Screenvision Media, a national leader in cinema advertising, pitched the real impact of cinema’s reach to CMOs, planners, buyers, and brands at the company’s upfront event at the PlayStation Theater in New York City. The upfront demonstrated how Screenvision Media connects brands to every part of the moviegoer’s journey, driven by data and technology, interactivity, and integration.

To bring the “Real Impact” theme to life, Empire developed a design and concept, working closely with Screenvision Media, to transform New York City’s PlayStation Theater into a fully-immersive theater and afterparty experience for its high-level attendees. The event would include an arrival experience, a main stage presentation, and an experiential afterparty featuring activations based on forthcoming major motion picture releases.

During the main presentation, Screenvision Media executives, including CEO John Partilla, CRO Katy Loria, and EVP of National Ad Sales, Christine Martino, provided proof of the strength of their storytelling platform and established why cinema is an essential element in a brand’s media mix in an age of increasing media fragmentation. The presentation also highlighted the growing strength of cinema as evidenced by recent record-breaking box office successes of “Black Panther” and “Avengers: Infinity Wars”, as well as providing a preview of the strong outlook for 2018 and 2019.

The carefully scripted stage presentation, delivered in front of a cinema-sized screen, featured substantial motion graphics as well as three humorous videos inspired by iconic scenes from “Forrest Gump”, “It”, and “When Harry Met Sally”. The videos were created by Screenvision Media’s in-house branded content agency, 40 Foot Solutions.

At the conclusion of the presentation came a dramatic reveal to the afterparty. Guests were welcomed to a large, inviting space featuring a central bar, innovative catering stations by Creative Edge, AR and VR activations, interactive photo booths, arcade games, and immersive, experiential activations featuring five of the largest motion picture blockbusters scheduled to be released in the coming year.

On the existing concert stage was an animated cityscape environment representing SONY’s “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” . SONY’s “Venom”, starring Tom Hardy and Michelle Williams, was represented with a vignette that enabled guests to climb aboard the actual motorcycle featured in the film and share an animated photo of themselves. Marvel Studios’ “Captain Marvel” had its own super hero lounge, while Warner Brothers’ “Aquaman”, starring Jason Momoa, had its own Aquaman-themed bar and tattoo station. Finally, Fox Studio’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” featured a lip sync booth where guests could don ’80s wigs and sing the operatic portion of Bohemian Rhapsody. Vignettes also included custom guest activities, signature cocktails, and custom t-shirt and bag screen printing.

Empire is proud to have worked closely with Screenvision Media’s team to reach their advertisers with a creative, experiential upfront that provided a memorable experience for the media influencers in attendance.

Empire was responsible for all event details including concept, venue acquisition, layout and scenic design, catering, staging, sound, lighting, video projection, graphics, furnishings, staffing and partner/studio coordination.

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Celebrating its 10^th anniversary, the Shorty Awards continue to honor the best influencers, celebrities, brands, and agencies on social media across Snapchat, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and other platforms. The show returned to PlayStation Theater in the heart of Times Square in New York City for the ceremony, amplified by the sponsorship of DIRECTV NOW.

Over 800 influencers, brands, agencies, and guests packed the theater for the ceremony, which featured a cocktail reception, a seated dinner, and an afterparty at the Moxy Hotel. The staged event streamed live on YouTube and DIRECTV NOW’s Twitter feed to over 9 million viewers (and counting!) internationally, as fans all over the globe tuned in to watch their favorite social media stars.

Kicking off the festivities, Queer Eye’s Fab 5 hosted the teal carpet, interviewing the social media royalty as they arrived at the event.

Singer, songwriter, and actress Keke Palmer hosted the show and kept the audience entertained, while presenters including Casey Neistat, Olympic gold medalist Laurie Hernandez, Ronny Cheing, and Roy Wood Jr. of the Daily Show, gave out awards.

This was the most competitive show to date, as over 7 million votes poured in from fans all over the world, a record for participation. Winners of the signature Whale-Tail Trophy included MKBHD, Backpack Kid, Spencer Pratt, Fuck Jerry, Vlog Squad, and Topher Brophy. JJ Watt was honored with the Shorty Phenom Award for his philanthropic work for hurricane victims, and Erica Garner received an award posthumously for the Best in Activism category.  

Rising star musical artist Betty Who amazed the crowd with energetic performances of her songs “Mama Say”, “Ignore Me”, and an energizing cover of Donna Lewis’ song “I Love You Always Forever”.

Empire is proud to partner with The Shorty Awards for our fourth year and we congratulate all the 2018 winners, as well as an even larger congratulations to TEN successful years of the Shorty Awards!

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Empire was proud to once again serve as the producer of the TIME 100 Gala, which took place at the Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center. Each year, TIME publishes the TIME 100: a list of the most influential people in the world. To celebrate this highly anticipated release, TIME hosts an exclusive gala event in New York City attended by current and past TIME 100 honorees. With its extraordinary mix of world leaders, innovators, and celebrities, the TIME 100 Gala is globally recognized as one of the most prestigious annual events.

As in past years, the TIME 100 was attended by a who’s who of global icons from industry, culture, sports, fashion, and politics.

Participants and performers at this year’s Gala included Jennifer Lopez, Shawn Mendes, Sterling K. Brown, Adam Rippon, Tarana Burke, Nice Nailante Leng'ete, and Deepika Padukone, as well as Editor-in-Chief of Time, Edward Felsenthal, Time's Director of Enterprise, Mia Tramz, and Editorial Director at Time Magazine, Dan Macsai.

Among the notable attendees this year were Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, John Krasinski and Emily Blunt, Millie Bobby Brown, Kesha, Ben Platt, Trevor Noah, RuPaul, Leslie Jones, Christian Siriano, Megyn Kelly, Ali Raisman, Lindsey Vonn, Carmen Yulín Cruz, Senator Rand Paul, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Lena Waithe, Kehinde Wiley, Preet Bharara, Martha Stewart, Arianna Huffington, and Parkland Activists Alex Wind, Cameron Kasky, Emma Gonzalez, Jaclyn Corin, and David Hogg.

The gala featured an extensive red carpet on two floors, an elegant cocktail reception over which was flown a ‘photo chandelier’ of Time 100 honorees, a seated dinner and program that combined remarks, musical performances, toasts by some of the evening’s honorees, and an afterparty with DJ Mick. This year’s gala event was sponsored by Citi, Jane Walker by Johnnie Walker, Airtable, and Fly Victor.

As one of the world’s most high-stature events, the TIME 100 draws extensive global media coverage which this year included NBC’s Today Show, CBS This Morning, FOX, Entertainment Tonight, E! News, and Access Hollywood. Additionally, the TIME 100 generates extraordinary digital reach through TIME.com, online bloggers, and social media from the attendees themselves.

With the world watching through such extensive coverage, the production of the TIME 100 requires the highest caliber of precision planning and flawless execution. Empire was proud to work closely with the TIME team to once again deliver a flawless and extraordinary evening.

As producer, Empire’s responsibilities included event design, talent booking and coordination, staging and technical production, venue and catering logistics coordination (catering provided by Great Performances), broadcast facilities, stage management, staffing, front of house logistics, security and sponsorship activations.

Empire is proud to continue our nine year history with the Time 100.

Link: http://time.com/5248950/time-100-gala-best-moments/

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Empire was proud to work with Samsung who hosted some of the brightest young minds for the final round of their annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest. The nationwide competition encourages students to use STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) to address real-world problems in their local communities. Students from the top ten schools flew in to New York City from all over the country to pitch their innovations to a panel of esteemed judges.  

After a nine-month journey through various phases of the contest, the final event kicked off at Samsung 837, a cultural destination and digital playground. Hosting the event were Michele Mosa, Senior Manager of Corporate Citizenship at Samsung Electronics America, and Kyle Hill, a science editor/YouTube educator. They introduced the Co-Founder of the program, David Steel, Executive Vice President and Head of Corporate Affairs at Samsung Electronics America, to welcome contestants and their supporters. Students then presented their project ideas and prototypes to a panel of esteemed judges. The themes of kindness and empathy, health and safety, and environmental solutions led the winning ideas for the finalists, including an app-based outdoor home fire extinguishing sprinkler system to contain wildfires and a device that allows first responders to safely collect hazardous needles left behind by opioid and other drug users. These student inventions show how STEAM learning can take a simple idea to the next level, empowering students to reach a new potential and make a difference.

The event was also livestreamed so friends and families were able to watch from their home states. To wrap up a great day of presentations, Samsung surprised the students with a video announcement from Tim Baxter, President and CEO of Samsung Electronics North America, informing them they would be featured on Good Morning America to announce the winners. Following the big reveal, students boarded "The Ride" for a personalized bus tour around Manhattan, followed by a celebratory dinner at a top Italian restaurant in New York City.

On Tuesday evening, the students and teachers were invited to unwind and mingle at a Samsung loft location. Students took photos in the Samsung low-light photo booth and journeyed into space using the new Samsung Virtual Reality Headsets, all while sipping on custom mocktails. Each of the ten national finalist schools were awarded with $50,000 in Samsung technology, and the top three winners each won a total of $150,000 in Samsung technology for their schools.

Empire was thrilled to collaborate with Samsung Solve for Tomorrow by helping coordinate the final event at Samsung 837 and fun evening at the loft. For most students, it was their first visit to the Big Apple and an experience they will never forget. The future sure looks bright to us!  

To learn more about the student's innovations, click the links below: https://news.samsung.com/us/2018-samsung-solve-pitch-event-live-streaming-video/Good Morning America Winners Reveal: https://news.samsung.com/us/2018-Samsung-Solve-for-Tomorrow-National-Winner-Announcement/

Since 1967, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) has worked tirelessly to solve the world’s biggest environmental problems. To celebrate 50 years of “finding the ways that work”, EDF gathered longtime supporters, partners, and associates to thank them and outline the pivotal steps on the path ahead.

On the heels of the success of the first celebration in San Francisco in the fall of 2017, the second installment of 50^th Anniversary celebrations occurred at the newly re-designed and re-opened Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City.

Over 300 guests enjoyed mingling during a cocktail hour, complete with a full bar, hors d’oeuvres, and a live jazz trio.

Guests then moved into the ballroom for the stage program and seated dinner. Following the over-arching theme of the “Four Waves” of environmentalism, host Margaret Hoover (author, activist, and CNN analyst) introduced two original videos generated specifically for the occasion: the first documenting the growth of the environmental movement and EDF’s role in it, and the second focusing on EDF’s work harnessing the power of partnerships to achieve environmental progress.

To further drive home the message of impact, EDF welcomed a rancher, farmer, and fisherman to share stories on how EDF programs have directly benefited them and their industries, while advancing conservation for species and ecosystems. As a surprise unveiling, the fisherman (Buddy Guindon, announced to the crowd that the entrée they had just enjoyed was from his very own catch from the Gulf of Mexico.

The keynote speech was given by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who discussed his partnership with EDF during his tenure as mayor and since he left office.

EDF President, Fred Krupp, who has led the organization for the past 34 years, rounded out the night with an impactful speech. His message acknowledged the challenges ahead, but offered hope that EDF – with the help of people in the room and others like them – could continue to make progress on the most pressing environmental problems facing the world.

Empire is proud to have produced this anniversary event and supports the work and mission of the EDF.

To learn more about the Environmental Defense Fund, please visit www.edf.org.

During the past several years AMC and Empire have partnered to create large-scale, ground-breaking upfront events worthy of their extraordinary programming. This year, AMC opted to host a series of intimate, bespoke culinary events in New York City and Chicago designed to present a "tasting menu" of AMC Networks’ award-winning programming. Each event was intimate, elegant and created the perfect environment for conversations between the guests, the programming and the network hosts.

Six of the upfronts took place at Chefs Club, a trendy SoHo restaurant that welcomes culinary masterminds into their state-of-the-art chef’s kitchen. AMC Networks took full advantage of this unique space to provide guests a once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience, with menus curated and prepared by some of the world’s best-known chefs including: Chris Santos, executive chef and owner of The Stanton Social, Beauty & Essex and Vandal; Scott Conant, James Beard Award Winner and co-owner of Fusco; Alex Guarnaschelli, executive chef at Butter Midtown and author ofO ld-School Comfort Food; Tyler Florence, owner of Wayfare Tavern; and Tom Colicchio, recipient of five James Beard Awards and owner of Gramercy Tavern, Craft, and Colicchio & Sons.

Each event began with a cocktail hour and passed hors d’oeuvres during which AMC Networks executives and ad sales teams mingled with advertisers and agency personnel. Following cocktails, guests were seated for welcome remarks from Josh Sapan, President and CEO of AMC Networks, and Ed Carroll, COO of AMC Networks. Charlie Collier, President and GM of AMC, Sundance TV and AMC Studios, and Scott Collins, President of National Ad Sales, AMC Networks, teased new programming coming to AMC, BBC America, Sundance, IFC, and WeTV. Guests also had the opportunity to preview new shows on screens positioned throughout the dining room. As dessert was served, each chef gave a personalized introduction to the course.

In addition to AMC Network execs and celebrity chefs, show talent from across all five networks also attended the various events, giving clients the opportunity to mingle with the stars. Attendees included Norman Reedus, Julianna Margulies, Paul Giamatti, Kevin Smith, Danay Garcia, and Eli Roth.

In addition to the six upfronts at Chefs Club, another event was held at Boka Resturant in Chicago.

Empire was proud to work closely with AMC Networks to create these exclusive culinary experiences. Empire served as overall producer of the event series, secured the venues, contracted and worked with each chef on menu and logistics, provided technical production and décor, and executed all needs for the programs.

Empire is a leading producer of standout upfront events and key business-to-business presentations.

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When KIRIN, Japan’s beverage giant, wanted to find ways to increase awareness and popularity of their green tea line, Namacha, Empire Japan was there to help.

During this first seasonal campaign, held at the Ocha No Iroha building, guests were instantly engulfed in a sea of cherry blossom trees after entering the space. The fitting theme of the evening was “Hanami by Namacha”, or "cherry blossom viewing by Namacha".

KIRIN and Empire created an experience where one could relax and enjoy “Namacha” because of careful space design and eye for detail. Once guests made their way through the beautiful cherry blossoms, they were invited to enjoy original Namacha-inspired cherry blossom sweets. Building this installation at a prime location garnered multiple interactions and brand impressions over the course of the four day campaign.

Empire is a proven leader of executing innovative, consumer-face brand marketing projects in worldwide markets.​

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Since the late 1800s, this top watchmaker company has written some of the finest chapters in the history of haute horlogerie, including a number of world firsts. To continue their rich legacy, it was a natural choice for this luxury brand to have Empire Japan lead all aspects of their three-day event.

With the theme "Spring of Le Brasch", held at the beautiful G735 Gallery in Tokyo, Empire transformed this modern luxury car gallery to the lush Vallée de Joux. With over 200 brand guests in attendance, all were instantly transported from Tokyo to the beautiful greenery of the Vallée de Joux, Switzerland.

The highlights of the evening were an original menu by acclaimed French restaurant Joel Robuchon and an original live performance by Empire Artist's very own juggling extraordinaire, Yuusaku Mochizuki.

Empire is a leading producer of events and programs for luxury brands throughout the world. ​

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​All Hands and Hearts, Co-Founded by philanthropist and supermodel Petra Nemcova, called on Empire once again to produce their Third Fight for Education gala in the renowned Cipriani Wall Street.

On February 15, leaders from finance, sports, and fashion gathered to support the All Hands and Hearts mission to address immediate and long-term needs of communities impacted by natural disasters by engaging and leveraging volunteers, partner organizations, and local communities.

The action-packed evening was kicked off by internationally-acclaimed tenor James Valenti singing the National Anthem. After the moving performance, Petra invited All Hands and Hearts volunteer, former NFL star, and Good Morning America anchor Michael Strahan to speak about his recent experiences with the foundation as they worked to rebuild Houston after the devastation ofHurricane Harvey.

After his moving remarks, All Hands and Hearts co-chair Tina Lindstrom took to the ring to introduce their new partnership with Equinox and thank guests for their attendance. Then, veteran sports announcer Mark Fratto stepped into the ring to begin announcing the night’s roster of bouts.

The evening proceeded with six fights featuring amateurs in finance representing JP Morgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Siris Capital Cantor Fitzgerald, among others. The highlight of the night was the last fight between All Hands and Hearts Co-Chairs, Tina “TNT” Lindstrom and Kathleen “Kitty” Kelly, and showcased the women’s fierceness as well as their dedication to the cause.

In between the action, Sotheby’s auctioneer Ben Doller led the live auction of eight lots, including a trip to Mexico City to experience the famous Formula 1 on the Mexico City Grand Prix F1 track, and a special VIP package to NYFW.

Throughout the elevated evening, the nearly 400 guests were treated to a three-course meal of spring salad, entrée choices of world-famous Cipriani pasta, short rib or sea bass, and family-style desserts for a sweet finish.

Empire was proud to be a part of this creative fundraising event, having been the producer of All Hands and Hearts’ annual events for the last eight years, and is a leading producer of not-for-profit events globally.

To learn more about All Hands and Hearts, please visit https://www.allhandsandhearts.org/

Empire presented nine-time Grammy Award-winning artist, Sheryl Crow, and her full band for a corporate audience in Las Vegas. Approximately 500 guests of all ages packed the Palazzo Ballroom at the Venetian Hotel and Casino for the private performance.

The audience flocked to the stage as Sheryl Crow performed all of her greatest hits including, "All I Wanna Do", "Everyday is a Winding Road", "My Favorite Mistake", "Soak Up the Sun", and of course, "Leaving Las Vegas."

Empire was responsible for proposing, negotiating, contracting, and advancing all logistical and production elements for Sheryl Crow’s performance.

Empire is a leading provider of talent for corporate events and celebrations around the world.