in Poise-themed purple lighting while powerful female anthems from Aretha Franklin, Alicia Keys, and Donna Summer set the tone for the evening.For this unique branded entertainment initiative, Empire worked closely with Mindshare served and served as the overall production company responsible for concept development, venue acquisition, staging design, technical production, camera facilities and livecast, branded installations, as well as audience and talent logistics. To learn more and to see excerpts of the Hot Flash Road Show visit:http://www.poise.com/personal-stories-and-blogs/the-2nd-talk/the-2nd-talk-eventsEmpire is proud to work with world class advertising agencies, media buyers and marketing firms to create original branded entertainment content of all types.

On October 18, 2012, Empire was proud to serve as production partner to Elizabeth Rose Consulting to produce the inaugural Tyra Banks presents the Flawsome Ball.Hosted by Tyra Banks, the event supported the Lower Eastside Girls Club. Founded in 1996, the mission of the Lower Eastside Girls Club (LESGC) is to provide a place where girls and young women 8-23 can grow, learn, have fun, and develop confidence in themselves and their ability to make a difference in the world. With the catchphrase “I Love My…,” the Flawsome Ball celebrated the flaws in all of us.The star-studded evening began with a yellow carpet and an elaborate cocktail reception where variations on the catchphrase were interspersed with live circus performances by the House of Yes and a “smize” photo booth. Once guests moved into the majestic Capitale main ballroom they were trested to a sumptuous seated dinner by chef, Marcus Samuelson, surpassed only by the rich stage program.

Throughout the evening, guests were treated to performances by the female drum core, Brooklyn Express, electric violinist Sarah Charness, and artist’s Nicolina & Lexi Bella. In addition, the girls of the LESGC participated in the show through videos, onstage moments, and a very special spoken word piece.Friends and supporters of Tyra Banks and the LESGC, including Rosario Dawson, Clay Aiken and Simon Doonan joined Tyra Banks on stage throughout the program. In addition, led by auctioneer, Lucy Sexton, the event included a cash call and a very rowdy live-auction, for a date with former boxer, model and America’s Next Top Model judge, Rob Evans.To top off an incredible night, Grammy-nominated artist Drake and DJ Future took to the stage, and had the entire room on their feet as they performed their hits: “Take Care,” “The Motto,” and “Best I Ever Had,” “Make me Proud,” and “Find Your Love.”Empire Entertainment served as event producer of the main ballroom and stage program, which included stage and production management, and coordination of all talent and technical logistics and production.

Empire is a leading producer of celebrity-driven not-for-profit events.