Our Work

Each year, TIME publishes the TIME100, a list of the 100 most influential people in the world. In conjunction with this highly-anticipated editorial event, TIME hosts an exclusive Gala event in New York City attended by many current and past TIME 100 honorees, celebrities, entertainers and world leaders. Heavily covered by global media, the TIME 100 Gala is one of the highest-profile newsmaker events in the world. 
 This year's TIME 100 Gala took place on April 26, 2011 at Frederick P. Rose Hall, home of Jazz at Lincoln Center. The event consisted of multiple red carpets, an intimate cocktail reception, a seated dinner and program that combined toasts, speeches, performances, and a cocktail party following the dinner.Performers at the 2011 TIME 100 Gala included Sting and Bruno Mars as well as remarks by Saturday Night Live’s Amy Poehler, Egyptian activist Wael Ghonim, Newark Mayor Cory Booker, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, and a specially-taped message from Ricky Gervais. The event was also attended by a who’s who including Mark Wahlberg, Aziz Ansari, Seth Meyers, Martha Stewart, Pastor Rob Bell, Blake Lively, and Patti Smith.For this high-stature event, all of the evening's production components require seamless execution. With the help of TIME’s event and marketing services team, Empire’s responsibilities ranged from securing the performing talent to managing venue, catering (provided by Great Performances), design of all spaces, branding, step & repeat, staging, sound, lighting, video projection, video documentation, FTP media feed, talent and presenter coordination, stage management, staffing and security.Visit time.com to view a brief summary of this year's TIME 100: http://www.time.com/time/video/player/0,32068,921096954001_2067873,00.htmlEmpire Entertainment is a leading producer of high-profile media events and is proud to again have been chosen to produce this remarkable program for TIME.

In April 2011, Empire produced a Fortune 500 company’s General Managers meeting for the 14th consecutive year. The meeting was a multi-day conference at the Walt Disney Orlando & Swan Hotel, featuring a kickoff general session, two awards galas, and a vendor dinner featuring interactive entertainment.For many years the client’s kickoff session was very basic, with executives speaking and presenting powerpoint from a podium. But this year Empire consulted on the scripting and provided stage management to present the information to the attendees in a “60 Minutes” style presentation, inclusive of video roll-ins, onstage interviews, video segments, and even a spoof of Andy Rooney for some comic relief as a break from the business content.When the client wanted an entertaining, interactive, reasonably-priced teambuilding activity as entertainment following one of their evening dinners, Empire presented a fantastic “Family-Feud” inspired game show in which the client vendors and buyers were the contestants, and the questions were custom written by the executives to make the material company- specific and fun.In the spirit of keeping the conference energetic and dynamic, Empire also created a soundtrack of great movie theme songs to use as the walk-up music for award winners at one of the after-dinner galas. Winners walked to the stage to the upbeat and instantly recognizable sounds of Indiana Jones, Star Wars, Rocky, James Bond, and more.Empire provided and managed all staging, audio, video, lighting, teleprompter services, stage management, and technical direction, for the conference, and is proud to work with elite clients who have chosen to partner with us for more than a decade on their most important events. While renown for our experience producing events with A-list entertainment elements, Empire is also a premier producer of content-driven corporate meetings and conferences.

On Saturday, April 9th, 2011, Empire Entertainment produced The Flawless Foundation’s second annual Perfection Party at the Otto Khan and James Burden Mansions in New York City. Upon arrival at the Perfection Party, Former Congressman Patrick Kennedy greeted the guests of the panel discussion entitled “The Best Kind of Different” with a gracious speech, noting his own long-term commitment to Mental Health Advocacy. A lively panel discussion, featuring the world’s leading mental health experts and advocates ensued. The panel was moderated by Lisa Bloom, a civil and children’s rights attorney, television host and author of the upcoming book, Think: Straight Talk for Women to Stay Smart in a Dumbed-Down World. The panelists included J. Stuart Ablon, PhD, of Harvard Medical School, and Director of Think:Kids at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harold S. Koplewicz, MD, one of the nation’s leading child and adolescent psychiatrists, author and founding President of the Child Mind Institute, Shonda Schilling; author of the New York Times Best Seller, The Best Kind of Different: Our Family's Journey with Asperger's Syndrome, and wife of retired Major League Baseball pitcher, Curt Schilling, as well as Garen Staglin, founder of the International Mental Health Research Organization, and co-founders of both The Next Frontier of the Brain campaign and Bring Change 2 Mind with Glenn Close and others. After the enlightining panel discussion, guests proceeded to the cavernous portico, festooned with cherry blossoms for an elegant reception featuring champagne from Knudsen Family Vineyards and Argyle white wine. Guests were then escorted to a dinner prepared by renowned Chef David Burke paired with the wines from Staglin Family Vineyard. Once guests were seated, the anchor from WPIX News at Six, Jim Watkins gave a toast to Patrick Kennedy, congratulating him on his recent engagement to Amy Petitgout.At the conclusion of the evening, guests were given Chef David Burke’s signature dessert, cheese cake lollipops and left with a lovely “Flawless Foundation” canvas gift bag including Thank-you cards by Gratitude designs and a copy of Shonda Schilling’s book, The Best Kind Of Different.Empire Entertainment served as overall event producer for the event and was responsible for all event logistics, press, and technical production. Empire worked alongside Pamela Morgan’s Flavors to create a consistent look and feel for the evening.Emnpire is a leading producer of not for profit and gala events.

The setting: The Atlantis Resort in Paradise Island, Bahamas. The purpose: An incentive program for one of the world’s leading communication technology companies. The perfect headline entertainment: International, Platinum-selling superstars Earth, Wind & Fire.The band's participation in the event was kept a secret until the moment they were announced onstage to the excited audience of 500+ guests & spouses. Once onstage the band did not disappoint. Their 90 minute set included all of their funk, R&B and soul hits including "Shining Star." "Sing a Song," "Got To Get You Into My Life," "September," "Serpentine Fire," "Reasons," "Boogie Wonderland" "Mighty, Mghty," "After The Love Has Gone," "That's The Way of the World" and "Let's Groove." The band's powerful stage presence with full horn section had the audience dancing and shouting for encores. Prior to the performance, the band's principal members Philip Bailey, Verdine White and Ralph Johnson graciously greeted and talked with VIPs, taking photos with all of them. For this incentive program, Empire worked closely with the client’s meeting production company, Swift Media Group, to identify talent candidates, negotiate the performance contract, and facilitated the development of a working production plan with Swift Media Group and local vendors. Empire also worked to manage complicated logistics including the freight of equipment into and out of the Bahamas, and work permits & visas. Empire is a leading provider of headline entertainment for corporate meetings & events and is deeply experienced in overcoming the challenges of presenting headline entertainment outside of the United States.

On March 30th, Empire Entertainment was proud to produce Bravo’s 2011 Upfront with simultaneous live events in three cities. Heavily covered by the media, Ed Martin of Media Biz Bloggers described the event in one review as “The Upfront Event of 2011” and "one of the most ambitious and impactful events of its kind that I have attended in more than twenty years of covering the television business." He also wrote that "Even without the simultaneous Chicago and Los Angeles parties, Bravo’s New York event alone would have been one of the season’s best."Bravo’s Upfront consisted of three parties on the same night in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. In an unprecedented innovation, these events featured live remote broadcasts from each party aired during the season finale of the Emmy award winning Bravo series Top Chef: All Stars. Ed Martin wrote: "I believe this … was the first-ever live, full-length telecast of a television program from an Upfront event."New York’s event took place in the cavernous lofts of 82 Mercer in SoHo. Guests arrived for elegant cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres in the first room: a sleek lounge that seamlessly integrated Bravo’s five passion points: Food, Fashion, Beauty, Design & Pop. The room had bespoke draped doorways constructed of white textured Tyvek, which were back-lit with LEDs to give the cocktail room a soft glow. When it came time for dinner, the drapes were drawn to reveal a spacious dining room seating 300 guests. 36-ft long dining tables, custom-built with a wood grain finish and sleek orange diagonal stripes, were adorned with glowing white rock crystal in glass boxes and vibrant orange pincushion protea. The clear acrylic La Marie dining chairs and custom LED chandeliers hovering overhead furthered the chic look.The dinner itself was a Top Chef tasting experience. Once clients were seated among Bravo executives and press, Andy Cohen, EVP Original Programming & Development & host of Watch What Happens Live, took the stage to introduce new programming and Bravo’s celebrities, better known as Bravolebrities. Among the Bravolebrities at New York’s upfront were the Real Housewives of New York City and New Jersey, Rocco DiSpirito, Tabatha Coffey and China Chow. Yet, it is safe to say that the two finalists of Top Chef: All Stars, Richard Blais and Mike Isabella, stole the show. (One of the two finalists would be revealed as the winner of Top Chef before the evening commenced.) In coordination with the Top Chef finale, Blais and Isabella helped prepare the same dinner for the guests that was being judged on the final show.While guests in New York were judging the Top Chef finalists’ food for themselves, the party in Los Angeles was just beginning at the Roosevelt Hotel. Meanwhile, in Chicago, Gail Simmons was giving gracious welcoming remarks at The Girl and The Goat restaurant, owned by Top Chef season 4’s winner, Stephanie Izard.The Top Chef: All Stars finale was broadcast on screens in all 3 cities for guests to view alongside the Bravolebrities including the All Stars season’s Chef’testants. To further implement Bravo’s 2011 Marketing motto: Breakthrough with Bravo, there was one final reveal: for the first time in Upfront history, New York’s guests were invited to be part of the studio audience of the full-length telecast of Andy Cohen’s Watch What Happens Live. One guest at each party could text-in to win, allowing them to ask a question on-air.In another write up, Stuart Elliott of The New York Times described how the Upfront gave advertisers the unusual experience of being viewed by the demographic that they cater toward: “It is the first time that Bravo has opened up this manner the upfront process.”We are thrilled Bravo again engaged Empire Entertainment to produce their Upfront for the second year. Empire Entertainment managed all three Upfront events, and was responsible for development of décor, securing sites, schedules, deliverables, transportation and managing all logistics, creating an experience that TV by the Numbers claims, “redefined industry standards”.Please find the reviews referred to in this article below:www.mediabizbloggers.com/http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/03/21/next-on-bravo-ad-executives-and-all-star-chefs/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/03/22/upfront-by-bravo-media-redefines-industry-standard-on-march-30-with-star-studded-events-in-

Universal Studios Japan kicked off their 10th anniversary celebrations with the unveiling of Kurt Wenner's newest and most technically sophisticated work to date.Featuring the Spiderman character, the new artwork tricks the eye through a combination of Kurt Wenner's user of the effects of anamorphic perspective and stereoscopic 3D. The combined impact of the two techniques is nothing short of amazing, and the lines of guests waiting to see, and have their pictures taken in the work are testament to its success as a new attraction.The work itself is approximately 50 feet long and 20 feet wide, and incorporates original vertical artwork as well as existing elements of Universal Studios Japan (including the famous New York Library set that was used in the film Ghostbusters).Empire Entertainment Japan consulted with Universal Studios Japan on the development of their 10th anniversary trick art concepts, and worked together with artist Kurt Wenner to develop the breakthrough artwork. Empire further supported Universal Studios in maximizing press in association with the artwork's unveiling, successfully receiving both domestic and international coverage.Kurt Wenner is also the author of the recently published Sterling Publishing's "Asphalt Renaissance". Asphalt Renaissance brilliantly recounts Wenner's re-imagining of street painting, and how he revolutionized this ancient art by creating a technique that produces astounding images in 3D that reach out of the pavement toward the viewer and appear perilously deep.Featuring photographs of hundreds of his painting, this volume spans Wenner's career and captures his thoughts on art and the ephemeral nature of this work.

When one of the world's largest restaurant companies sought a humorous host / emcee for their incentive awards ceremony, they turned to Empire Entertainment to help them secure celebrity talent. Empire was able to identify, negotiate for and secure former Saturday Night Live cast member and star of films including Wayne's World and Road to Wellville, Dana Carvey.

Prior to the engagement, Empire worked closely with the client and Dana to prepare the creative integration. Onsite Dana performed a 10 minute opening routine and then appeared in several 3-5 minute segments throughout the awards program, performing both repertoire comedic material as well as originally scripted material specific to the event. Dana worked the crowd and brought the company CEO onstage to lead the company cheer which was one of the evening's many highlights. Carvey added the perfect element of humor and celebrity to the award ceremony and the client was thrilled with his participation.

Empire is a leading source of comedic and celebrity talent for all manner of meetings & events.

When a private client wanted to throw an unforgettable 60th birthday party for his father, he turned to Empire Entertainment to secure his father’s four favorite singers to perform. With an audience of over 350 VIPs from around the world, the event would have to be flawless. While working quickly to contract his father’s favorite artists, Empire worked on technical solutions to accommodate their needs. With some deft negotiating, Empire was able to lock in Julio Iglesias, Natalie Cole, and Tom Jones, all performing with their own full bands, on one small stage in the ornate Grand Ballroom.Additionally, on the other side of the ballroom, a second stage was built where Alexander Kogan would perform with a 29 piece big band on a set that mirrored the orchestra scenes in Meet Joe Black. By alternating performances between opposite stages, Empire managed the time required to reset for the other performances and for the Plaza to serve a sumptuous seven-course dinner. Kicking off the night, Julio Iglesias performed a 45-minute set of his greatest hits, spanning the last four decades. Backed by his full band, Julio took over the room, singing romantic ballads, including a special happy birthday to the guest of honor. Next up on the same stage was Natalie Cole. Performing with a quintet, Natalie’s heartwarming 45-minute set filled the room with an overwhelming feeling of joy. In the middle of her set, Natalie called Alexander Kogan onstage to sing a duet of Charlie Chaplin’s song “Smile.” In addition to many other hits, Natalie included an amazing rendition of “Unforgettable”, a duet with her father, Nat King Cole. Finishing out the night on that same stage was Tom Jones, performing with his 10-piece band. The audience rose to their feet the minute Tom Jones began performing his many rocking hits including “Delilah,” “Mama Told Me Not to Come,” “She’s a Lady,” “Sex Bomb,” and his encore, “Kiss.” Between these exciting performances, Alexander Kogan and his orchestra performed heart-warming renditions of jazz standards, including “Close To You”, “I’ll be Seeing You” and “Accidental Waltz”.During the course of this project, Empire worked to identify talent candidates, negotiate the many elements of the performance contracts, and facilitate the development of a working production plan. Empire also worked to manage complicated logistics including the stage management of an eight-hour show on two completely separate-stages, as well as all travel & logistics for all performers. Empire also oversaw a five-camera HD shoot and multi-track record of portions of the concerts for the client’s archives.Whether it’s securing headline talent with international appeal, handling complicated production and logistical needs, or simply helping a client plan an unforgettable birthday celebration for his father, Empire Entertainment is the ideal producing partner or the most special private occasions in the world! Photos courtesy of Zev Greenfield.

On March 3, 2011, Empire Entertainment, in partnership with @Radical.Media, produced Conservation International’s Gala at the Four Seasons Hotel in San Francisco. The second of five national fundraising events that Empire is producing for Conservation International, this event brought together some of the Bay Area’s leading philanthropists with some of the world’s most notable champions of the environment.

The event began with an elegant cocktail reception and proceeded into a seated dinner for over 400 guests. The Four Seasons ballroom was elegantly, yet simply decorated with organic linens and votive candles, reducing to a minimum the use of greenery and florals.Once guests were seated, Laurene Powell Jobs, wife of Apple CEO Steve Jobs and a longtime philanthropist, welcomed the audience and set the stage for the impressive evening to come.Jobs then introduced motion picture superstar Harrison Ford who spoke about his own long-term commitment to the environment and his work with Conservation International for over 15 years.Ford then introduced Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger who wowed the guests with his command of the environmental and energy issues he had faced as Governor of California and his strong recommendations for how to confront them.

Next Harrison Ford and Governor Schwarzenegger were seated onstage where they engaged in a lively discussion and debate about the issues. Following dinner, Conservation International Chairman and CEO, Peter Seligmann, delivered a powerful keynote address highlighting critical environmental and conservation issues around the world and focusing on CI’s vital work in these areas.At the conclusion of the evening, Gap Inc.’s Robert J. Fischer took the stage to ask the attendees to remain engaged with what hey had heard on this night and to give generously.

Following the dinner, guests adjourned to an after-party for drinks and desserts.Empire served as overall event producer for this gala and was responsible for all technical production, stage design, and stage management. @Radical.Media provided all screen content and graphics.Conservation International empowers societies to responsibly and sustainably care for nature, our global biodiversity, and for the well-being of humanity.

To learn more about Conservation International, visit http://www.conservation.org/

Empire is a leading producer of innovative gala events and is proud to serve Conservation International.

When a global corporation sought an internationally-recognized keynote speaker who could personify exemplary leadership across a diverse organization, they once again turned to Empire Entertainment to recommend appropriate candidates. The chosen keynote speaker would need to be globally-known and able to deliver important messages to the company's CEO and top executives that would reinforce and underscore the content presented by business speakers earlier in the program. Empire ultimately delivered General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.), the first African-American chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the 65th Secretary of State, and one of the most admired and respected leaders in America today. He is also one of the world's best speakers. General Powell's informative and inspiring keynote presentation exceeded the client's expectations and met their objectives perfectly. General Powell's remarks about the challenges of coordinating across the diverse cultures of the Army, Navy, and Air Force and his insights on dealing with and leading through complexity engaged the executive level audience and the served to strongly support the overall meeting content. Whether the audience requires a motivator, inspirational speaker, a topic-specific expert or just someone to engage and entertain, Empire is the ideal one-stop-shop for every type of keynote speaker.

For the highly anticipated launch of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue 2011, Sports Illustrated Executive Director of Event Marketing Christine Rosa and Events Director Kristen Leoce again selected Empire Entertainment to provide celebrity entertainment for their marquee event in Las Vegas. At Club SI Swimsuit, the final night of launch week at the Hard Rock Hotel's Vanity Nightclub, Empire secured the television host of the “Sing Off” and multi-platinum recording artist Nick Lachey to emcee the stage program before an eager crowd of over 1000 guests and sponsors. Following the stage program and Swimsuit model reveal, Empire also delivered R&B artist NE-YO who performed a 45-minute set that had the entire club on their feet. Empire was responsible for securing NE-YO and Lachey and handled all details relating to their appearance and performances with the Sports Illustrated Events team. Empire also worked closely with Team Epic who staged all of the launch week events.

Empire is a leading provider of high-profile talent for media events.

Beer. Bikinis. Body painting.It's not too often that the Empire is asked to create an event which encompasses those characteristics. But that's exactly what happened when Labatt Blue Light and NY-based marketing agency, STRATEGIC, approached Empire to bring Labatt's brand to life in the form of a one night house party. Set in the beautiful mountains of Stowe, Vermont, the party was the keystone event of a 3-day prize weekend for 50 Labatt consumers and their guests. The event was designed as the manifestation of the brand's current ad campaign which centers around the Blue Light Refreshment Duo otherwise known as two sexy "ambassadors of literal and social refreshment" who travel the country on their snowmobile, saving our social lives one beer emergency at a time. The party's setting would embody the Duo's top secret Headquarters, located deep in the snow covered mountains.After a full day of skiing, snow boarding, and dog sledding, guests were shuttled to an unknown destination. Surrounded in darkness, all that could be seen upon their arrival was an emanating blue light through the trees. As each shuttle pulled into the driveway, guests were wowed by a huge, shining Labatt Blue Light logo across the house, just as it appears in the current ad campaign.Once inside, guests were treated to a multitude of activities, a host of food and snacks, and, of course, Labatt Blue Light beers, which were stocked on every shelf and bookcase throughout the house. Under the blue lights of the 3-story "Refreshment Headquarters," guests were constantly entertained by girls soaking in steamy hot tubs, models and fellow guests getting airbrushed tattoos, drink service from a Labatt Blue Light ice bar, green screen photo sessions, s'mores roasted at the backyard fire pit, and even a video confessional room to share their stories and love for Labatt Blue Light.To top off the evening, the living room hosted a supercharged musical performance by up and coming rock band Halestorm.If all this wasn't enough to complete a memorable weekend, the Labatt Blue Light Refreshment Duo themselves descended on the house to welcome guests, pose for fan photographs, and burn up the dance floor until the AM. With the blue-lighted house, fully beer-stocked shelves, and 25 Labatt Blue Light-costumed models, the house party perfectly integrated the brand's messaging and created a once in a lifetime experience for the attendees.Empire is a leading producer of immersive branded events and experiential marketing.

On January 28th, 2011, Gilt City, the religiously followed online store that provides luxury goods for discounted prices, packed their warehouse onto trucks and neatly unfolded and hung their high-end merchandise in The Altman Building. That evening, the press were greeted with cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres to preview the sale. The sale itself took place on Saturday, January 29th. With the promise of 75% off the high-end brands, 2,000 tickets were sold-out within hours. The lucky Gilt City members who managed to snatch a ticket began lining up behind velvet ropes in anticipation, hours before the sale opened. Once guests were checked in with I-PADs, they could peruse the racks or go to the bar for SVEDKA Vodka’s specialty drink. They could have a RBC coffee brewed just for them or freshly baked cookies provided by E.E. Cookies. Also featured within the event was a Gilt City pampering station where guests were attended to by facialists, hairstylists and make-up artists providing their complementary services. Empire Entertainment was engaged to be the overall production company of the event, handling event design, planning, technical production, staffing, logistics, budgeting and coordination.

Empire is a unique resource for the design and execution of branded pop-up shops and temporary retail locations / brand experiences in New York and in cities around the world.

On January 11th, 2011, Empire was thrilled to serve as production company for One Show Interactive’s “Best of the Digital Decade” program at New York’s Museum of Modern Art.The One Club, a non-profit organization devoted to promoting creative excellence in the advertising industry, had gathered an esteemed group of Interactive Judges to identify the top ten digital works of the last ten years of One Show Interactive pencil winners. Out of 75 nominations, ten advertising projects were awarded a Best of the Digital Decade distinction for their innovative use of digital media.

Guests entered the warmly lit lobby and were greeted with an impressive display of the evening’s sponsors projected onto the existing video wall at reception. Passing through a red carpet press area, the world’s top advertising clients from companies like Nike and HBO, along with executives and creative directors from leading advertising agencies enjoyed cocktails and innovative passed hors d’oeuvres provided by Abigail Kirsch Caterers. A looping reel of the nominated work was projected onto the museum’s wall overlooking the cocktails. After the cocktail reception, guests climbed the stairs into the lofty Atrium for dinner and the awards ceremony. Set beneath the sixty foot ceilings was an all white stage set that watched the minimal space set underneath a large projection that served as the backdrop. Long, rectangular banquet tables were set for individual ticket guests while circular tables were reserved for the chairman circle seating.

After a three-course meal, the emcee, stand-up comedian and host of Australian Idol, Josh Zepps took the stage and introduced the evening’s ten award winners. As production company for this inaugural award show, Empire handled all event design, planning, technical production, stage management and event logistics, budgeting and coordination.

Empire Entertainment is a leading producer of contemporary award shows and is honored to have served as a producer and sponsor for the Best of the Digital Decade.

For a unique corporate event, Empire took to the field of Dallas Cowboys’ Stadium to stage an extraordinary concert with the Dave Matthews Band for a corporate client's 900 guests. With tight timelines & budget restrictions to work around, Empire worked with Dallas Cowboy's Stadium and the band to build a huge stage into the Cowboys’ end zone. This stage would later host a 100-minute concert by the Dave Matthews Band. Empire contracted the band as well as provided all technical and logistical support for this major headliner. Prior to the concert, Dave Matthews participated in a Meet & Greet with approximately 80 of client’s VIPs. When it was time for the concert to begin, guests were standing as close as possible to the stage as DMB performed hits from the past 14 years, including Satellite, Crash, Ants Marching, and a lengthy encore of Two Step, which made the crowd go crazy!

Whether it’s securing headline talent, handling all production or logistical needs, Empire Entertainment is a capable of executing major headline concerts throughout the United States and around the world!

"Unforgettable night filled with unforgettable moments!" These were some of the words of praise Empire received from Amway's senior management, following the completion of the event.As the largest network marketing company in the world, Amway is renowned for the originality and quality of their distributor incentive tours and leadership seminars. When Amway Taiwan decide to hold their 2010 Leadership Seminar in Osaka Japan, they reached out to Empire Entertainment Japan for a turn-key solution for all their event needs.Empire produced both of Amway Taiwan's key events for this tour-the Leadership Seminar and Gala Dinner Event. Empire's provided comprehensive services including concept development, venue negotiation, scripting, stage design, sound & lighting, video, entertainment performances, and VIP wardrobe and entrance performances.

The largest network marketing company in Taiwan, Amway invited approximately 1,100 distributors from Taiwan to participate in the Business Session and Gala Dinner in Osaka Japan.The Business Session, held at the Swissotel Nankai Naniwa Ball, kicked off the day. The session featured key speeches by Amway Taiwan Executives and top distributors, and special coordinated activities for distribute future goal setting.After enjoying the city of Osaka, the distributors gathered at the Osaka Grand Cube to participate in the Gala Dinner. Guests were photographed as they arrived, and using a green screen and post production, Empire was able to composite a single group photo gathering all 1,100 distributors without the logistically complications of needing to gather all members in one place.Once in the ball room, guests were treated to a mesmerizing sample of traditional and modern Japanese entertainment and performances.

Altogether, Empire cast well over 100 performers for the evening including Fuku-musume, Samurais, Ninjas, Sumo wrestlers, originally choreographed traditional Japanese tap dancers, and live musicians.The entertainment finale of the evening featured 57 dancers performing Yosakoi, an exciting Japanese festival dance. The performance was highlighted by the synchronized dance on all 3 of the stages-creating an atmosphere in which every seat in the hall felt central to the excitement-and participation in the dance by all 1,100 of the guests.

When a famous US Credit Card and Members Services company wanted to celebrate their 50th anniversary in style, they called on Empire Entertainment Japan to deliver their customers with an once-in-a-lifetime show.Empire conceived, designed, negotiated and produced an unprecedented collaboration between the top Jazz artists or Japan and the US.The evening was kicked off with performances by Japanese Jazz vocalist Keiko Lee and jazz trumpeter Hino Terumasa. The audience was then treated to a performance by the famous jazz group Fourplay, led by lengendary artist Bob James. The respective performances by Lee and Terumasa and the Fourplay proved to be just a warm-up to the finale of the evening when all artists joined for their first ever collaboration live. The thrilled reaction of the audience confirmed what the client already confidently felt-that they had just provided their customers with an unforgettable experience.

For the 2010 Christmas Season, once again Omotesando Hills called on Empire Entertainment Japan for artist casting, production and direction of their Christmas SPIRAL LIVE 2010. Empire proposed, negotiated, booked and produced a variety of artists to make the multi-day event a strong draw for Omotesando Hills during the competitive holiday shopping season.The artists performed on a stage constructed in the center of the grand staircase, beside an 8 meter tall Christmas tree decorated with 250,000 Swarovski crystals.The event successfully kicked off with Misako Sakazume singing tunes from her album "Love Notes", followed by performance by Hanah, Mao Denda, Lil'B, YU-A, Tiara, and Dew. Altogether 7 artists performed across the course of the 7 day event, successfully attracting both new and old customers to Omotesando Hills, and re-confirming the shopping complex as a center of not only Japanese fashion, but culture as well.

December 7, 2010 – New York, NYWhen a client needed a headliner to perform for a small group of top executives and their spouses during the final night of their meeting in NYC, they turned to Empire to secure talent, fulfill production and provide décor for their prestigious annual dinner event. With the party slated to take place in the historic Celeste Bartos Forum at the New York Public Library, Empire had to abide by strict sound & production guidelines.

Empire secured and produced Grammy Award Winner John Mellencamp, who performed 70 minutes of his greatest hits including “Small Town,” “R.O.C. K. in the U.S.A.” and “Jack and Diane”, with his 6-piece band. Following the performance, Mellencamp participated in a meet & greet, taking photographs with all 130 guests. The intimate show in this spectacular venue was a hit with the high level attendees. December 10, 2010 – New York, NYWhen looking to surprise his wife for her birthday, Empire was chosen by an excited husband to help secure and produce the entertainment for a very special celebration. With over 200 family and friends joining them at New York’s Edison Ballroom, Empire was on-hand to manage all technical elements, stage management and flow of the event.

Throughout the evening, friends and family members took to the stage to surprise the guest-of-honor with individual presentations supported by projected graphics, designed by Empire. But the final surprise of the night was a headline concert by Grammy Award winners Maroon 5. By special request of the client, the band began their 65 minute set with “Harder to Breathe,” and followed it with hits such as “Misery,” “This Love,” “She Will Be Loved,” and “Sunday Morning.” Throughout the concert, lead singer, Adam Levine wished our client a happy birthday and even invited her and her children up on stage. Following the performance, the band invited the client and her family into their dressing room to mingle and pose for photos.December 16, 2010 – Dallas, TexasAs the finalé of the December headline concerts, Empire took to the field of a major Stadium where a client hosted an event for approximately 800-900 guests. Empire worked with the Stadium to build a 50’ X 40’ truck stage into the end zone. This stage would host a rare private concert by Grammy Award winners The Dave Matthews Band. Empire contracted the band as well as provided all technical and logistical support for this major headliner. Prior to the concert, Dave Matthews participated in a Meet & Greet with approximately 80 of client’s VIPs. When it was time for the concert to begin, guests gathered in front of the stage as DMB performed a 100-minute concert that included hits from the past 14 years such as “Satellite,” “Crash,” “Ants Marching,” and a lengthy encore of “Two Step,” which made the crowd go crazy!

Whether it’s securing headline talent, handling production or logistical needs, Empire Entertainment is a capable of executing back-to-back headline concerts with the biggest names in the world throughout the United States and around the world!

Famous Japanese pop singer Mai kuraki kicked off the 2010 Christmas Tree Lighting at Omotesando Hills with a live performance, including the hit single "Tomorrow is the last time" from her new album "Future Kiss".The Christmas tree, decorated with no less than 250,000 Swarovski crystal elements, provided the backdrop for Kuraki's performance for throngs of enthusiastic fans and customers.In addition to proposing, negotiating, booking and producing Kuraki for the event, Empire Entertainment Japan supported in the pre and post publicity of the event, generating excellent media exposure for both client Omotesando Hills and artist Mai Kuraki, and increased foot-traffic for Omotesando Hills.Empire Entertainment is a leading provider of marketing entertainment solutions for retail and real-estate companies across the world, consistently and reliably leveraging entertainment contents to drive quantifiable marketing results for our clients.

"What a night!" shouted John Turturro, flanked by Julianne Moore and Harvey Keitel, as the three members of acting's royal family opened the 20th Anniversary Gotham Independent Film Awards. And what a night it was - the stars came out to celebrate in force: Robert Duvall, Bill Murray, Hilary Swank, Anne Hathaway, Natalie Portman, Paul Rudd, Ethan Hawke, Winona Rider, Rosie Perez, Steve Buscemi -- all there for the intimate dinner wrapped in an elegant awards ceremony that is The Gotham Independent Film Awards. For the third year running, Independent Feature Project (IFP) turned to Empire Entertainment to produce its marquee event, which has kicked off the film industry's Awards season for 20 years, now. The event honors the filmmaking community but with specific objectives: expanding the audience for independent films and supporting the work that IFP does behind the scenes, throughout the year, to bring great films to theaters everywhere.

The Gotham's signature award is the (now classic) "Best Film Not Playing at a Theater Near You". The winner in this category benefits from a large cash prize, a new marketing campaign and a limited theater release. Every Gotham Awards program also includes "lifetime achievement" award-type Tributes. 2010's Tributees were Hilary Swank, directors James Schamus and Darren Aronofsky, and the legendary Robert Duvall. Because it was the 20th anniversary, Empire made a few key modifications to the event, including bringing the elegant, star-studded step & repeat actually inside Cipriani Wall Street -- right alongside the 80 guest tables -- and building a beautiful, custom-made stage set that changed color and mood throughout the evening. This year's 800-person dinner was hosted by Stanley Tucci and Patricia Clarkson who spent the evening alternately introducing, and making fun of, industry giant after industry giant. Event sponsors included Russian Standard Vodka, Stella Artois and Dunhill.

Empire acted as overall event producer, handling all event design and planning, technical production, set design, video roll-ins & scripting, stage management and talent wrangling, event logistics, budgeting and coordination.Empire is a leading producer of major award shows.

When a global technology company was looking to launch their new online shopping portal in style, they presented Empire Entertainment with the challenge of capturing the essence of this unique brand that fuses high fashion with high technology. This groundbreaking new portal personalizes the online shopping experience through the use of innovative visual technologies and virtual boutiques curated by celebrities, stylists, designers, fashion bloggers and other shoppers who visit the site to inspire and be inspired.In less than four weeks, Empire worked closely with the client to conceptualize and deliver an impressive real life interpretation of the website’s six themed fashion environments at Skylight Soho in Lower Manhattan.

Skylight’s large raw space was sectioned into individual, stylized vignettes in the themes of “Boho”, “Romantic”, “Classic”, “Edgy”, “Casual” and “Street.” Each vignette incorporated décor elements, lighting, and custom furnishings and featured sleek demo stations to showcase the website to attendees.The vignettes also featured distinctive live entertainment, activities, décor elements and a menu of thematically-linked hors d’oeuvres and specialty cocktails. The street vignette included laser graffiti show, break-dancing performances, a large graffiti wall and banquette seating made out of tires and galvanized steel. In the “Classic” vignette guests enjoyed a life-size chess game, and sat of oversized tufted banquettes under a large crystal chandelier. Guests had their fortunes told in the lavishly decorated “Boho” vignette adorned with lanterns, Moroccan poufs and beaded curtains while guests in the “Romantic” area enjoyed an aerial performance surrounded silk and lace accents, birdcages and candles.In the hallways a fashion show of live model “mannequins” on pedestals wearing various couture and looks created by top fashion designers and stylists was presented with models changing throughout the evening.

The evening’s entertainment featured three of the fashion world’s top DJs. DJ and Nylon fashion reporter Becka Diamond started the evening, followed by San Francisco mashup artist DJ Earworm. To close the event New York nightlife collective The Misshapes featuring Leigh Lezark spun a mix of music as guests filled the dance floor. The launch event created a great deal of buzz in the fashion and online communities with the attendance of many celebrities, bloggers and the fashion elite. Among the 550 guests in attendance were Mary-Kate Olsen, Ashley Olsen, Iman, Isaac Mizrahi, Claire Danes, Elisabeth Moss, Carey Mulligan, Christian Siriano and Vogue editor Meredith Melling Burke as well as designers Zac Posen, Tory Burch and Catherine Malandrino. Among the fashion press turnout were fashion bloggers Bryan Grey-Yambao (BryanBoy), Susie Lau (Style Bubble), and Jane Aldridge (Sea of Shoes). Empire Entertainment served as overall producer for the event and was responsible for event design, décor, technical production, catering, talent, logistics and stage management.

Empire is a leading producer of innovative product launches and has worked extensively in the fashion and luxury segments.

Building upon a strong foundation of science, partnership and field demonstration, Conservation International empowers societies to responsibly and sustainably care for nature, our global biodiversity, for the well-being of humanity.On November 11, 2010, Empire Entertainment, in partnership with @Radical.Media, produced Conservation International’s annual Gala in Seattle, Washington. The first of five major fundraising events Empire will produce for Conservation International, this event took place at Fremont Studios, and gave all the attendees a unique and immersive experience, unlike any other gala Seattle has seen. This gala would focus on Conservation International's important work with the world's oceans and the visual design of the event would underscore the evening's purpose and messaging.

After arrival and cocktails, guests entered into a stunning, cavernous soundstage transformed into an undersea world with huge underwater images projected onto video screens surrounding 270 degrees of the room and powerful undersea sounds. Floating jellyfish, cascading schools of fish, whales and dolphins were featured in immersive imagery that immersed guests into the ocean theme.On the minimal white stage backed by giant ocean scenes, Pearl Jam’s Stone Goddard started the program and spoke passionately about the importance of saving the ocean and the animal life within. The Seattle supporters of CI were also able to hear world-renowned experts in the field of oceanography including CI’s Chief Ocean Scientist Greg Stone and featured speaker David de Rothschild, the eco-adventurer who built a boat called the Plastiki from recycled plastic bottles and sailed it on a global adventure. An exciting panel discussion followed including Mr. de Rothschild and Mr. Stone in addition CI’s own Co-founder, Chairman, and CEO Peter Seligmann. Dr. Sylvia Earle, one of the world’s foremost ocean explorers and one of only seven National Geographic Explorers–in-Residence, was also featured in the program.

After the dinner, guests adjourned to an afterparty for a live auction, drinks and desserts with a specially-compiled soundtrack of ocean sounds. This Conservation International gala was attended by over 400 guests and stood out as the first of a new campaign for CI to get its conservation, sustainable and global mission statements across while sparking active and open discussions about the Earth and its population’s problems and solutions.For this exciting event, Empire served as overall event producer and was responsible for technical production, event design, and stage management. Empire is a leading producer of innovative gala events and is a pioneer in the use of surround video environments for special events.To learn more about Conservation International, visit http://www.conservation.org/

This year American Friends of Rabin Medical Center wanted to turn the traditional gala on its head. Looking to innovate beyond a traditional dinner function, AFRMC asked Empire make the entire event fun while still conveying the important message of supporting the hospital in Israel. Empire came up with the idea of a one-night extravaganza featuring the best of contemporary Israeli culture juxtaposed against their New York counterparts. This feast of the senses would bring authentic Israeli experiences to a New York donor audience and would deepen the attendee’s emotional connection to Israel while presenting a more dynamic and tangible association to the Rabin Medical Center.Working with AFRMC as well as the Israeli Consul General, Empire re-brand the gala as “The Best of Israel meets the Best of New York” focusing on fashion, jewelry, art, entertainment, and, of course, cuisine. For the fashion show, Empire was able to secure participation from Israeli fashion designers Irena Burshtein and Maison Bellaish (staking recent claim in the New York scene with their new flagship store in the Meatpacking district). Thanks to the cooperation of numerous different individuals and organizations, we engaged Israeli jewelry designers Hana Stern, Sigal Shohat, and Orly Wexler, and New York based designer Judith Ripka. All of this was just in the cocktail reception!Even the evening’s menu was specially designed. Together Empire and AFRMC enlisted two of the best chefs New York and Israel have to offer - Todd English and Mika Sharon. The two worked together to design different aspects of the cocktail reception food stations and the seated dinner menu with an Israeli zest.To host the dinner program, Empire again secured talk show host Charlie Rose. Rose ably emceed the program and led a captivating interview live onstage with Larry Silverstein, developer of the World Trade Center towers, alongside Stephen Siegel, Chairman of CB Richard Ellis and President of AFRMC Board of Directors. Also, in maintaining the theme Charlie showcased a brief video montage of famous Israeli’s he has interviewed over the years.For the entertainment portion of the evening, world-renowned Israeli violinist Shlomo Mintz represented the Best of Israeli entertainment, with a breathtaking solo performance. In keeping with theme, The Best of New York was a who’s who of Broadway. Legendary Broadway star Chita Rivera and critically acclaimed singer/actor Tom Wopat performed brief tributes to Award of Excellence recipients and renowned Broadway producers Barry and Fran Weissler.Empire served as event producer for this 600 person gala managing all aspects of production including entertainment, host / emcee talent, fashion show, displays and auctions, venue coordination, lighting, staging, audio, image magnification, catering (provided by Newman & Levanthal and the Grand Hyatt), security, design and décor. Empire also consulted on the invitation design, journal design, and creative programming aspects including scripting and show order.Empire is one of the world’s leading producers of not-for-profit events and fundraisers.

Empire was thrilled to serve as producer of the Coalition for the Homeless’ 16th annual ARTWALK NY––New York City's premier contemporary art auction event. More than 900 art collectors, art appreciators, and celebrities came together in Skylight Studio for a night of festivities, including a live and silent auction. The core of ARTWALK was a silent and live auction featuring over 130 works of contemporary art donated by some of the world’s most celebrated artists. This included Andy Warhol, Francesco Clemente, Jeff Koons, Wade Guyton, Shepherd Fairey, and Yoko Ono. All of the biggest names were represented and for sale for a good cause. The evening began with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails graciously provided by Nicholas Feuillatte, Stella Artois, and Sud de France. Food was provided by several of New York City’s best restaurants, including Bethel, Ed’s Lobster Bar, Indochine, Macao Trading Company, Michael’s, and Osteria il Paiolo. For dessert, Lulu Cake Boutique provided cupcakes.

In the live auction room, Co-Chairs Alec Baldwin, Carey Lowell, and Richard Gere took the stage to acknowledge the important work and various projects of the Coalition for the Homeless. James Rosenquist, the event's honoree, further underlined the importance of fighting for housing, job training, and children’s services while he spoke about his memories of being a homeless New Yorker. When the live auction bidding began, Phillips du Pury auctioneer, Aileen Agogplan, auctioned off Rosenquist’s work as well as those by Andy Warhol, Francesco Clemente, Nan Goldin, Jenny Holzer, and others. The rest of Skylight’s cavernous space served as a gallery for the silent auction. Throughout the night, guests bid on and purchased established artists like Shepard Fairey, Yoko Ono, Olaf Breuning, and Christo. The silent auction featured works ranging from paintings and photographs to sculptures and installation pieces. The event was sponsored by FENDI and featured an exclusive FENDI Lounge where guests relaxed on lounge furnishings and drank Nicholas Feuillatte champagne between bidding sessions.

Working closely with Coalition for the Homeless’ events team, Empire served as overall producer of the event and was responsible for aspects including event design, art solicitation, layout, production, logistics, décor, restaurant coordination, and music. Empire also worked closely with Joyce Manalo and ArtForward who were responsible for overall coordination of the art solicitation, donations, delivery, and handling of all of the pieces for both the live and silent auctions. Bettina Prentice Communications handled press and the development of the art advisory and benefit committees as well as working to secure the evening’s honoree and many of the donated artworks. ARTWALK NY raised over $800,000 for the Coalition for the Homeless and reached the highest attendance in the event’s 16 years. Empire 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 http://www.coalitionforthehomeless.org/

Tsukicon, the largest convention in Northern Europe featuring Japanese music and fashion, was convened in Helsinki Finland. The event took place at both the Gloria Hall and Kulttuuriarena Gloria, on November 13th and November 14h. Including live performances by Japanese rock bands on both days, the convention also feature fashion shows, panel discussions, contests and talk shows. Over 1,000 aficionados from across Europe gathered in Helsinki for the Two-day event.Empire coordinated the appearance of the charismatic "Gal" duo Yumachi & Aina at this year's Tsukicon event. Headilining the event, Yumachi & Aina performed live for the very first time on foreign soil, and were overwhelmingly well received by both foreign press and Japan press that had traveled over to witness the debut.In addition to managing the casting and coordination that allowed Yumachi & Aina to participate in this year's Tsukicon Convention, Empire Entertainment Japan also directed and stage managed the live show.