For the seventh year, Empire teamed up with visionary artist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist will.i.am to produce the annual TRANS4M Gala, benefiting his i.am angel Foundation.

This year’s gala honored Sean Parker, Chairman of the Parker Institute, for Cancer Immunotherapy, which is responsible for uniting laboratory and clinical efforts that will lead to the immunological treatment, control and prevention of cancer. The evening was co-hosted by Marc and Lynne Benioff, Ron Conway, Dean Kamen, Laurene Powell-Jobs, Van Jones, Ken and Teri Hertz and The Anneberg Foundation.

The i.am angel foundation supports charitable activities and programs providing college scholarships (i.am scholarship), college preparation (i.amCollege Track), and opportunities in STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), and remains committed to TRANS4M-ing will.i.am’s hometown neighborhood of Boyle Heights in East Los Angeles.

350 supporters gathered at Milk Studios for an intimate evening that showcased the foundation’s programs and students. i.am angel’s donors enjoyed cocktails and hors d'oeuvres as they engaged with students in a variety of demonstrations related to i.am angel’s STEAM programs.

After cocktails, guests made their way to The Hangar, which was transformed into an elegant dining room with long rustic wooden tables juxtaposed with the venue’s steel and urban vibe. Flourishes including hanging greenery, pin-spotted tabletop florals, and flickering candlelight for a warm yet forward-looking style.

The program was emceed by the Roast Master General, Jeff Ross. As the evening progressed, guests listened to heartwarming student testimonials and a fireside chat between will.i.am and honoree, Sean Parker. Later in the night, auctioneer Zack Krone took the stage with special guest auctioneer and comedian, Chris Tucker.  Together they led guests to bid on VIP experiences that ranged from a VIP U2concert experience to a vegan dinner and lifestyle experiences with Moby and will.i.am. The evening raised more than $1.6 million that will support ongoing STEAM education programs..

The evening finished with a high-energy double-bill performance by Black Eyed Peas and Earth Wind & Fire.

Empire is honored to continue our long-term partnership with the i.am angel Foundation and to serve as producer of this exclusive event.

For more information on this innovative foundation, please visit www.iamangelfoundation.org

Empire was proud to work with CoreMedia Systems to produce their 25^th Anniversary benefiting the Good Tidings Foundation. The high-profile charity concert featured celebrity talent with the goal of raising funds for the Good Tidings Foundation, a children’s charity that looks to equally support arts, education, athletics, and dreams for youth from communities in need all over the country.

Guests were welcomed to Gotham Hall, meticulously decorated in jewel-toned hues of blue and green velvet with gold accents to complement the golden dome of the 19^th century building. Empire transformed the historic former bank into a sleek and modern lounge with a smoking room luxe atmosphere. Over 700 attendees enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres, food stations, and specialty cocktails along with a photo booth activation, silent auction, and an interactive digital graffiti wall.

The concert featured upbeat music from DJ Natasha Diggs, a main stage performance from Marc Roberge of O.A.R. and friends, and guests danced the remainder of the night away to tunes from famed DJ Questlove.

The host of the event, CoreMedia Systems, Inc. develops and supports CoreDirect, the advertising industry’s most widely used direct-response media management software. The system is used by more than 100 direct response agencies and marketers to plan, buy, manage, measure, and optimize direct response media campaigns.

Glenn DeKraker, the company’s founder and CEO, addressed the crowd along with Larry Harper, the founder o fGood Tidings, who invited famed New York Yankees pitcher, CC Sabathia to the stage to say a few words about the Good Tidings Foundation and announce their latest project in the Bronx to refurbish a Boys and Girls Club. During the evening, CoreMedia graciously presented a check of $334,000 as a donation to the Good Tidings Foundation, raised through the generous contributions of clients and friends in the direct response industry.

Empire served as the overall event producer, coordinated all logistics, catering, décor, talent acquisition and coordination, technical production, program, staffing and onsite management. Empire was proud to partner with CoreMedia Systems (www.coremedia-systems.com) to support the Good Tidings Foundation. To learn more and donate to the Good Tidings Foundation, please visit www.goodtidings.com.

​

EBONY Magazine presented the 6th annual EBONY Power 100 Gala honoring the nation’s 100 most powerful and influential African Americans, along with Ebony Icon Award recipient, Maxine Waters, and the inaugural John H. Johnson Award recipient, Robert F. Smith, at the iconic Beverly Hilton's International Ballroom.

The event was hosted by the CEO of Ebony Media Operations, Linda Johnson Rice, The Chairman of Ebony Media Operations, Michael Gibson, and The Vice Chairman of Ebony Media Operations, Willard Jackson.

Following red carpet arrivals, media room activations, and an elegant cocktail reception, approximately 600 guests were seated for a dinner program emceed by Blackish star, actor and comedian, Deon Cole.

Over the course of the evening, attendees were entertained by musical and dance performances, including tap dancers from the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, an acoustic performance by Willow Smith, and a rousing finalé performance by Bell Biv Devoe.

DJ Cipha Sounds performed throughout the event and spun at the post-reception in the International Foyer and Terrace where guests also enjoyed a variety of activities and sponsored social sharing stations.

Celebrities and A-listers in attendance and featured on stage included Pastor Michael Walrond Jr., Essence Atkins, Tristan Mack Wilds, and Angela Rye.   Additional attendees included Magic and Cookie Johnson, Sugar Ray Leonard, Laila Ali, Anthony Anderson, and many more.

The Ebony Power 100 was presented by Nationwide Insurance, with other noteworthy sponsors and partners including United Airlines, Cadillac, Hilton Worldwide, Shea Moisturizer, and Diageo.

Empire was honored to once again serve as event producer for the Ebony Power 100, responsible for venue logistics, décor, production, talent booking and coordination, registration, videography, event logistics, and onsite management.

The Howard Hughes Corporation partnered with Empire to present a holiday event to showcase the brand-new Pier 17 rooftop, located at the Seaport District NYC. Before a panorama of nighttime views overlooking lower Manhattan, the East River, and iconic Brooklyn Bridge, esteemed clients, employees, and friends christened the rooftop, opening the newest chapter in this historic location.  

This was the first event held at the new Pier 17 building, which began construction in 2014 after the previous building was damaged in Hurricane Sandy. Guests to this special event were invited to preview the new building and its one-of-a kind rooftop space, which was partially-tented for the event.

Guests arriving at the pier were greeted by a candlelit walkway leading them up to check-in. Upon disembarking on the rooftop, guests stepped into an elegant, all-black main space glowing with blue Astera light tubes designed to maximize the views of the skyline. Onstage, Vargas Productions and the BSKI Band kept the energy high with alternating sets of DJ-spun tunes and popular dance hits.

The interior space was flanked by two clear navi-trac tent structures, allowing guests to enjoy the breathtaking views while they enjoyed built-out lounge spaces featuring a towering Champagne Bar and Bourbon Bar, signature cocktails prepared at the 16’ diamond-cut ice bar by Okamoto Studio, and an eclectic menu of delicious foods provided by Olivier Cheng Catering.

Large French doors and a lighted path of LED tubes beckoned guests outside to the viewing deck to take in the gorgeous views and a live carving of an ice sculpture, while sitting by inviting fire pits overlooking the East River, wrapped in warm blankets and sipping hot apple cider toddys.

Sponsors for the night included Lincoln, who featured a fully-loaded Navigator on the roof, and Heineken.

The night was filled with holiday spirit as attendees danced the night away atop of Pier 17.

Empire is honored to have produced this milestone event in this historic and vibrant new location.

To learn more about Pier 17 and Seaport District visit www.seaportdistictnyc.com

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 wanted to gather longtime supporters, partners, and associates to thank them and outline the pivotal steps on the path ahead.

To match the magnitude of the accomplishment, EDF hosted an event in San Francisco. Working with EDF from the beginning of the process, Empire helped source and secure the perfect venue and backdrop for the event, Terra Gallery.

More than 225 attendees enjoyed mingling during a cocktail hour, complete with a full bar, hors d’oeuvres, and a live jazz guitarist.

Guests then moved upstairs 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 event: 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.

Kathleen McLaughlin, SVP, Chief Sustainability Officer, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., sat in conversation with host Margaret Hoover to discuss how the EDF/Walmart partnership has helped the retailer eliminate several chemicals of concern from consumer product on their shelves, and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from their global supply chain had on company-wide sustainability at a corporate level.

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.

The keynote speech was provided by former Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus, who discussed the importance of partnering with EDF during his tenure, which helped the Navy and Marine Corps substantially reduce fuel consumption and improve energy security.

EDF President, Fred Krupp, who has led the organization for the past 33 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.

For the fourth time, Empire was honored to partner with Lincoln Center for their annual Fashion at Lincoln Center Gala, taking place at Alice Tully Hall. This year’s gala was An Evening with Louis Vuitton, honoring the brand’s Artistic Director of Women’s Collections, Nicolas Ghesquiere.

On-stage remarks were made by Steve Swartz, Glenda Bailey, Jennifer Connelly, Paul Bettany, and Nicolas Ghesquiere himself. Guests in attendance included Nicole Kidman, Jayden Smith, Michelle Williams, and Sophia Turner, among many others.

The event featured a headline performance by French singer-songwriter and visionary, Woodkid, performing five songs including his track ‘OTTO’ that was specially composed for Louis Vuitton’s Paris fashion show and Nicolas Ghesquiere. With the support of a hand-picked 38-piece orchestra, custom-made set design and a surprise guest appearance by iconic French actress Catherine Deneuve, Woodkid and the accompanying ensemble received a standing ovation from the exuberant crowd after delivering one of the most unique performances to ever grace the Alice Tully Hall stage.

Following the stage program and performance, guests were invited into the Hall lobby for dinner, where the elegant table settings were surrounded by a multi-media installation featuring various Louis Vuitton content curated specially for the event.

Empire was responsible for all stage program and performance production, curating the orchestra, facilitating off-site musical rehearsals, set-design, technical production, lighting design, and the lobby installation, among other elements.

Empire is a leading producer of high-end events for luxury and fashion brands and is proud to partner with Louis Vuitton, Lincoln Center, and Woodkid on this highly successful event.

Microsoft hosted their three-day in-person and online developer event, Connect();, at Spring Studios in New York City.

Led by Microsoft Cloud and Enterprise Group EVP Scott Guthrie, Connect(); is a key communications event for the Microsoft developer community and functions as an annual platform for announcements and demo’s in Cloud, DevOps, Mobile, Data, and AI. At Microsoft Connect(); developers are introduced to important new tools and services that enable them to build the apps and software programs of the future that will have a positive effect on people’s lives. Spring Studios once again served as the ideal setting for an event dedicated to impact, innovation, and openness.

To balance the Keynote room’s sun-filled space with the need to beautifully illustrate data-driven content, three large-scale, high-resolution LED screens were custom-built to fit within the existing window frames. An additional series of transparent columns were lit from within and created two “walls” on each side of the room, masking the extensive back of house space required to support the technical program in the open plan space while visually supporting Microsoft’s themes of open-ness, flexibility, and transparency. The same visual aesthetic was extended into every aspect of the event and incorporated radiating graphics and HUD interface elements, communicating that “information is everywhere.”

Guests received their first taste of technological innovation at registration, where they were welcomed by name on a reactive LED screen installation covering the full width of the entry wall. A large lunch café was created with a décor scheme that incorporated custom-built, ceiling-high steel LED frames draped with foliage to create smaller, intimate restaurant-style spaces that displayed both technology and nature.

A series of breakout sessions presented content targeted to attendees’ varied interests, while imagery displayed throughout the venue showcased real-life applications of how products designed to empower developers help to unleash the power of data and reimagine possibilities that will improve our world.

Every element of Microsoft Connect(); from registration, breakfast and keynote, to lunch and evening cocktails, were custom-designed to communicate exacting brand messaging and to deliver a high-touch guest experience to this important audience. The keynote and breakout sessions were livestreamed through an onsite studio built for this purpose and content was watched online by millions around the world.

Empire is proud to collaborate with Microsoft on this annual, top-tier business communication event.

To view excerpts of Connect(); 2017, please visit https://www.microsoft.com/connectevent

The Brady Center / Campaign to prevent Gun Violence works tirelessly to shape strategic policies and conduct public health campaigns in an effort to prevent the over 33,000 annual gun deaths in America. Empire was proud to join with Brady to produce their critical New York City Gala to increase the resources dedicated to their public health and safety awareness campaigns.

Together with Brady, Empire worked to secure one of New York City’s newest and oldest venues – the recently-opened Ziegfeld Ballroom where the Ziegfeld Theater once stood. The event kicked off seamlessly when registration partner 501 Auctions quickly checked in guests and registered bidders for the auction. Once inside, donors and supporters enjoyed a cocktail reception featuring a silver and grey color scheme to reflect the building’s art deco heritage. Once seated for dinner, guests were presented an informative and emotional stage program. The program began with a high-energy performance by the Gospel Choir of Harlem, a moving victim testimonial, and a live auction pledge experience led by auctioneer Charles Antin. As the evening progressed, guests were inspired by an unforgettable speech delivered by New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, a longtime supporter of gun violence prevention legislation whose first-hand knowledge of the gun violence epidemic in his home city of Newark brought the audience to tears. Advertising visionary David Droga was honored for Droga5’s partnership to develop an advertising and social norms campaign that speaks to gun owners, without any judgment, about the dangers of guns in their homes.

The evening concluded with a heartfelt and upbeat performance by founding member of the Goo Goo Dolls, Johnny Rzeznik, who is also committed to this cause. Empire proudly supports the important work of The Brady Center in its effort to end the senseless epidemic of gun violence in America. To learn more about the Brady Campaign and support their mission, please visit https://www.bradycampaign.org/bradycenter. With your help, we can say #ENOUGH to gun violence.

The Brooklyn Navy Yard’s Building 77 is a 1,000,000 square foot, state-of-the-art industrial / manufacturing, tech and design hub and the largest building on the 300-acre campus. Located at the corner of Vanderbilt and Flushing Avenues at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Building 77 is projected to add 3,000 jobs and will expand employment at the Navy Yard by more than 40%. The 16-story Building 77 includes a 60,000 square foot ground floor public food manufacturing hub, which will serve as a public gateway to the Yard, and the central gathering point for Yard businesses, employees, and their guests. New York institution Russ & Daughters recently signed on to be a ground floor anchor tenant and other food production businesses will lease smaller spaces throughout the ground floor to enhance and complement the food and beverage offerings.

Based on its past work at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Empire was engaged to produce the grand opening in a two part event: a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with the Mayor of New York City, Bill de Blasio, and later that evening, a celebration with activations that included tenants from Building 77 and the rest of the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Empire worked closely with the Brooklyn Navy Yard’s External Affairs team to curate activations that highlighted not only the diversity of the tenants, but also their tremendous contributions to education, engineering, technology, fashion, art, and rehabilitation. During the press conference and ribbon-cutting, invited guests dined on delicious bites prepared by tenants including Rustic Tavern, We Rub You, Food Sermon, Pizza Yard, Jalapa Jar, Grandchamps, Brooklyn Greenery, Russ & Daughters, and the Brooklyn Roasting Company.

Speakers included New York City Mayor, Bill de Blasio, Brooklyn Navy Yard Board Chair, Henry Gutman, Brooklyn Navy Yard President and CEO, David Ehrenberg, and others. The evening event was a Brooklyn Navy Yard-wide block party held inside Building 77’s cavernous ground floor. The party was a true celebration of the diverse community of Brooklyn Navy Yard’s people, businesses, artists, designers, innovators, creatives, and technologists.

Those in attendance and activating within the event included:

ARTISTS: Nadia Beladia, Steph Mantis Designs, Susan Woods, Jacqueline Meier, Dieu Donne, Clay Industries

FASHION/GARMENT: Hip Hop Closet, Akiko et Atsuyo, Lafayette 148

TECH/INTERACTIVE: 10x Beta (New Lab Company), December Box, Refoundry (Interactive Hand Print Project), OgoSport, A Heirloom, Abby Lichtman (Portrait Demonstrations and Painting Demonstrations), Bridge Cleaners (Hand Sewing Demonstrations), New Lab, RockPaperRobot (New Lab Company), Nova Concepts (VR Experience), HITN (Hispanic Information and Telcom Network with Live Mock Broadcast), SITU Studio, Ecologic Solutions, Ferrara Design, Care Of, Turnstile Tours, Consortium for Research & Robotics (Demonstrated a Robot),

FURNITURE: Bien Hecho, Scott Jordan, Asher Israelow, Lost & Found Props, Patina (Provided all Furniture for Tenant Exhibits)

TRAVEL & TOURISM: Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Turnstyle Tours.

MUSIC: NORTON Records (Played 1950s & 1960s Rock & Roll).

SIGNAGE & PRINTING: Duggal Visual Solutions

In addition to providing overall event design and management, staffing, technical production, permitting, and planning, Empire coordinated all food and beverages, custom activations and exhibitions representing over 50 tenants from the Brooklyn Navy Yard and Building 77.

Guest took home a Brooklyn Navy Yard Tote Gift Bag that included a custom, handmade sketch of Building 77 by Abby Lichtman, Coffee by Brooklyn Roasting Company, and a Brooklyn Navy Yard water bottle and mug.

Empire is honored to have produced this milestone event in this historic and once-again vibrant location.

To learn more about the Brooklyn Navy Yard and Building 77, visit https://brooklynnavyyard.org/leasing/bldg-77/

Empire was honored to serve as the producers of the star-studded, 16th annual Samsung Annual Charity Gala, which took place at Skylight Clarkson Sq in New York City. The annual charity gala is Samsung’s principal cause-marketing event dedicated to supporting a variety of charitable organizations focused on children’s health, education, and sustainability.

For the first time in the gala’s history, the event took place in a completely raw venue, which was transformed to allow guests to experience different environments throughout the evening.

Guests arrived and were met with a giant neon welcome sign and entered through a heart-shaped neon tunnel. At the cocktail reception they were treated to music courtesy of 10-year-old prodigy, DJ Livia, and live art by Shantell Martin on a gigantic mural wall. As guests enjoyed interactive catering displays, they explored various installations including LED light chandeliers, monumental walls of real flowers, kinetic glitter bars, and a large LED digital silent auction display.

Celebrity attendees including Goldie Hawn, Nicky Hilton, Camila Alves, Victor Cruz, Rita Ora, and Rob and Marisol Thomas. The red carpet also featured a non-traditional step & repeat, with the benefiting charity logos represented on the wall.

Following cocktails, guests made their way through a gold shimmery tunnel, featuring tube lights, and a mirrored wall at the end displaying the #SamsungGives hashtag before they turned into the dining hall.

As they stepped through the doors, guests were amazed to see two 55’ walls covered in real roses, along with two walls showing almost 300’ of animated digital projection content, which took them on a visual journey throughout the evening. Stage programming included remarks by Victor Cruz, Camila Alves, Deputy Head of Samsung North America, YH Eom, President and CEO of Samsung North America, Tim Baxter, and Goldie Hawn, along with speakers from several of the charities and a live auction and appeal led by Lucas Hunt. In addition, guests were treated to live performances by Jon Bon Jovi and Hunter Hayes.

After dinner, guests were ushered into the evening’s final environment, a mirrored and digital wonderland, for desserts and a concert by DJ Kronik and Flo Rida, who had guests dancing until the end of the night.

The Samsung Gala raised an all-time record of more than $3 million for its Charity Partners, who included Big Dreams For Kids; The Boomer Esiason Foundation; Boys and Girls Clubs of America; The Brees Dream Foundation; Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation; Comfort Zone Camp; CMA Foundation; GLSEN; Habitat for Humanity; The Hawn Foundation; Henrik Lundqvist Foundation; Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation; Just Keep Livin Foundation; LOLLIPOP; Mark Messier Foundation; Sidewalk; Angels Foundation; Tackle Kids Cancer; Turn 2 Foundation; and the Victor Cruz Foundation.

Empire was proud to work closely with the Samsung team to design and deliver a flawless and memorable evening benefiting these worthy causes. For more information, please visit Samsung.com.