Empire Japan presented five entertainment acts for Shell Global’s 2016 Smiling Stars incentive, an annual event that rewards its retailers around the world for exceptional performance.

As the welcome entertainment, a duo of guitar and koto harp serenaded guests in the garden with their arrangements of Japanese and western music. Following the music in the garden, violin trio Grand Noir provided acoustic ambience during dinner before returning to electrify the stage with a plugged-in performance in advance of award presentations.

As the first act of the evening, traditional Eisa and lion dances from Okinawa energized and interacted with guests from all over the world out on the terrace. Following the Okinawan dance, guests moved inside and the juggling sensations Kikyo Brothers used their trademark light-up programmed batons in an exhilarating juggling routine. Finally, as a capstone for Empire’s portion of the program, world-champion diabolo performer Yusaku Mochizuki, also of Empire Artists-managed group enra, lit up the stage with his unique performance of his original piece “GRAVITY” in a high-octane routine combining the diabolo with tap dance.

Empire was responsible for proposing, negotiating, contracting, and advancing logistical elements for all five acts. Empire is a leading provider of talent for corporate events and celebrations around the world.

​Now in its fourth year, The Architizer A+Awards are the definitive global architectural award program with more than 100 categories and over 300 judges. The gala event in New York City is the signature architectural event during the city’s design week, NYCxDesign, and falls just before the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF). Comprising diverse and innovative global projects from starchitects to emerging firms, this year’s winners represent the best new architecture, interiors, and products from across the globe. For the second year in a row, Empire was at the helm to ensure this event was a success.

The ceremony was hosted again with charisma and charm by John Gidding from HGTV's "Curb Appeal: The Block", and kicked off with a phenomenal and impassioned speech about the Architecture industry by Architizer CEO Marc Kushner. “The A+ gala is more than just a party. It represents a moment for us to stand up and champion our art, recognizing the transformational role that architecture plays in our lives,” says Architizer CEO Marc Kushner.” This year we are expanding the fame, creating an even wider set of categories, celebrating the buildings and structures that impact our world, as well as the products and material used to create them.”

Over 500 luminaries from the world of architecture and design entered the industrial-style space to a red carpet and step & repeat, where event sponsor MINI showed off one of its spectacular new models. Guests enjoyed cocktails and passed hors d'oeuvres by Cloud Catering while enjoying the ambient music played by DJ Javier Peral.

Attendees also enjoyed watching an extraordinary demonstration of the artistry of a watchmaker from partners Audemars Piguet, sipped on cocktails at a customized Sunbrella designed bar, and saw contest-winning architectural designs, all created in LEGO.

This year's biggest winner was Studio Gang, which was named Firm of the Year, and other special achievement awards were presented to Penda, Paul Goldberger, and Samsung, among others. A moving tribute to the late and brilliant architect Zaha Hadid was the highlight of the night and all were inspired by her legacy.

Empire is a premier producer of some of the world's most prestigious award ceremonies, including The Webby Awards, The Fragrance Foundation Awards, and was honored to be chosen as Architizer's production partner for the 2016 Architizer A+Awards.

What do Kim Kardashian, Jessica Alba, Lena Dunham, The Onion, Kanye West, Making a Murderer, and #BlackLivesMatter all have in common?  They were the big winners at the 20th Annual Webby Awards, produced by Empire in New York City.

For the 12th consecutive year, the Webbys chose Empire to produce what many hail as “the Oscars of the Internet.” The show is renowned for its tradition of allowing its winners only five-word acceptance speeches, and this year spawned some true classics including “Break The Internet” winner Kim Kardashian (“Nude selfies until I die!”), Entrepreneur of the Year Jessica Alba for the Honest Company (“Guts. Heart.  Passion. Drive. WiFi.”), and Artist of the Year, Kanye West (“I can’t stand short speeches”).

Parks & Recreation’s Nick Offerman hosted the awards, setting the tone with his sardonic wit, and advising the attendees that this year’s Webbys would be the last, as he had been informed that one of the winners had actually broken the internet. Offerman then advised the crowd to "celebrate these Webbys as if they truly might be our last, because, God knows, if Donald Trump becomes President and gets his tiny, tiny hands on our internet, we may never get to do this again.” Later in the show, Offerman introduced his wife, Megan Mullally, and the couple presented the Agency of the Year Award in hilarious fashion.

Other presenters and winners included documentary filmmaker Michael Moore, VICE Founder Shane Smith, YouTube personality Tyler Oakley, and Director Spike Lee, who presented the award for Social Movement of the Year to #BlackLivesMatter.  For the show’s finalé, the Webbys chose to honor Prince, who performed live at the Webbys in 2006 after receiving that year’s Lifetime Achievement Award. With the stage bathed in purple light, Erykah Badu sang Prince’s “Ballad of Dorothy Parker,” followed by a video of Prince’s own five-word acceptance speech “everything you think….is true”.

As in past years, the evening was a mix of profound creativity, innovation, irreverent humor, gravitas, and emotion, reflecting the diverse nature of the Internet as a medium.  

Following the awards, the audience moved to the Highline Ballroom for the annual Webby awards afterparty which featured a performance by Wu-Tang Clan’s Raekwon and music by Funkmaster Flex.

Empire is honored to have produced some of the world’s leading awards programs, including The Webby Awards, The Gotham Awards, The Fragrance Foundation Awards, The Architizer A+ Awards, and The Film Society of Lincoln Center Chaplin Awards.

Screenvision Media is the premier provider of in-cinema advertising in movie theatres nationwide. For this year’s Screenvision Media Upfront, the company chose the theme, “Impact Like No Other,” to represent its ability to deliver impact before, during, and after the movie to advertisers. The upfront would seek to demonstrate how Screenvision connects the in-theater experience and brands to every part of the moviegoer’s journey, driven by data and technology, interactivity, and integration.

To bring the "Impact Like No Other" theme to life, Empire developed designs and worked closely with Screenvision Media to transform Skylight Moynihan Station into a fully immersive theater and afterpary experience for its high-level attendees.

The evening began with guests entering through a movie theater “lobby,” complete with movie trailers and animated content on screens supplied by Christie Digital and Cinema Scene. Guests moved into a full-size recreation of a movie theater, complete with a concession stand, for a presentation given on the best advertiser medium available: a massive, 40’ screen. After compelling remarks by Screenvision Media executives including CEO John Partilla, EVP of National Sales, Katy Loria, CMO John McCauley, and SVP of Sales, Christine Martino, Loria closed by inviting guests to a “Party Like No Other”. At that exact moment, drapes were lifted to reveal four Star Wars Stormtroopers who emerged and led guests into the afterparty space. As guests streamed through the portals, they entered in to a Hollywood-style afterparty, complete with a screening room, crystal chandeliers, a 16’ square bar, innovative catering by Pinch Fopod Design, and interactive movie sets inspired by some of 2017’s most anticipated feature films, including Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ “Kong: Skull Island”, Warner Bros. Pictures’ “LEGO® Batman Movie”, and Marvel's “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2”. Within each set were a series of custom guest activities including a photo booth based on a giant recreation of a crashed helicopter for “Kong: Skull Island” and a record-your-own-voice-over booth for “LEGO® Batman.”

A showcase of the upcoming movie slate was produced by Screenvision Media programming partner, Bitesize TV. Timeplay created a customized interactive game experience in the “screening area”, 40 Foot Solutions produced other on-screen elements for the show, and Christie Digital and Cinema Scene provided interactive video walls throughout the entire event space. In addition, SITO Mobile, Shazam, and Mobiquity Networks provided state-of-the-art location services utilizing a combination of beacons, geo-fencing, and data capabilities throughout the event to demonstrate the power of data and audience targeting in real-time.

Working closely with Screenvision Media’s marketing and creative team, Empire conceived of this experiential and immersive way to tell their story to their advertising customers and to provide a memorable experience for the influencers in attendance. Empire was responsible for all event details including concept ideation, venue acquisition, layout and set design, catering, staging, sound, lighting, graphics, furnishings, carpet, catering, technical production, staffing, and coordination with movie studios.

Empire is a leading producer of innovative upfronts, newfronts, and other mission critical B2B events.

​South Korea’s leading tire company, Kumho Tire, recently opened its first US-based manufacturing plant in Macon, Georgia, a $450 million dollar project. To celebrate the new three million square foot facility, they asked Empire to produce the Grand Opening Ceremony. 300 guests including Kumho Tire executives, state and local government officials, and local business representatives attended this historic event to celebrate the successful inauguration of the largest plant to open in Macon, Georgia, in 40 years.

The Chairman of Kumho Asiana Group, Park Sam-Koo, gave the keynote address giving deep appreciation for welcoming Kumho Tire to Georgia. Nathan Deal, the Governor of Georgia, added his thanks and support of this new plant. Also in attendance were State Senator Sanford Bishop, County Mayor Robert Reichert, Kumho Tire CEO Lee Han-Seob, and Cliffard Whitby of the Macon-Bibb Industrial Authority.

After the speeches, all major state, local, and company officials gathered on stage for a ceremonial ribbon cutting followed by a tree planting ceremony of hackberry trees nearby the entrance of the building. Once all ceremonies were over, all the guests got a special opportunity to take a tour of the new and operating tire plant. The event ended with a buffet for the general guests and a luncheon for the VIP.

Empire provided all the production and event services required to make this historic day a success including tenting, technical production, scenic and stage design, branding and printing, catering, talent, staffing, and stage management. Working closely with our clients, partners, and benefactors, Empire continues to excel in building brand awareness and high-end ceremonies for global conglomerates and corporations worldwide.

The Federal Enforcement Homeland Security Foundation hosted its 4th annual Tom Ridge Awards at the Sheraton Times Square. Named after former Pennsylvania Governor and the nation’s first director of Homeland Security, Tom Ridge, the Awards honored the outstanding achievement of Federal Agents in the various branches of the Justice and Homeland Security departments including the FBI, DEA, U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Marshals, ATF, CBP, and others.

The evening began with a VIP cocktail reception and red carpet where Special Agents in Charge of their respective agencies took photos with Governor Ridge and Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Dick Wolf. As the cocktail reception came to a close, the DEA Pipe and Drum Corp and the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Honor Guard began a bagpipe procession, leading guests into the Metropolitan Ballroom to take their seats for dinner and the Awards ceremony.

Following a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem performed by Ariel Kendall, the awards ceremony began with each branch’s award presented by a celebrity presenter and a Special Agent in Charge to a worthy recipient. A silent and live auction was presented by host Bill McCuddy and managed flawlessly by 501 Auctions with mobile bidding.

For the finalé of the evening, a tribute video played as Creator and Executive Producer of Law and Order, Dick Wolf, was honored on stage with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Actors Yaya DaCosta and Nick Gehlfuss, stars of Dick Wolf’s latest television drama, Chicago Med, presented the award to the esteemed producer. Governor Ridge and FEHSF Chairman, Richard Kendall, then joined them on stage for closing remarks.

To learn more about the Federal Enforcement Homeland Security Foundation and the Tom Ridge Awards, and to support their work, please visit here. ​

SONY Pictures’ digital entertainment network, Crackle, once again partnered with Empire to produce their 2016 Upfront. With an exciting lineup of both new, original programming and returning series, Crackle had much to present.

The Upfront took place at the New York City Center and opened with welcoming remarks by SONY Pictures Television’s President of Worldwide Networks, Andy Kaplan.

Next, an opening video featuring the League of Freedom from the television series SuperMansion led to remarks by Executive Producers Seth Green, Zeb Wells, Matt Seinreich, and Bryan Cranston.

Crackle Senior Vice President of Digital Media Sales, James Smith, then took the stage, emphasizing that “Because we’re Sony, we’re not just talking product placement, those are a given and we can do those all day long, we’re talking about custom storylines, talent inclusions, and technology-based experiences like 360 & VR.”

SONY Pictures Television’s SVP of Digital Networks, Eric Berger, appeared on the program to give remarks including the introduction of a new, “break-free advertising” sponsorship model, with additional comments by Jonah Goodhart, CEO of MOAT. Eric Berger also presented Crackle’s programming slate accompanied by many of Crackle’s biggest stars and show runners including Kate Bosworth, Christian Cooke, and Dennis Quaid.

Among the many announcements of the day, Crackle also announced that it will create original VR narrative content. The first will be a special episode of SuperMansion. Crackle will also create original VR content with sponsorship opportunities to be viewable on PlayStation VR, Samsung Gear VR, Google Cardboard, and smartphones.

To close the event, Crackle introduced two new original series – “Snatch” and “StartUp” – and invited the “StartUp” cast members Adam Brody, Edi Gathegi, and Otmara Marrero to discuss the show.

In addition to securing the venue, designing the spaces, managing event logistics, catering, and managing the program, Empire provided all staging and technical production support.

Empire continues to set the industry standard for producing outstanding presentations for clients seeking to communicate their mission, motivations, and value proposition to key customers. Empire is proud to have served SONY Pictures Television and Crackle on this year's Upfront.

​

adidas has a long history in Japan and is currently the number one sports apparel brand in the country. So it was a natural choice for adidas Japan to host a globally-facing celebration of the iconic Originals line. And adidas Japan’s choice was to have Empire Entertainment Japan handle all aspects of production, from event concept to execution and media production.

adidas Japan wanted a large-scale interactive event where the public could experience Originals connections to the Past, Present, and Future. Empire took that concept one step further and came up with idea of KOSATEN, Japanese for Intersection. The ten-day event would explore how Originals lives at the intersection of culture.

An integral part of the overall plan was to leverage social media before, during, and after the event to drive awareness and excitement. Empire Japan produced a high-energy teaser, a pre-view video, daily digests, and a wrap-up video to contribute to the buzz. This content was distributed worldwide on adidas’ social media feeds as well as the feeds of major influencers involved with the event.

The week-and-a-half event kicked off with a private showing for the media followed by an invitation-only, celebrity-driven Opening Night Party. Famous faces from the worlds of sports, fashion, music, and culture explored the exhibits and danced the night away – click HERE for the Opening Night Party Video.

As soon as they entered the hyper-modern space in the heart of Harajuku, Tokyo’s fashion epicenter, they were greeted by a massive three-story video installation hanging from the ceiling. From there they were led on a journey through three levels of encounters with the brand: over 500 pairs of the rarest vintage adidas athletic shoes, brought over with their collectors from Europe expressly for the occasion; a giant installation allowing you to feel like you were entering the interior of the latest adidas show, with walls constructed of Prime Knit and a floor made out of Boost; and a glimpse into the future with live 3D printing showcasing how, soon, shoes can be made just for you.

Each day, Empire produced a Talk Show at the event space that included some of the biggest pioneers and global influencers in adidas`s lineup. From tennis legend Stan Smith to hip hop legend D.M.C, each speaker spoke about their experiences with the brand and how it continues to influence them in their everyday lives. Other speakers included Markus Thaler (Adidas ZX Model Pioneer), Top Japanese comedians, RG (Razor Ramon), Anthony (Matenrou), Akaba (Saru-Gorilla), Ueda (Good Walkin), Shigeyuki Kunii (Mita Sneaker Creative Director), MATSU (Exile), GENKING (Top Model), MALIA (Top Model), Poggy (UA Creative Director), and Genvey Yamaguchi (World Famous Obi Artist).

Over the course of 10 days, the exhibit became a trending topic across numerous social media channels, press outlets, and fashion influencers.

Empire once again proves to be the leading producer of global fashion brand events and was thrilled to help adidas Japan produce yet another successful adidas event.

AMC Networks is comprised of AMC, BBC America, Sundance, IFC, and WeTV.  During the past several years, AMC and Empire have partnered to create large-scale, groundbreaking 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 would be intimate, elegant, and create a conversation between the guests, the programming, and the network hosts.

Five of the sidefronts took place at Chefs Club, a trendy SoHo restaurant created in partnership with Food & Wine magazine, 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: Jean-Georges Vongerichten; winner of several James Beard Awards and owner of Michelin star-rated restaurants; Mario Batali, known for Iron Chef America and The Chew; Alex Guarnaschelli, executive chef at Butter Midtown, star of Iron Chef America, judge on Chopped, and author of Old-School Comfort Food; Marcus Samuelsson, known for his popular Harlem restaurant, Red Rooster, and his roles on Iron Chef America; and Tom Colicchio, recipient of five James Beard Awards, head judge on Top Chef, and owner of Gramercy Tavern, Craft, and Colicchio & Sons.

Each event commenced with a cocktail hour and passed hors d’oeuvres during which AMC Networks executive leadership and ad sales teams mingled with advertisers and agency personnel. Following cocktails, guests were seated for welcome remarks, a personal introduction to the meal by each chef and a brief speaking program. Arlene Manos, President of National Ad Sales, Josh Sapan, President & CEO of AMC Networks, Charlie Collier, President & GM of AMC, and Scott Collins, EVP of Ad Sales, teased new programming coming to AMC, BBC America, Sundance, IFC, and WeTV. Guests also had the opportunity to preview new shows such as "Feed the Beast", "The Night Manager", and AMC’s hotly anticipated "Preacher", on screens positioned throughout the dining room.

In addition to the five sidefronts at Chefs Club, additional events were held at the offices of one of New York City’s biggest media agencies, and another at Morgan’s on Fulton 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 B2B presentations of every kind.

Microsoft launched a new conference, Microsoft Envision, with the goal of bringing together business leaders and decision makers from across several industry sectors to discuss trends and technology that are helping enterprises succeed in a fast-changing world.

For the opening keynote, Empire delivered astronaut Captain Scott Kelly for his first public appearance following his historic 340-day journey in space aboard the International Space Station. Captain Kelly joined Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella for an introductory conversation, as well as Microsoft CMO Chris Caposella later in the program for a ‘fireside chat’ in front of an audience of approximately 6,000 attendees. Throughout his on-stage appearance, Captain Kelly discussed how Microsoft’s augmented reality technology, Hololens, was used on the ISS and the challenges of living in space for a prolonged period of time.  

On the conference’s second day, Empire helped the Microsoft Envision content team deliver a series of eight concurrent “State of the Industry” panel discussions on the topic of how technology is transforming business. Each panel included industry luminaries, established business leaders, disruptors, academics, and industry association figures to bring broad perspective to the discussion. Industry panels were held for Government, Finance, Sports & Entertainment, Retail & Consumer Packaged Goods, Health Care, Travel & Hospitality, and Professional Services. Among the 40+ participating panelists, notable figures included Former Senior Advisor to President Obama, Daniel Pfeiffer; Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer for the NFL, Michelle McKenna Doyle; and the 18th Surgeon General of the United States, Regina Benjamin. Empire worked closely with the Microsoft Envision team to research, contract, coordinate, and deliver all speakers for these panels.    

To close out the inaugural Microsoft Envision, multiple Grammy award-winning band Train brought the attendees to their feet at a final night party that ended the conference on a high note. Train frontman, Pat Monahan, delighted the crowd by taking selfies on attendees phones during his performance, and inviting two lucky attendees on stage to belt out Journey’s ‘Don’t Stop Believing.’

For more information on Microsoft Envision, please visit: www.microsoft.com/en/envision