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When one of the world's largest technology companies sought to recognize, reward and inspire its top technical employees and scientists, it chose to conduct a weekend retreat with spouses at the Fairmont Hotel in picturesque Vancouver, British Columbia. The 3 day program for more than 400 guests would include several meal functions, inspiring speakers, activities, entertainment, a gala dinner and a disco after-party. Based on a multi-year working relationship, this global corporation turned to Empire Entertainment to serve as production company for the entire program.

Over the course of many months, Empire worked closely with the clients to develop an agenda and theme that would resonate throughout the weekend and leave a lasting impression long after the guests returned home. The example of the Apollo space program that ultimately sent the first men to the moon was chosen as a source of inspiration and appropriate imagery and content were adopted to theme the entire weekend.

The program began with an arrival night reception and dinner where the company's most senior technical executive delivered a keynote address, followed by an inspiring speech by Dr. Jerry Linenger, an American astronaut who served aboard the Space Station MIR. Dr. Linenger's speech was met with a standing ovation and guests lined up to meet Dr. Linenger after his remarks. The next morning following breakfast, guests were treated to a keynote address by BBC broadcaster and author, James Burke, who shared his perspectives on the history and future of knowledge and technological change. The breakfast was followed by an interactive scavenger hunt game that took place throughout the day.

That evening, guests arrived dressed in ‘Geek Chic' attire for the recognition dinner. Following a cocktail hour, guests entered a ballroom that Empire had transformed into a space-aged fantasy. Square tables set with dark grey linens, silver chargers and square glass centerpieces sat arrayed in lines below a light ceiling in blue chase lights. Each centerpiece glowed with white pin-spotting. Looping footage of high resolution space animations ran on dual projection screens while beams of cobalt blue lighting slowly tracked the room. The evening featured a keynote address and Q&A by the company's chairman followed by a set of side-splitting humor by former Saturday Night Live player and Wayne's World star, Dana Carvey.

Following the dinner, guests adjourned to the rooftop ballroom for a night of dancing to 1980's hits in a mini-disco designed and decorated by Empire and DJ'd by Los Angeles turntablist DJ Crash.On the final morning, Empire set up a farewell brunch which featured bright florals, baskets of hangover cures on each table, and a performance of soft blues, gospel and R&B music by Vancouver's own Kenny Wayne.The results speak for themselves. In the client's post-program analysis, the attendee surveys were returned with 95% of the attendees indicating that they were satisfied and 70% of those indicating that they were very satisfied (the highest ranking).

For this program Empire served as the one-stop production company, developed and designed every aspect of the program in collaboration with the client and supplied all speaker and entertainment booking, staging, sound, lighting and audio visual services, décor, production management and onsite staffing.

Many of the world's most successful corporations choose Empire Entertainment as their one-stop production company to produce their most important programs.

When National Geographic Channel wanted to present an extraordinary client event for their New York City Upfront, they again selected Empire Entertainment as their event producer. The direction from management was that this year's event would have to relate to NGC's programming and would also have to challenge guests with an authentic adventure and learning experience that they would not soon forget. Empire worked closely with NGC's marketing and events team, considered all of NGC's upcoming programming carefully, and ultimately chose a space / astronaut-themed event. The theme would provide a solid basis for the intelligent, experiential, and forward-looking event that would best promote the world's fastest-growing cable network to its most important customers. The event would feature real astronaut training exercises for the attendees as well as authentic exhibits, simulations and access to top, current astronauts and space scientists. But creating an authentic space / astronaut-themed event from scratch would be no easy matter, especially because NASA would not be able to support a commercial event. Empire and NGC would have to create a space program from scratch.

The event was held at Skylight NYC - a spacious, modern former gallery space in lower Manhattan that perfectly resembled what one would expect to be the interior of a NASA astronaut training facility. The décor featured a large entrance statement in the form of a yellow border lit from within through which guests entered the event. The registration area was bathed in red light and resembled a rocket gantry through which astronauts enter a shuttle or capsule. Guests then walked through a chain curtain and into rolling fog like a rocket ready to blast off and entered another world. Guests stepped into a tunnel made of black drape and fiber optic star drop that led into the main room of the event. Before them stood a giant 60' wall of star drop on which was mounted a giant, high definition projection screen looping NGC's high definition footage. Images of the blue earth below, taken from the International Space Station, passed by the giant portal-style window. A vignette featuring the a full size Apollo 13 space capsule (that was used in the motion picture Apollo 13), along with a full scale model of a lunar rover and a current EVA (extra-vehicular activity) space suit, were lit in blue light. Before this, a series of white ottomans were placed for seating with a pillar at the center of each, topped with a Lucite dome containing hydroponic arrangements of beautiful specimen orchids. Guests were served specialty ‘Galaxy' cocktails from two large bars - one a ‘Mars Bar' lit in red and another a ‘Moon bar' lit in blue. Abigail Kirsch provided space aged catering served on Lucite trays by waitstaff and bartenders all dressed in blue NASA flight jumpsuits.

Surrounding the bars were a series of astronaut training activities and guest speaker stations including: Do You Have What it Takes to Become an Astronaut?• This multi-station area featured staff in lab coats administering timed aptitude tests and challenges similar to the exams taken to become an astronaut. These interactive stations were themed to the NGC series "Crash Test Humans" and included:Orbitron • This was a stationary G-force space simulated activity. The user stepped into the innermost of three concentric rings that move and roll the participant along the tilt, roll and yaw access and are used to help train individuals for the disorientation of space flight. As soon as guests completed their time on the Orbitron, they were asked to participate in a timed manual dexterity exercise where they stacked blocks. Space Walk Simulator • This activity consisted of a large, ground supported truss structure and harness rig in which guests were suspended in space and asked to conduct a series of activities similar to those that an astronaut might have to perform onActivities were led by a variety of experts and real astronauts. Dr. Leroy Chiaho, commander of the International Space Station and several Space Shuttle Missions led the Space Shuttle landing simulation, talking guests throuh an authentic landing on headsets while Dr. Max Bernstein, Astrobiophysicist of NASA's SETI program (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) taught guests about how we search the stars for signs of life.

There are great rewards and great challenges to producing the same corporate meeting for a group year after year. Such is the case with Empire Entertainment's long standing relationship with one of the world's largest investment banks. For many years, Empire has delivered top name talent and attractions at the annual client conference of this client, to a highly educated and sophisticated group. Over the past several years, Empire has delivered for this meeting intimate performances by Ray Charles and his 44 Piece Orchestra, The Beach Boys, Latin sensation Albita, comedian Al Franken and Glenn Frey to name a few. This year, the client wanted something completely different - something interactive.

Empire Entertainment suggested and delivered "Who's Line Is It Anyway" star Wayne Brady. The result was like nothing they'd ever seen before. Best known for his role on ABC's television show Whose Line Is It Anyway?, and for a memorable sketch on Comedy Central's Chappelle's Show, Brady astounds his audience with dead-on impressions of various singers and sense of humor. However, the highlights in his 60 minute shows are they ways he incorporates audience suggestions and uses the audience members to create spontaneous comedy. It is not only challenging to make songs and movie sketches "on-the-fly", but to make them personalized to the client and attendee without humiliating the audience or the client, is the mark of a truly talented artist. Wayne Brady achieved this and more and delivered a hysterical and appropriate show that had many in the audience wiping away tears of laughter as they exited the ballroom.

From Wayne Brady and Gotham City Improv to the Second City National Touring Company, Empire Entertainment is a leader in presenting improv comedy for corporate events.

When one of the world's largest global software firms suffered an event-disrupting blow, it called on Empire Entertainment to turn a negative into a positive. Hurricane Katrina ended the client's plans to hold their annual "kick off" meeting in New Orleans. Both date and venue had to change in the wake of the catastrophic storm. But in planning for the new event in San Antonio's Conventiuon Center Arena, Empire acted quickly to secure an act that would not only blow the audience away, but that would also connect to New Orleans and speak to the upheaval in the Big Not-So-Easy-Anymore.

Empire landed the bayou's own, John Fogerty, best known as the voice of Creedence Clearwater Revival to perform a headline concert. The result was an ecstatic audience who swayed and danced to a stream of smash radio hits including "Proud Mary," "Bad Moon Rising," "Fortunate Son," "Have You Ever Seen The Rain?", and "Centerfield," to name but a few.The spectacular evening ended with a lengthy meet and greet, where the very affable John Fogerty chatted with guests and posed for pictures.

Empire is a leading provider of headline musical talent for events around the globe.

Since the New York launch of their channel in 2003, the National Geographic Channel has partnered with Empire to produce and manage numerous unique events including the New York and Chicago Upfronts, public press events at Chelsea Piers and the Central Park Zoo, and the multi-character "Adventure Squad" street marketing team. Therefore, it was no coincidence that they called on Empire to produce an elegant reception to celebrate the National Geographic Channel's launch on high definition television and to mark the 5th Anniversary of the channel's inception. The reception was held at the Explorers Club, renowned for its century-old tradition of being the meeting point for a professional society of select explorers and scientists worldwide, most notably, astronaut Neil Armstrong and Sir Edmund Hillary – the first mountaineer to reach the summit of Mt. Everest.

Amidst the club's stately features of dark varnished wood, imported stone fireplaces, polar bear taxidermy and oil paintings depicting explorations to the North Pole, Empire delicately integrated technical production elements and a décor scheme that enhanced the National Geographic Channel brand without overwhelming the space. Upon arrival at the club, guests entered through an 8-foot-high doorway recreation of National Geographic's signature yellow border, consisting of yellow gerbera daisies and green foliage. Once inside, a Eurasian hawk and a pair of Blackfoot penguins greeted guests as they nibbled on passed hors d'oeuvres and sipped cocktails. On the terrace, which was tented and draped with flowing red & yellow silk, guests shot photos of themselves on a green screen with NGC-themed backgrounds and interacted with a mix of exotic creatures including a Lemur, young Alligator, Siberian Lynx, Armadillo, and a Slow Loris.

The event was co-hosted by ADWEEK Magazine, featured remarks by President Laureen Ong and looping high definition video footage of NGC programming, and attracted NGC talent including Explorer host Lisa Ling, Explorer-in-Residence Bob Ballard and the Dog Whisperer, Cesar Millan. Empire coordinated and managed every aspect of the event including venue, catering, décor, live animals, lighting, video plasmas, audio, staging & security.In the words of the client, the party was "A fun, classy event which once again drove home to key constituencies that NGC is a young powerhouse on the move."

When legendary performers look to market their own latest releases, they turn to Empire Entertainment to help present them in their best light. Such was the case when Barry Manilow and BMG released Barry's newest album, "The Greatest Songs of the Fifties," and sought to perform selections of this material for an exclusive audience of influential New Yorkers and music industry executives. The event was held at the spectacular Allen Room at Jazz at Lincoln Center and featured a cocktail hour, an introduction speech by legendary label executive Clive Davis and a fifty minute concert during which Barry performed both Fifties classics and his greatest hits. Performing high above Columbus Circle with the lights of Central Park as a backdrop, Barry performed such great classics as "Mandy," "Made it Through the Rain," "Copacabana," and "I Write the Songs" as well as selections from this new album such as "Unchained Melody," "It's Not For Me to Say," "Moments to Remember" and "Venus." Onstage Barry performed with a large orchestra including a horn section, background vocalists, and dancers. Barry performed both at the vocal microphone and at the piano. The evening ended with a streamer burst and a standing ovation as Barry concluded this rare New York concert appearance to thunderous applause. For this program Empire helped to coordinate all logistics and supervised production, interfacing among Barry Manilow's camp, Jazz at Lincoln Center and various outside resources to provide the highest caliber production quality.

When the stars present themselves, they turn to Empire to help them produce the show.

Marco Tempest performs his next generation magic at the Apple Store in Tokyo's Ginza. Marco Tempest stunned visitors to Apple's Ginza store in Tokyo Japan with his breakthrough combination of technology and magic. Located in the middle of Tokyo's posh Ginza shopping district, on some of the world's most expensive real estate, the Apple Store is a high-profile location always buzzing with activity. Marco, visiting Japan to produce a new TV special, was invited to perform at the Apple Store during its peak December sales season. Despite short notice Marco drew an excited and diverse crowd of shoppers, families, tourists and Apple fans. Entitled "Multimedia Magic Made on a Mac", Marco's performance not only showcased his world-renowned and innovative routines, but it also demonstrated his ability to use Mac products to produce magic.

Using Wi Fi technology, integration between various products ranging from cell phones with cameras to computers to LCD screens, Marco proved once again that he is the future of magic. Under the watchful eye of the audience, Marco solved in less than 5 seconds one of the most popular (and difficult) puzzles in the world - The Rubik's Cube! Marco then asked a random audience member to imagine they were holding a card, and took a photo of them with his cell phone. After placing the cell phone face down in the hand of the subject, they were asked to reveal the card they imagined they were holding. They were then asked to look at the image on the cell phone, and were understandable amazed to see a photo of them holding the actual card that they had only imagined holding moments ago!

The Apple Store management was understandably thrilled with Marco's performance, and is looking forward to future visits to Japan when he will perform at their store again. Marco Tempest continues to blur the line between magic and technology, making Arthur C. Clarkes famous words, "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic," ring truer then ever.

Marco Tempest stars in NHK broadcast Japanese Television Special, "The Astounding World of Virtual Magic!" NHK, Japan's national broadcaster, was looking for outstanding content for a prime-time slot in their year-end schedule. They chose to partner with Empire Entertainment Japan to produce a unique television special starring Marco Tempest. Working together with NHK, Marco Tempest and Empire Entertainment developed a program packed with both Marco's world-renowned illusions customized for Japan and entirely original content. Marco Tempest filmed in the studio and on location in Tokyo for 4 days to produce the 70-minute show. Famous Japanese personalities, Jay Kabira, Riho Makise, Michiko Shimizu and the duo Napoleons, joined Marco in the studio, and were treated to an up-close and personal display of Virtual Magic. Locations such as a retail store in Akihabara – also known as Electric Town, a video arcade in Shibuya - the capital of Japanese youth fashion, and a pool & darts bar in Roppongi – the center of Tokyo's nightlife, provided a perfect background to Marco's original blend of hi-technology and illusions.

In one illusion in Electric Town Marco thrilled shoppers by changing part of the live picture on a random screen with just the touch of his finger. But the magic didn't stop there. Marco then pulled a small doll out of one TV in a bank of plasma screens airing the same show. The impromptu audience was shocked to discover that the doll, which had disappeared from the screen Marco plucked it from, was still pictured in all of the other TVs! The program was filmed and broadcast in ultra clear hi-definition, and aired for the first time during prime time on December 27. It earned an average rating of nearly 10 points, and was watched by almost 13 million people during its 70 minute broadcast. E-mails and phone calls received from viewers following the broadcast showed that many were left baffled, and Marco had single-handedly made people believe in magic again! NHK was delighted with the result, and are already in talks with Marco for new specials for 2006.

Marco continues to be a master at walking the line between the actual world we live in, and the virtual one that exists in our amazing technology and imaginations. As the creative force and production designer behind all of his work, Marco is a producer and event planner's dream. Empire Entertainment is pleased to have played a role in the development of Marco Tempest's NHK Special, and to continue to support an ever-growing field of original ventures in television and film. About NHK: The Nippon Hyoso Kyokai (NHK) dates from the early 1920s with establishment of a license fee-based national radio broadcaster. In contrast to many overseas public broadcasters, NHK is still one of the most watched channels in Japan, enjoying substantial market share across a wide demographic. The NHK group operates 54 stations throughout Japan and has 29 overseas bureaus. In 1953, after making Japan's first television broadcast, NHK introduced commercial broadcasting to Japan.

When one of Russia's largest energy companies wanted to throw a spectacular year-end event, their Netherlands-based producers contacted Empire Entertainment to deliver the appropriate host.The event took place at the historic Rossia Concert Hall, just steps away from Moscow's Red Square. The dinner and performance, held for an audience of approximately 650 of Russia's wealthiest and most powerful people, featured performances by Sarah Brightman, Jem, Fuego!, and Pink along with her laser effects, video and a spectacular fireworks display in a very snowy Red Square.

With so many program features and so much talent, it was important to find the right host who could keep the evening's flow moving, deliver physical humor that would transcend the language barrier and be recognized by the audience. Actor Jim Belushi fit the bill in every respect. His legendary physical comedy abilities, his willingness to perform Blues Brothers songs to track, and the fact that he is highly recognized in Russia due to some of his motion pictures like "K-9" and "Red Heat", made him the ideal candidate. Jim Belushi worked with co-host Yelena Hanga, a Russian-American who is also a television personality in Russia, and together they were able to set-up the jokes and translate all of Jim's humor to the appreciative audience.

The spectacular evening, whose attendees included entrepreneurs, politicians and notable Russian business figures, ended with Jim Belushi getting everyone on their feet and dancing as he performed "Sweet Home Chicago" and led them in a final champagne toast before guests went outside for an amazing fireworks show in Red Square. For this program, Empire contracted Jim Belushi, handled all logistics and visa needs, facilitated the development of creative and script, and stage managed the hosting segments.

Empire is a leading provider of talent for events around the globe.

When ShopRite LPGA sought to create an innovative and large-scale fundraising event to benefit a series of New Jersey charities, they turned to Empire Entertainment to help them achieve their goal. Their objective was to create a novel, hybrid concert event which would be publicly promoted with public advertising and tickets sold to the general public, but for which all of the proceeds would to benefit four charities: AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, Shore Memorial Hospital, Gilda's Club of New Jersey and the Ruth Newman Shapiro Cancer & Heart Fund. The concert event would have to be on a large scale - with a gross potential at or above $1 million dollars. The concert would also need to be held in Atlantic City and, because the client was looking for an activity that would take place approximately six months from their huge LPGA Golf Tournament event at the end of May, the concert would need to take place at the end of the year and feature an artist who was in a sense 'Christmas-proof ' and would be able to deliver the large scale crowd an event like this would demand.

Working closely with the client over almost an entire year, Empire steadily negotiated with and ultimately secured superstar recording artist and 2005 MusiCares Man of the Year, James Taylor.The concert was held at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, an historic renovated venue that seats more than 12,000 people. Empire worked closely with the client, James Taylor's management and Boardwalk Hall to oversee every element of the production including ticket scaling, seating kills, on-sale strategy, marketing & promotion, concert production, logistics, signed James Taylor memorabilia, merchandising, music licensing royalties and budget management. In conjunction with the concert a cocktail reception and a post-show meet & greet with James Taylor and high roller sponsors and guests were held.The concert drew almost 8,000 attendees. James Taylor performed nearly a two hour show comprised of holiday songs and his hits including "Fire & Rain," "Handyman," "Sweet Baby James," "How Sweet It Is," and "You've Got a Friend" among many others. The concert was thoroughly enjoyed by all of the attendees and represents an innovation in fund raising events by ShopRite LPGA where a purely commercial entertainment served several charitable organizations.

Empire Entertainment is proud to have served as producer for this successful and innovative charitable concert event.

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of one of New York's most notable weekly magazines, TIME OUT NEW YORK came to Empire Entertainment to coordinate a 7 month series of street marketing stunts in partnership with their advertising client, city specific American Express card IN:NYC. The concept was simple. On every tenth day of the month, TONY and IN:NYC would surprise New Yorkers by giving them a birthday present at some of New York's more frequented venues. Each month's location and stunt would relate to a different element of TONY's editorial content such as music, film, etc. To develop and execute this 7 month series of events, Empire worked closely with TONY's marketing department and IN:NYC's agency - Momentum Worldwide to craft, coordinate and manage all logistics of each promotion and help bring visibility to both brands.Every promotion involved a street team of six actors/models, who served as brand ambassadors and who were nicknamed 'Team TONY.' Empire cast, contracted, and attired the ethnically diverse team in specially styled TONY and IN:NYC-branded clothing.

We trained the team so that they would be well-versed about the product in order to introduce guests to the newly born IN:NYC card and rewards program and create buzz and awareness surrounding TONY's 10th Birthday. Team TONY interacted with members of the public and handed out custom made TONY birthday cards which offered opportunities to win a free subscription to the magazine.The seven months of promotions began in June 2005, where free single-pass subway Metrocards were given to commuters entering subway stations in three neighborhoods. In July, TONY and a team of stylists gave free manicure / color changes at Hudson River Park. In August, TONY and IN:NYC surprised guests at 9 IN:NYC participating restaurant & bar hot spots with free Grey Goose Vodka "MAR-TONY'S". These restaurants included Brasserio: Caviar and Banana, Kitchen 22, 66, Underbar in the W Hotel, Callo Ocho, Ono in the Hotel Gansevoort, Django, Kitchen 82, and NY favorite, SushiSamba 7. In September, guests were given a free night at the movies - with free movie passes, free popcorn and soda. In October, TONY and the IN:NYC Card gave jazz fans free $10 iTunes certificates at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola in honor of TONY's 10 years as New York's go to guide for the best music and music happenings across the city.

In November, free "MAR-TONYS" were given to those attending one of the many great Off Broadway shows at Dodger Stages. To celebrate the last birthday event, TONY and IN:NYC gave free coffee at 3 Upper east side and 3 Upper West side locations to morning pedestrian commuters.Empire also coordinated the logistics for an onsite IN:NYC acquisition team who informed guests about the cards benefits and provided an opportunity to sign up those who were interested in the IN:NYC rewards program. Those who did sign up received a gift bag with multiple gifts particular to each promotion, such as gift certificates to various IN:NYC restaurants, IN:NYC branded martini glasses, gift certificates to J&R Music and Oasis Day Spa, as well as Godiva hot chocolate, and a free night at the movies to name a few.At every promotion, Team TONY managed to surprise New Yorkers and build good will and brand awareness for both TONY and IN:NYC. On the whole, thousands of birthday cards were distributed leading to strong subscriptions and far more people than had been expected signed up for the IN:NYC card.

Empire is a leading producer of attention-getting and results-achieving street marketing and brand awareness events.

On December 6, 2005, a dinner was hosted at the home of Roger Waters (founder of Pink Floyd) and Laura Durning to promote awareness and funding of the Millennium Promise organization (www.millenniumpromise.org) whose objective is to fight extreme poverty, especially in Africa. The evening's event was co-hosted by Tracey Durning and Jon Ein and was produced by J. B. Miller and Empire Entertainment.

The evening began with a cocktail hour in Roger Water's Library, with magnificent views overlooking New York in 3 directions from 51st & Fifth Avenue. At the cocktail hour guests arrived and were treated to floral creations designed by Michael Kowalski using predominantly African flowers & greens, catering provided by Great Performances and Veuve Cliquot champagne generously supplied by Moet Hennessey U.S.Guests included guest of honor and director of both the UN Millennium Project and The Earth Institute at Columbia University, Dr. Jeffrey Sachs, as well as Angelina Jolie, Philip Seymour Hoffman, MOBY, Roger Waters, Patti Smith and a variety of key donors and representatives of private foundations. Guests were then seated for dinner in the dining room at eight 5' square tables, each sset for 8 guests where they enjoyed a three course meal, a showing of a video on Millennium Promise produced by Tracey Durning, an acoustic performance by Patti Smith and remarks and Q&A with Dr. Jeffrey Sachs. Following the dinner guests returned to the library for Hennessey cognac and further discussion which a soundtrack of African music created by Empire Entertainment played.

The event was a success on every level with the guests thoroughly enjoying themselves. Dr. Sachs was "Over the moon" and significant interest in the Millennium Promise initiatives were generated.

On November 10, 2005, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment engaged Empire Entertainment to bring to life and produce an elegant cocktail reception and press event celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the legendary motion picture, "The Sound of Music." Attended by Dame Julie Andrews and all seven actors and actresses who portrayed the Von Trapp children in the film, this milestone event garnered wide press coverage throughout television and print, including The Today Show, which taped one-on-one interviews with each actor at the event.

The reception was held in the Chestnut Room at New York's famed Tavern on the Green. Guests dined on a traditional Austrian buffet including weiner schnitzel, bratwurst, and traditional Viennese desserts such as apple strudel and sacher torte. Empire provided pianist Julie McBride who performed Rodgers & Hammerstein classics as background music for the affair. The highlight of the party was a 16' x 8' custom-made replica of the marionette theatre featured in the film's much-loved "Lonely Goat Herd" scene. Within the theater's proscenium were displayed six of the original marionettes featured in the film, which Empire acquired on a special loan from the Charles H. MacNider Art Museum in Mason City, Iowa. Inside Tavern's Crystal Garden, Empire installed a 20' x 40' press tent and draped it with gold and white silk. To create an environment similar to an Austrian field, the interior was carpeted in green and filled with clusters of birch trees and fresh flower arrangements. Working under the direction of Twentieth Century FOX, Empire Entertainment managed all details for the event, coordinated all logistics with the venue, catering and tenting, and provided all décor, scenic, lighting and audio.

Empire is a leading producer of high-end publicity events and has established a strong track record of delivering high quality events that are uniquely customized to the products and services they promote.

When a major technology company wanted to provide an exciting opening number and evening celebration for their product launch they turned to Empire Entertainment to secure headline entertainment that would lend itself to a 'Rock & Roll' launch theme. Empire presented the client with a variety of band recommendations and worked with them to ultimately secure 1970's and 1980's rock icons, Cheap Trick, to headline the launch event and party. Cheap Trick, with their many hard rock hits and reputation as a fun and boisterous band, lent themselves perfectly to the launch theme of "Ready to Rock / Ready to Launch" and were the ideal partners for realizing the client's creative vision. Set in front of a unique stage set of VersaTile LED surfaces at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, Cheap Trick kicked off the morning session with an electrifying, high energy rendition of their hit "Hello There" promptly at 9:00AM.

Just as the opening video ended, the band counted off and tore into the song as a wall of vertical banners suddenly dropped to reveal the band onstage. Lead singer Robin Zander greeted the amazed audience with the lyrics "Hello there. Ladies and gents, are you ready to rock?" Cheap Trick returned later that same evening for the finale of the Product Launch, a final party. The party featured various rock and roll-themed activities, a performance by the all-female AC/DC cover-group, AC/Dshe and also featured live airbrush artists painting 80's rock icons. The concert portion of the party was kicked off by Paul Sr. of Orange County Choppers featured on the television show American Choppers, who rode a custom motorcycle onto the stage to introduce the band. Cheap Trick then played a full set of their hits that included "I Want You to Want Me," "The Flame," "Surrender," and "Dream Police" among others. Original band members Robin Zander, Rick Neilsen, Bun E. Carlson and Tom Peterson kept the crowd rocking as they threw guitar picks to lucky guests in the crowd.

The show was a great success with the audience calling out for more as the band left the stage, which they happily obliged with a two song encore, concluding with the client's recommendation of "Goodnight" which made the event come full circle.Cheap Trick were the ideal partner for this launch. Their great, collaborative attitude showed itself in many ways as the band cooperated on issues ranging from set design, lighting and branding to the selection of material and show flow.

Empire is a leading booker and producer of headline entertainment for major business events worldwide.

Keep a Child Alive is an innovative, fast-growing charitable organization that raises money and awareness to provide anti-retroviral drugs and programs to children with HIV/AIDS in Africa. Keep a Child Alive takes a powerful, activist approach to its mission: To provide funding for ARV treatment and surrounding services for children and families To fund nutritional projects where necessary in clinic sites, To provide funding for the training or employment of health care workers, To build and scale up sites where ARV treatment can be made available, To fund sites where AIDS orphans can be cared for and to engage the public directly in the fight against global HIV/AIDS. Keep a Child Alive has raised considerable program funds and awareness though various media programs to combat this catastrophic health crisis in Africa.

Empire Entertainment was honored to again have the opportunity to produce Keep A Child Alive's annual fundraising event, "The Black Ball" in 2005.This year's event was scheduled as the closing event for the Time Magazine Healthcare Summit at the Rose Hall at Jazz at Lincoln Center in the Time Warner Building. This is a prestigious program that included speeches and workshops with speakers such as Bill Gates, Bill Clinton, Dr. Jeffrey Sachs, Bono and Paul Farmer among many others. For this extraordinary event, Empire served as overall event producer and was responsible for all program aspects working alongside Keep a Child Alive and in collaboration with many wonderful event partners and donors.

The event began with a stunning cocktail reception in the Rose Hall Atrium. The cocktail reception featured projections of image campaigns, elegantly lit collections of African art, floral designs using all native African flowers and plants featuring King Proteas, and a soundtrack of African music. Great Performances handled the catering and featured a custom "Triple Drug Cocktail" utilizing sponsored Belvedere vodka.Following the cocktail reception, 380 guests entered the spectacular Allen Room for an elegant, seated dinner. The tables for this dinner were designed by Helena Lehane and featured smoked glassware, black silverware, textured African-style linens and hurricane candle groupings.

A diverse group of celebrities attended the dinner including Clive Davis, Jessica Alba, Jamie Foxx, Rosie Perez, and many others. Following the dinner and a 2nd cocktail seating, approximately 1,000 guests entered the Rose Theater for an extraordinary program and concert. Whoopi Goldberg emceed the program, which included speeches by Eileen Naughton (President of Time Magazine) and Leigh Blake (Founder of Keep a Child Alive). Natasha Richardson, Cynthia Nixon (Sex in the City), and Jeffrey Wright presented awards to Michael Weinstein (President of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation), HBO (to Executive Vice President Richard Plepler) and Kim Nichols (Executive Director of the African Services Committee.) The program also included a poetry reading by 18-year-old poet Shacoya V. Harts, and a dance & song performance by Erika Rose.After the speaking program, Alicia Keys and her band took the stage and began an incredible concert program.

The 90 minute concert, supported by visual projections by Earle Sebastian, included solos by Alicia Keys and duets with other amazing artists. Some highlights were Alicia Keys and John Mayer dueting on "A Little Help From My Friends," the song "Sorrow Tears and Blood" with Femi Kuti and Common, "Ain't Got You" and "Can't Help It" duets between Alicia Keys and Usher, an incredible performance of "Homeless" by Paul Simon with the Agape Children's Choir, a choir of AIDS orphans from South Africa, and additional duets between Alicia Keys and Baaba Maal on "African Woman" and a final duet with Angelique Kidjo on "Afrika" to close out the show.The high point of this incredible show was a duet between U2's Bono and Alicia Keys on the Peter Gabriel / Kate Bush song "Don't Give Up (Africa)" For more information on the 2005 Black Ball visit: http://keepachildalive.org/kcaAtWork/index.php?p=BlackBall2005

When Arista Records and Clive Davis wanted to throw a party to celebrate the release of Carlos Santana's latest album, "All That I Am," they turned to Empire Entertainment to pull together a terrific event on short notice. The event took place in the ornate Grand Ballroom of the Manhattan Center, located directly above the Hammerstein Ballroom. The party immediately followed Santana's concert downstairs. The late night lounge-style event was presented by Carlos Santana's recording label, Arista Records and was also sponsored by Real Networks music download service, Rhapsody.

The event featured a press room for interviews and photographs with Carlos Santana, Clive Davis, Anthony Hamilton and other Arista recording artists, a giant central bar surrounding towering palm trees, ottoman seating, square cocktail hi-tops, video projection of collected footage from Santana's career and lighting design by Empire's client that perfectly complemented the hundreds of red, yellow and white candles that glowed on every surface. The soundtrack of assorted work from Santana's career set the right mood for the event as guests chatted and mingled to the sounds of "Oye Como Va", "Black Magic Woman" and other Santana hits.The event was a complete success and Empire helped to design, plan and implement all aspects from security and decor to catering, production and room layout with less than one week's notice.

When the biggest names in entertainment choose to entertain themselves, they call Empire Entertainment.

When Real Estate Developer Donald Trump wished to thank the Phoenix City Council for approving his plans to build a 40-story luxury condo-hotel in Phoenix, Arizona, he turned to Empire Entertainment's Film & Video Division to produce the 00:30 second commercial spots for television and radio. Working closely with Bayrock Group's marketing department, Empire presented the Bayrock marketing department with a number of ideas, and chose to go with a straight forward, and simple approach to the commercial spot.Mr. Trump sits in his office saying thank you for the city council's approval that allows him, and another company, Phoenix-based Westcor, to build taller buildings than the present city ordinances allow.

As Mr. Trump speaks about the economic benefits his Trump Phoenix will create, beautiful renderings of the proposed multi-use, luxury destination are shown on-screen.The Phonecians for Smart Growth support Mr. Trump and the Bayrock group, pointing to the economic benefits a project like Trump Phoenix provides the city of Phoenix, including 1.4 million dollars of tax revenue annually, over $900,000 generated annually for phoenix schools, and jobs.An opposition group called "People Organized, Exercising Democracy" contends that tall building projects inhibit the enjoyment of Camelback Mountain, and they have collected petitions to force a citywide referendum on the issue.

Empire Entertainment's Film & Video Division creates Film, Video, and DVDs to assist companies with their marketing and communications messages.Empire's Film & Video unit have produced many industrial and private projects and were involved in the production of the 2006 Oscar Nominated film, "Capote," and Empire's two principals won the Emmy award for outstanding achievement in News & documentary programming for their first long-form project, a documentary motion picture entitled "The Cruise," directed by Bennett Miller. The Cruise tied with ABC News' Millennium coverage for this prestigious award. Empire's Film and Video division can produce any kind of film & video required by corporate clients including commercials, music videos, television pilots, long form projects, and corporate industrials for training, sales & motivation.

On Saturday, September 10th, Marco Tempest gave Apple consumers something that they did not expect! Performing his unique brand of hi-tech magic and illusions, Marco filled the audience with wonder, laughter, and awe. Entitled "Multimedia Magic Made on a Mac", Marco's performance not only showcased is world-renowned and innovative routines, it also demonstrated his abilities to use MAC products to produce his magic. Using Wi Fi technology, integration between various products ranging from cell phones and cameras to computers and plasma screens, Marco proved once again that he is the most ground-breaking magician of the 21st century. Marco and a team of eight assistants attracted so many viewers, that the 2nd floor theater was at maximum capacity!

Performing in the heart of trendy Soho, Marco's audience was entirely diverse. Ranging from computer geeks to families to tourists to supermodels in town for fashion week, the result was unanimous: Marco Tempest had single-handedly made people believe in magic again! Marco was able to solve one of the most popular (and difficult) puzzles in the world; The Rubik's Cube! To the audience's bewilderment, Marco mysteriously pulled a cube right out of the TV monitor. As excited participants would jumble up the cube as much as possible, Marco would foil them all by solving the puzzle in less than 5 seconds. Marco then asked seven random audience members to punch their favorite number into a spectator's cell phone, which magically ended up dialing Marco's personal phone!

Marco continues to be a master at walking the line between the actual world in which we live, and the virtual reality that exists in our amazing technology and our imaginations. As the creative force and production designer behind all of his work, Marco is an event planner and producer's dream!

When one of the world's most respected and established publications, Fortune Magazine, celebrated its 75th Anniversary for its major advertisers in New York City, they turned to Empire Entertainment to help design, produce and execute a signature event for this very special occasion.Empire collaborated with Fortune's event marketing team to create an event that would reflect the values and traditions of the 75 year old brand and utilize imagery from the period of it's launch in 1930. The event would also need to provide a contemporary, relevant and entertaining experience for the guests that would project Fortune Magazine's contining vitality.The Mandarin Oriental Ballroom served as the perfect location for the party with it's art deco design and incredible views of Central Park and the New York City skyline.

In addition, Empire installed and lit a series of standing displays depicting classic Fortune Magazine cover artwork and bountiful arrangements of calla lillies. The party featured music by the Stingers, a 10 piece R&B Motown band, and a series of performances by acrobatic / aerial troupe Antigravity®. Guests were amazed by their skill and flawless performances. The final Antigravity® performance segment led by the "famous jumping boots," segued into remarks from the evening's host to a dance set by the Stingers who kept the crowd on their feet.Towards the end of the party, Empire opened the doors to yet another section of the ballroom to reveal a Diamond décor themed lounge. All white lounge furniture, glowing cocktail tables, diamond inspired decorations and Fortune Magazine branded pillows were all draped in blue lighting to create a cool and modern ambience. To top it off, sexy world music DJ Donna D'Cruz spun an incredible set of dance music for two hours on her customized diamond studded DJ façade. For this event Empire provided all decor and design, lighting, staging, sound, talent booking and coordination, onsite logistics and production management.

When the world's most respected brands celebrate their anniversaries, they turn to Empire Entertainment to do it right.Photos courtesy of Martin Nystrom Photography

One of the most critically-acclaimed motion pictures to debut in Fall of 2005 was the SONY Classics release "Capote" directed by filmmaker Bennett Miller, brother of Empire Entertainment Co-Founder and Co-President, J. B. Miller."Capote" is based on the life of acclaimed author Truman Capote and specifically on the period of his life when he wrote In Cold Blood, a groundbreaking work of American literature based on a series of shacking murders in the 1950's. The film stars an incredible ensemble cast of rising stars including Philip Seymour (Boogie Nights, The Talented Mr. Ripley, The Big Lebowski), Catherine Keener (The 40 Year Old Virgin, Adaptation, The Interpreter), Chris Cooper (American Beauty), Bob Balaban (A Mighty Wind, Gosford Park, Best In Show) and newcomer Clifton Collins Jr. "Capote" made it's New York debut as one of the centerpiece films of the 2005 New York Film Festival and garnered outstanding reviews including the following:"Not only does Mr. Hoffman achieve an impressive physical and vocal transformation. . . but he also conveys, with clarity and subtlety, the complexities of Capote's temperament. . . Ms. Keener performs the role of foil with particular grace.  Through her wary, witty performance, she becomes the bridge that connects Capote with the audience."-A.O. Scott, THE NEW YORK TIMES"Philip Seymour Hoffman caps a decade of brilliant work on stage and screen with the lead role in Capote. . . he and the film are terrific."-Richard Corliss, TIME MAGAZINE"A clear, steady gaze graces the smart biopic "Capote," which takes a mordant look at Truman Capote (Philip Seymour Hoffman) at the time he was writing "In Cold Blood." It's an etched-in-acid portrait of a writer whose talent was as ruthless as it was brilliant."-David Ansen, NEWSWEEKEmpire Entertainment was thrilled to have the opportunity to produce, sponsor and co-host the premiere party for the film following it's screening to a sold-out house at Lincoln Center.

The party took place at Jean-Georges Restaurant and featured top shelf open bar and Jean-Georges famous food. The event was attended by the cast and crew of the film including all of the stars as well as a variety of individuaals including Pink Floyd's Roger Waters.Empire Entertainment is pleased to have played a role in the creation of "Capote" and to support an ever growing field of original ventures in film and television.

Empire brought its automotive industry skills to bear this Fall in connection with booking talent for a National Announcement Show for one of the industry's leading firms. For this top-secret meeting, over 6000 dealers from around the country and executive management from all over the world gathered together to look at the forthcoming models and to prepare for the coming business year.The show was bookended with performances by alternative pop sensation Lifehouse, and hosted throughout by the incomparable Robin Williams, who tore the house down with his fast-paced, hyperkinetic comedy, zany impressions and event-customized material.

Empire worked with the client to enhance the reveal of their urban-oriented product line by arranging for a customized hip hop collaboration featuring Common and Mos Def, backed by the 60 piece Dakah Hip Hop Orchestra, outfitted in all white.Luma, one of the most versatile performance troupes available for corporate applications, enhancedthe reveal of another client product line, with a visually stunning custom application of their black light performance art.As if the forgoing was not enough for a 90 minute experience, the gathering also featured two product-oriented industrial films, one of which featured three of the Desperate Housewives, and the other featured Whose Line Is It Anyway star, Greg Proops.For this annual program, Empire secured and contracted all of the above talent, managed all logistical artrangements and provided support for the crerative and production integration.

From speakers to musical artists, from comedians to theatrical talent, Empire is the corporate events indutry's leading one-stop-shop for all types of talent and speakers.

When this Major Financial Services Company sought to create a special evening for approximately 200 VIP guests attending the firm's 2nd annual Investors Conference in Japan, it called on Empire Entertainment's Tokyo office to help it create a dinner reception for it's mainly non-Japanese guests. The client's directives were that the dinner be both unique and memorable and that it effectively fuse both Eastern and Western influences, a major theme the conference.Working to the client's brief, Empire quickly outlined and began producing an extraordinary event. Empire was able to secure space at the Mitsui Club in Tokyo, a grand historical facility originally built and owned by the powerful Mitsui family of Japan. The building is now an exclusive members-only club. The club and its grounds are perhaps one of the earliest examples of East/West fusion in architecture in Japan. Built during the Meiji era, under the direction of renowned British Architect Josiah Conder, the compound consists of a large western style main hall located just inside the front gate, leading to a large 4.9 acre Japanese Garden accessible from the back terrace of the main hall.The fusion theme continued through the rest of the evening as guests were treated to a combination of Japanese and International cuisine and live dinner entertainment which successfully fused various western and eastern artistic and cultural elements in interesting and non-conventional ways.

The evening's entertainment opened and closed with energetic sword fighting performances by a group who are known for their work choreographing the fight scenes in Quentin Tarantino's motion picture Kill Bill, Vol. 1 and playing the Crazy 88 characters in the movie. The guests were also treated to a unique dance performance, during the mid point intermission, by an accomplished Japanese tap dancer tapping to the sounds of a traditional Japanese Biwa string musician. The heart of the evening's entertainment though was a live painting exhibition by talented calligrapher-painter, Toun Kobayashi, who created impromptu a large Japanese landscape painting covering the length and height of the main stage. Kobayashi sensei was assisted throughout his performance by the inspirational sounds of a musical fusion ensemble consisting of an Australian didgeridoo musician and traditional Japanese musicians playing the shamisen and the Shakuhachi flute. By the end of the program, Kobayshi sensei's performance finally culminated in a striking work of art that was traditional in its style, but also relevant to the client and the guests attending the evening's event.

The event was a huge success, thoroughly enjoyed by both the client and the guests. The only regret was that the evening had to end - at least the scripted part of the program. As those who are familiar with Tokyo know, the evening rarely ends with only one party. So Empire's staff stayed to help each guest to secure transportation and give directions to get to their next stop for the evening. Empire Entertainment's Asia-Pacific office, located in Tokyo Japan, enables Empire to better serve the needs of its clients in Japan and Asia. Empire Entertainment Japan adds to Empire's international reach by providing a high level of local expertise and on the ground support for its clients in the Asia Pacific region.

Whether you are a Japanese or Asian client planning an event locally within the region, whether you are a Japanese or Asian client planning an event somewhere else in the world, or whether you are an international organization from another region planning an event in Asia-Pacific, Empire Entertainment Japan is the ideal, full-service event production and entertainment booking partner for events in the Asia-Pacific region and throughout the world.

When CBS Television Network needed an exciting and creative way to promote the premiere of "Survivor: Guatemala", they partnered with Empire Entertainment to create and produce a unique street marketing program in the heart of New York City.As the Mayan Pyramids are one of the defining icons of Guatemala, Empire and CBS collaborated on the creation of a twenty-five foot high Mayan pyramid on Fence Island in Times Square within which members of the public would be invited to participate in a number of "Survivor" style challenges to win DVD sets and other promotional items.The Pyramid structure was open on three sides so that the activities could take place on a stage platform that would be highly visible to the public. Empire designed the stage to mimic the appearance of the famed "Tribal Councils" on the tremendously successful "Survivor" series.A stone-encircled working faux-fire pit was surrounded by actual tree-stumps that participants used as stools as well as tiki-torches, palm trees, and boulders. A ramp leading up to the stage and the surrounding area was covered with sod to give the area a more authentic Guatemalan appearance.

Hundreds of "Survivor" fans from around the country lined up to participate in the onstage challenges which included trivia contests based on previous seasons of the program, as well as other games inspired by the hit show. As on the show, participants were "voted off" of the councils based on theirperformance, until only one "Survivor" was left standing.The mock councils were hosted by Eddie Brill of "The Late Show With David Letterman" as well as a number of the most popular cast members from previous seasons of "Survivor" including "Boston" Rob Mariano and Ethan Zohn. "Survivor" host Jeff Probst was on-hand to sign autographs and mingle with fans, as were previous cast members including Rupert Boneham, Tom Westman, and Jenna Morasca.

It was an exciting day for Survivor fans, as is Thursday, September 15th when "Survivor: Guatemala" premieres on CBS at 8:00PM. Empire and CBS will partner together again on a speed-dating event at Vanderbilt Hall in New York City on September 29th to promote the new sitcom "How I Met Your Mother", which premiers on CBS on Monday, September 19th at 8:30PM.

Empire Entertainment is a leading street marketing / promotional / press event production company with unparalleled experience in designing and managing experiential marketing events worldwide.

When a major international electronics company wanted to celebrate their 50th Anniversary and kickoff an annual product expo in New York, their production company, MJM Creative Services, turned to Empire Entertainment to secure and produce the right entertainment for their dinner event.Empire worked with MJM's producers to identify and select various candidates that would appeal to their large, international audience which encompassed salespersons, customers and the company's global CEO. In the end, it was decided that the Grammy Award-winning jazz artist Diana Krall held all of the right attributes to make her the ideal choice for the engagement.

Talented, young, attractive and the top of her craft, Diana Krall was the right candidate for the job. To open the dinner event with just the right walk-in dinner music Empire delivered New York based group Paul Tillotson & The Love Trio who kept the audience of over 1000 entertained with their lively jazz background standards.Following the dinner, Diana Krall and her jazz trio took the stage and were introduced by none other than musical legend and husband to Diana Krall, Elvis Costello.Foe the next 60 minutes Diana delivered a set up sultry ballads and jazz standards that slowly warmed up the guests and overcame the size of the room with the intimate charm of a jazz club. At the end of the performance with an upbeat rendition of "I'm Walkin'", guests gave Diana Krall a standing ovation.

Empire is a leading producer of headline talent in New York and around the world and works closely with world class production companies like MJM Creative Services to accommodate the entertainment needs of their clients.

When FOX Broadcasting sought to generate public awareness and media buzz for their new series Prison Break, touted by critics as Fall 2005's top new drama series, they teamed up with Empire Entertainment to produce and execute a promotional stunt with street marketing teams in three cities across the nation.On August 25, Empire created a prison yard set of metal fencing and barbed wire on the plaza of the News Corporation Building at 1211 Avenue of the Americas. Inside this faux prison yard, a professional tattoo artist tattooed the body of a young man for the public to view, while thousands of passersby were invited to receive free buzzcuts and temporary henna and airbrush tattoos. On nearby street corners, a team of 10 young and energetic male models in orange prison jumpsuits and chrome manacles handed out Prison Break-branded nail files and water-transfer tattoos.

In addition to the promotional stunt and street marketing team in New York, Empire managed similar street teams in both Chicago and Los Angeles on the same day. Outfitted in their orange jumpsuits stenciled in black paint with "FOX Prison Break" on the back and the "082505" show premiere date on the front, the Chicago team promoted the new drama series along downtown's popular Wacker Avenue and even made an appearance on FOX's morning news show. The Los Angeles team worked the high-traffic tourist destination in front of Mann's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.At the end of the day, 75,000 branded giveaways were handed out and hundreds of thousands of impressions were made with the public both on the street and through media coverage on television and in print.

Empire Entertainment was responsible for staffing, costuming, set design, talent wrangling, logistics and onsite management for the promotional stunt and street marketing teams in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles.

When Accent on Cincinnati, a top meeting & special event management company, wanted headline talent for a premier insurance company's annual conference, it once again turned to Empire Entertainment to secure, book, and help produce the talent.Always the highlight of the client's conference, the headline concert is traditionally kept top secret until the the moment the curtain rises. This year the audience cheered loudly the moment the curtain rose to reveal Hall & Oates playing their hit "Maneater."Over the course of the next 90 minutes, Hall & Oates delivered a superior performance to the excited crowd.

The Twenty-two hundred excited employees that filled Cincinnati's Aronoff Center sang along to favorites like "She's Gone," "You've lost that Lovin' feeling," and "Sara Smile" among others. After receiving a standing ovation, Hall & Oates returned to the stage for an incredible three-song encore including "Rich Girl," "Kiss on my List," and closed the show with "So Close."With over 19 gold & platinum records to their credit, Hall & Oates used their vast repertoire of chart topping hits to bring the crowd to its feet, where they danced in the aisles throughout the performance.

On the following evening, Empire Entertainment showcased comedian Vic Henley for the closing party. Vic's slow Southern charm and smooth drawl had the crowd in stitches.The client was thrilled with both performances, proving once again that a little rock and roll and lots of laughter can be an inspiration to everyone.

Empire is a leading booker and producer of major concert acts, comedians, and speakers for corporate meetings and events the world over.