Our Work

E!’s House of Villains Season 2 Premiere

New York City
E!’s House of Villains Season 2 Premiere

As NBCUniversal geared up for the highly anticipated Season 2 premiere of E!’s House of Villains, they aimed to create an immersive stunt that put digital content and show talent front and center.

Enter the “Secret Snake Society”—an exclusive, one-night-only members' club for 165 influencers and cast members to rub shoulders and test their villainous skills. As they navigated five completely unique, custom activations, influencers were invited to embrace their inner villain for the evening.

Empire transformed the Bowery Hotel into a content creation hub, beginning with a villain portrait gallery and culminating in an exclusive 15-minute sneak peek of the first episode—complete with cheeky villainous moments and devious behavior throughout.

The Activations

Snark Attack
Carnival games allowed guests to spin a giant wheel and drop a Plinko puck to generate the ultimate clapback. Winning results, like “Saber-Toothed Ninny-Bits” and “Feral Peasant,” were turned into frenemy bracelets.

Villainous Allies
Guests chose a cast member to ally with, receiving a custom cocktail handed to them through a curtained cocktail window.

Make A Scene
Guests were encouraged to unleash their inner villain by wreaking havoc in a fine dining setting—flipping tables and creating controlled chaos.

Out-Villain a Villain
Influencers went head-to-head with cast members, competing to see who could outwit the best of the best. Those who failed were showered in confetti.

Sinister Style
A villain needs glam and a killer wardrobe. We gave guests the opportunity to dress to the nines and strike a pose in a portrait session.

Social sharing skyrocketed, with potential total online reach of over 18M and YoY growth on all key metrics for event-generated House of Villains content, making the event a major success for E! Entertainment. From concept and ideation to final production, creative direction, and every detail in between, Empire worked hand-in-hand with NBCUniversal every step of the way.

E!’s House of Villains Season 2 Premiere
New York City
October 2, 2024
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The Bowery Hotel
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Steven Yeun Headlines Hyundai Card’s DaVinci Motel Festival

Seoul
Steven Yeun Headlines Hyundai Card’s DaVinci Motel Festival

Hyundai Card, a leading premium credit card company in South Korea, hosts DaVinci Motel, an annual festival in Seoul. This innovative event celebrates a convergence of arts, business, technology, and academia. Through thought-provoking talks, performances, and curated pop-ups, DaVinci Motel transforms Hyundai Card’s Brand Space in the Itaewon district into a hub for creativity and inspiration.

Empire presented Hyundai Card with the festival’s marquee headliner Steven Yeun, an award-winning actor and producer known for his work in BEEF, Minari, Burning, Nope, and The Walking Dead. In a one-hour moderated conversation, Steven engaged fans, sharing personal insights into his journey through the entertainment industry and his rise as one of Hollywood’s leading actors. The session concluded with an engaging Q&A that allowed attendees to connect with him directly. 

We are proud to have collaborated with Hyundai Card to secure Steven Yeun, develop the moderated conversation, and manage logistics for him and his team. 

Steven Yeun Headlines Hyundai Card’s DaVinci Motel Festival
Seoul
September 29, 2024
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hyundai-card
public-events
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The SDG Lounge at the United Nations General Assembly

New York City
The SDG Lounge at the United Nations General Assembly

Convened by the United Nations Deputy Secretary General, Amina Mohammed, and hosted by the UN Office for Partnerships in collaboration with the PVBLIC Foundation to promote dialogue and progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the SDG Lounge was created in the Woodrow Wilson Reading Room of the Dag Hammarskjold Library at the United Nations Headquarters for the duration of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly.  

Embodying the spirit of the United Nations, the SDG Lounge provided representatives from Member States throughout the world with a global platform to discuss issues and solutions relating to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, ranging from food insecurity and gender equality, to AI, inequality, and global health.

With sessions featuring representatives from the Maldives, France, Sierra Leone, Belgium, Tonga, Chad, Rwanda, Sweden, Somalia, Denmark, Liberia, Senegal, Jamaica, and Norway—alongside former and current heads-of-state including Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley, as well as the President of the European Union Ursula von der Leyen—the SDG Lounge was a space for attendees to experience unscripted dialogues and interactive, in-depth discussions.  

In addition to Member State representatives, the SDG Lounge included key voices from across industries and sectors, bringing together business leaders from Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, and the World Bank, alongside powerhouse advocates for change like Astronaut Sara Sabry, IOM Global Goodwill Ambassador America Ferrera, Tunisian tennis phenom Ons Jabeur, and UN SDG Advocate Lilly Singh, among many others.    

With an ethos of both sustainability and partnership at its core, Empire and the UN Partnerships worked together on the design of the SDG Lounge to keep the Goals front and center. Each element was constructed using eco-friendly materials designed for reusability, while modular furnishings allowed for flexibility. All scenic elements were retained by the United Nations, where they will continue to serve the global community, including a custom commissioned 50" mural that has become a permanent fixture at the Library Reading Room.  

With resounding messages of collaboration delivered across seven days of programming, the SDG Lounge provided us all with the inspiration needed to keep the promise of the SDGs today, tomorrow, and for future generations to come.

To learn more about this year’s SDG Lounge and view some of the programming please visit https://webtv.un.org/en/search/categories/meetings-events/side-events/sdg-lounge-2024

The SDG Lounge at the United Nations General Assembly
New York City
September 27, 2024
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The Gates Foundation’s Goalkeepers

New York City
The Gates Foundation’s Goalkeepers

For the 5th year, Empire served as the The Gates Foundation and Project Everyone’s production partner for their Goalkeepers 2024 event—an annual event that brings together heads-of-state and international Sustainable Development Goals “Goalkeepers.” Among Goalkeepers' 17 goals to achieve before 2030, this year’s event focused on why fighting malnutrition matters.

To focus on the event's impact, the typical two-day event shifted to a one-evening program and reception, from six hours of content to a two-hour window, which included over 1,200 guests held at Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Empire’s mission was to deliver a flawless production for this pivotal event, celebrate the Goalkeeper changemakers, execute a program focused on the world’s nutrition crisis with key speakers, and encourage content creation and social presence, which included design and creative elements, LED installation, food & beverage management, and registration and logistics for high-level speakers and attendees.

The program streamed live online and in an on-site overflow space for all attendees near and far to enjoy. Jon Batiste kicked off the program and the stage was flooded with prestigious speakers and nutrition-focused experts, such as Host, Kenyan media personality Janet Mbugua, Brazilian President Lula da Silva, welcoming Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare of Nigeria, Muhammed Pate, along with Ethiopian-Swedish chef, Marcus Samuelsson, and Bill Gates, who took the stage to speak about Global Health funding and nutritious foods for all.

In order to accommodate more guests and activations, two venues within JALC were activated both with a variety of custom food stations and bars, multiple photo backdrop opportunities and DJ Chmba, who played upbeat house music to set the tone.            

Empire was proud to again work with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Project Everyone, and many other partners to present Goalkeepers 2024. To learn more about the Goalkeepers event, please visit: https://www.gatesfoundation.org/goalkeepers/

Photography Credit: Mike Lawrence, Kevin Hagen, Roy Rochlin, Valerie Terranova

The Gates Foundation’s Goalkeepers
New York City
September 23, 2024
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Frederick P. Ross Hall; Jazz at Lincoln Center; New York; NY
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Target Together

Minneapolis, MN
Target Together

Empire had the opportunity to partner with Target to produce a kickoff meeting for over 11,000 team members at Target Center in Minneapolis, MN for Target’s annual meeting, Target Together.   

We created a sophisticated and thoughtful seating plan to accommodate all team members. As team members took their seats, a DJ spun top hits and the MC engaged audience members with fun pre-show activities custom-created by Empire. The pre-show included ‘Rock that Target Red’ and ‘Target Trivia’ segments. Empire also worked closely with Target to create a custom emoji lookalike video contest, challenging team members to mimic the emoji. Empire created custom screen graphics used throughout the pre-show. 

Following inspiring remarks from Target’s leadership about strategic initiatives, a surprise fashion show took place on stage. Empire choreographed and developed creative content, which included Target’s beloved mascot Bullseye and team members from across the country ending the show on a high note. Team members cheered with joy when they saw their colleagues sporting the latest Target looks, accompanied by furry friends. No fashion show is complete without a grand finale which brought all 70+ models back out for an epic faux-snowstorm, snowball fight, and even a fireplace with gifts on the mantel. 

Empire played an important role in ensuring the seamless execution of Target Together 2024, collaborating with Target’s internal teams on multiple facets of the event, including technical management, guest logistics, stage production, scenic, catering, fashion show choreography, and screen content.  

Target Together exemplified how large-scale meetings can provide connection, celebrate achievements, and build anticipation for future goals. Empire was honored to contribute to the program and overall success of the event. 

Target Together
Minneapolis, MN
September 10, 2024
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Target Center
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The Who's Roger Daltrey Performs in NYC

New York City
The Who's Roger Daltrey Performs in NYC

One of Empire’s longstanding corporate clients engaged us to deliver an evening of music featuring the legendary lead singer of The Who—Roger Daltrey. Presented for an audience of approximately 500 guests at the beautiful Tavern on the Green in Central Park, the client, a lifetime fan of Daltrey’s, celebrated another successful year through the voice of one of the most iconic rock vocalists of all time.

Starting with a private reception and meet-&-greet for 25 VIP’s, Daltrey made everyone feel like they had known him their whole lives. Roger and his band then delivered a high-energy concert featuring 75 minutes of hits, including many by The Who such as “Won’t Get Fooled Again” and “Behind Blue Eyes”, and a cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s classic “Have You Ever Seen The Rain”. The performance was punctuated by Daltrey’s incredible stage presence and storytelling between songs, and the crowd smiled and sang along throughout the show.

Daltrey and the band had so much fun that they delivered three additional encores, including a performance of The Who’s anthem, “Baba O’Riley”, featuring a breathtaking violin solo.  

Working closely with the client team, Empire delivered the artist as well as all technical production, staging, talent logistics, coordination, and stage management to ensure a successful event.

Empire is honored to have produced many of the world’s greatest rock icons for our clients’ events, including David Bowie, Heart, Adele, Bono, Pat Benatar, The Pretenders, Elton John, John Fogerty, Aerosmith, and so many more.

The Who's Roger Daltrey Performs in NYC
New York City
September 9, 2024
music-concerts
private-personal-events
Tavern On The Green
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A-Trak Headlines at Salon Hannam’s VIP Opening Party in Seoul

Seoul
A-Trak Headlines at Salon Hannam’s VIP Opening Party in Seoul

Empire had the privilege of booking and managing A-Trak as the headline DJ for the VIP opening party of Salon Hannam 2024 in Seoul, Korea. Salon Hannam 2024 is a special art exhibition project by LIFEPLUS, debuting during the week of Frieze Seoul. The opening party and exhibition took place at the newly acquired Hanwha General Insurance Company Building. 

The exhibition showcases a diverse range of artists including Fabrice Gygi, Oscar Tuazon, Kevin Beasley, Seth Price, Devon Turnbull, David Hertt, Harold Mendez, Rim Park, and Giopato & Coombes. Curators and galleries from around the globe were also in attendance, making the event a key moment in the international art scene. 

Empire is proud to contribute to the cultural and global significance of Salon Hannam’s opening by securing top-tier talent and management. Through our efforts, we helped bring LIFEPLUS’s vision to life, complementing Frieze Seoul’s celebration of contemporary art and global creativity.

A-Trak Headlines at Salon Hannam’s VIP Opening Party in Seoul
Seoul
September 3, 2024
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Longchamp "Team Spirit" Pop-Up Series

Kyoto, Japan
Longchamp "Team Spirit" Pop-Up Series

Longchamp brought its ENERGY BY LONGCHAMP global pop-up series to Kyoto in September 2024, turning the Shimadai Gallery into a dynamic playground of brand energy. Welcomed by lanterns bearing the Longchamp emblem and bamboo benches inspired by the brand’s bag toggles, guests stepped through a noren curtain into an immersive corridor of radiant brand colors.

Inside, a locker room-themed space awaited, energizing visitors with activities like relaxing on custom yoga balls, experiencing the latest Parisian beauty trends, and wandering through an endless mirror room bathed in aura colors.

Before the official opening, celebrities and media were treated to an exclusive preview party, where the vibrant setting became the perfect backdrop for photos. The celebration was amplified by live DJ sets and lively dance performances, making the Kyoto pop-up a joyful blend of culture, energy, and unmistakable Longchamp flair.

As the production partner for this energetic showcase, we were excited to have supported Longchamp in energizing Kyoto with bold creativity. From concept to execution, we embraced the opportunity to help craft an immersive experience that radiated positivity and style.

Longchamp "Team Spirit" Pop-Up Series
Kyoto, Japan
September 1, 2024
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Global Mentorship Camp by Hanwha Life

San Francisco, CA
Global Mentorship Camp by Hanwha Life

Hanwha Life is a leading life insurance company in South Korea that is pioneering the global financial market by expanding their business to markets in the U.S. and internationally. Empire worked closely with Hanwha Life on one of their projects to collaborate with global professionals and build a network of global talent. 

The event was called Global Mentorship Camp 2024 by Hanwha Life—an intimate four-day conference and retreat that took place at over 10 locations in San Francisco and Napa Valley. Through an application process, they invited over 30 attendees that consisted of active emerging managers in venture capital and students aspiring to be future finance leaders. Attendees participated in insightful keynote sessions, received invaluable mentorship, and built connections through various workshops, activities, and dinners.

In San Francisco, the main conference was held at the Battery, a prominent member’s-only club, where special keynotes and conversations were presented by five industry leaders who covered a wide range of topics including venture capital, investing, neuroscience and AI, and building communities. Private dinners took place at the Four Seasons and the Conservatory at One Sansome. On the third day, attendees traveled to a resort in Napa Valley where more workshops and lectures were held. The attendees bonded through activities such as golfing and wine tasting, followed by an exclusive dinner at a winery on the final evening.

Empire provided overall project management; production conceptualization, design, and execution; program development; and guest logistics. Empire is proud to work with corporations from around the world, delivering intimate and curated experiences to specialized professionals and high net worth individuals.

Global Mentorship Camp by Hanwha Life
San Francisco, CA
August 24, 2024
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Gavin DeGraw Performs in Nashville

Nashville, TN
Gavin DeGraw Performs in Nashville

Empire brought together approximately 2,000 corporate client employees at the legendary Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, for an evening of music with Grammy Award-winning artist Gavin DeGraw. The client desired a fun, accessible artist who could really get the crowd from all around the country up and on their feet, and Gavin DeGraw delivered.

Starting with a meet-&-greet for 25 incentive winners and a private reception with C-suite executives, DeGraw demonstrated a mastery of conversation and conviviality. Culminating in a concert featuring well over 90 minutes of hits, a selection of covers, and punctuated by DeGraw’s amusing anecdotes, the crowd left their seats behind to get right up to the stage.

Working closely with the client team, Empire delivered more than just talent—from logistics coordination and security procedures to production and stage management, all to ensure a smooth event for our client.

Gavin DeGraw Performs in Nashville
Nashville, TN
August 21, 2024
music-concerts
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Grand Ole Opry
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adidas Golf CODECHAOS 25 Launch

Tokyo, Japan
adidas Golf CODECHAOS 25 Launch

To celebrate the launch of adidas’ avant-garde CODECHAOS 25 golf shoe, we crafted a three-day experience rooted in innovation and design. Guests from across Asia Pacific explored the shoe’s cutting-edge features through immersive tech moments—from hacked simulators to projection-mapped product storytelling—at the transformed CODECHAOS Lab inside Kaigan Studio. Special appearances by Paula Creamer, Aguri Iwasaki, and Gareth Bale (via livestream) elevated a launch that felt as bold and performance-driven as the shoe itself.

The event embodied adidas’ bold vision for the future of golf footwear, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. We are proud to have supported adidas in delivering this benchmark event series.

To see more, view the event recap video here.

adidas Golf CODECHAOS 25 Launch
Tokyo, Japan
July 31, 2024
adidas
adidas
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Travel + Leisure “World’s Best Summit”

New York City
Travel + Leisure “World’s Best Summit”

Billed as the premier event for all things hospitality, the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Summit brought together the brightest minds in travel, hotels, luxury experiences, and dining for two days of dynamic conversation and industry-defining insights. And who better to bring this visionary event to life than Empire? As the production partner behind the summit, we transformed Dotdash Meredith’s headquarters into a high-impact stage for thought leadership, storytelling, and connection—delivering a seamless, immersive experience worthy of the World’s Best name.

To reflect the evolving landscape of travel, a simple theater was reimagined as a dynamic forum, welcoming over 300 attendees. Discussions tackled everything from sustainability and family travel to the future of air travel, the power of cultural events, and how AI and social media are reshaping the industry.

The summit kicked off with a fireside chat between T+L Editor-in-Chief Jacqui Gifford and Dotdash Meredith CEO Neil Vogel, setting the stage for thought-provoking discussions featuring panelists like Amanda Kloots (The Talk), Andy Krantz (CEO, Paravel), Paul Tumpowsky (Founder, New Yonder), and Christine Vinesse Thomas (VP, Global Brand Leader, Hyatt). Day one concluded with a vibrant cocktail reception, where we transformed the space with bold, branded visuals that brought the World’s Best Summit identity to life.

Day two kept the momentum going with panels on delivering unparalleled guest experiences, the growing importance of wellness, and the influence of social media on modern travel. Featured panelists included renowned chef and restaurateur, Daniel Boulud, and Jack Ezon (Founder and CEO, Embark Beyond), who shared their expertise on crafting exceptional hospitality experiences. The program wrapped up with an engaging and often humorous conversation between Jacqui Gifford and Bobbi Brown, who discussed her journey from cosmetics mogul to boutique hotel owner.

The summit was a true celebration of the industry’s future and was a resounding success, with attendees praising the experience as “thoughtful and special” and recognizing the T+L team for their “warm hospitality and expert planning.” We’re proud to have played a role in bringing this extraordinary gathering to life.

Travel + Leisure “World’s Best Summit”
New York City
July 16, 2024
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Empire Delivers A.J. Croce for a Private Event In California

San Diego, CA
Empire Delivers A.J. Croce for a Private Event In California

Empire delivered Nashville Legend, A.J. Croce and band for a private, surprise birthday party.

The event took place at The Crosby Club in Rancho Bernardo, San Diego, an exclusive members-only venue overlooking The Crosby Club Golf Course designed by world-renowned golf course architect Brian Curley and one of golf’s greatest players, Fred Couples.

Surprising the intimate audience of friends and family, A.J performed a soulful mix of his legendary father's Jim Croce’s hits including “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown'', “Operator” and “New York’s Not My Home”, and his own original music like “So Much Fun” and “Better Day”. 

A born storyteller, guests got the exclusive experience of hearing firsthand incredible stories of A.J.’s life, and the history behind his father's music and his legacy. 

It did not take long for everyone in the crowd to get up from their seats and hit the dance floor. It truly was a night of celebration for the past and the future. 

Empire was responsible for securing talent and working closely with the artist and client production and logistics teams to ensure that every detail came off flawlessly.

Empire is the world’s leading producer of headline entertainment for intimate audiences and bespoke, private concert experiences.

Empire Delivers A.J. Croce for a Private Event In California
San Diego, CA
June 24, 2024
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music-concerts
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The Crosby Club
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Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity Multi-Day Gathering

Cannes, France
Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity Multi-Day Gathering

Empire's long-standing industry partner, Awards 360, asked us to collaborate on delivering a three-day, informal outdoor gathering for the prestigious transformation consultancy, COLLINS, and their guests during Cannes Lions in France. Set in a beautifully restored French villa, this series of talks was crafted as an oasis amidst the bustling Cannes Lions schedule, blending insightful conversations with live musical performances and signature cocktails.

The events were purposefully designed to provide business leaders, marketers, and creators with a space to engage in open-minded discussions while enjoying the stunning French Riviera. Each day of programming attracted a highly curated, intimate audience, fostering meaningful connections.

Evenings were capped off with captivating performances by the Moyses dos Santos Band, featuring guest singers provided by Mike Jurkovac and the team at VAST, entertaining guests well into the night.

The result? We delivered a meticulously curated experience in France, further expanding our global footprint in the EMEA region. From leading event logistics, technical production, stage management, décor, and overall project management, the experience was seamless and a success.

Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity Multi-Day Gathering
Cannes, France
June 15, 2024
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The World’s 50 Best Restaurants in Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV
The World’s 50 Best Restaurants in Las Vegas

For the first time ever, The Worlds 50 Best Restaurants took over the bright lights of Las Vegas, inviting esteemed guests to celebrate the best culinary outposts from around the world at the iconic Wynn Las Vegas.

More than 1,200 attendees from across the globe gathered in Las Vegas for the multi-day event, which showcased the 50 finest restaurants worldwide, judged by leading experts in the fine dining community.

Formal programming began with a press conference, hosted by the CEO of William Reed, Charles Reed, where leading members of the 50 Best organization provided insights into the future of 50 Best and opened the floor to questions from international media attendees. The press conference included a fun video produced by the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Bureau featuring an original song, “Yes Chef” by Steve Aoiki. 

The Press Conference was followed by the #50BestTalks, where leading chefs shared their creativity and insights on the food and beverage industry. Guests also sampled fisheye ice cream by Chef Josh Niland, a ‘celtuce celebration’ cocktail by Chef Daniel Humm of Eleven Madison Park, and a spin on the classic cosmic brownie by Chef Kwame Onwuachi of Top Chef and Tatiana.

As the sun set in the Las Vegas desert, the Chef’s Feast took place at Wynn’s East Pavilion & Lawn, with a wide range of experiential sponsor activations. This event was one where chefs were finally able to relax and not cook! Guests enjoyed curated small bites and cocktails from various sponsor booths and received goodie bags containing branded items such as a bottle opener from Beronia and an apron from Estrella Damm.

The celebrations continued the following day with the gala awards night. When guests arrived at a beautifully curated reception space, complete with a red carpet and photography moment, the nominated chefs and restaurants received 50 Best’s signature red scarves, provided by Aspire Lifestyles, to wear and distinguish them throughout the evening. There were over two dozen sponsor activations, each serving specialty food and drink items crafted by top bartenders and chefs showcasing their skills.

Sponsors included San Pellegrino + Acqua Panna, Amex/Resy, Estrella Damm, Beronia, Kaviari, Craft Irish Whiskey, Woodford Reserve, Tequila Ocho, and many more, creating a haven for beautifully crafted cocktails and small bites. Justin & The Swingbeats provided entertainment with classic Vegas hits and jazz twists on modern favorites.

The Awards Ceremony, the highlight of the event, was hosted by Spanish broadcaster Olivia Freijo. She guided the audience through the program and announced several special awards. Barcelona’s Disfrutar took the No. 1 spot this year, celebrated for its brilliantly imaginative dishes, technical mastery, and playful presentation.

The entire ceremony was livestreamed on 50 Best’s Facebook and YouTube channels, allowing a global audience to witness the announcement of the official list of the hottest spots around the globe.

After the ceremony, guests headed to the Encore Beach Club for the The Worlds 50 Best Restaurants Afterparty. They were greeted by Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe lookalikes for photo opportunities at a beautifully designed "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign, provided by LVCVA. DJ Freddy B kept the party going well past midnight, culminating in a surprise champagne toast to Disfrutar for taking the top spot.

Empire worked closely with William Reed and the 50 Best team as well as other partners to deliver this remarkable celebration. Empire’s responsibilities included overall production management, screen content and graphics creation, technical design and management, livestream, sponsor fulfillment and activation, stage management, talent booking, and overall logistics. We are incredibly proud to again partner with William Reed to bring this awards celebration to the culinary capital of Las Vegas, shining a light on the best in hospitality.

The World’s 50 Best Restaurants in Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV
June 4, 2024
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Outright International Celebration of Courage Awards & Gala

New York City
Outright International Celebration of Courage Awards & Gala

Empire was extremely honored to produce the 2024 Outright International Celebration of Courage Awards & Gala for the 3rd consecutive year.

The event kicked off Pride Month at Pier Sixty in New York City for 500 guests, raising $1 million in funding to support the advancement of human rights for LGBTIQ people.

Featuring a custom blue carpet, cocktails, dinner and program, and an afterparty hosted by DJ Robi D Light, the evening brought Outright’s brand and mission to life through environmental storytelling, a cascading set design, and custom Celebration of Courage signage and decor.

The main event, hosted by drag and television performer BeBe Zahara Benet, honored Grammy, Emmy, and two-time Tony Award winner Billy Porter, the Adobe Foundation, and Mitini Nepal. The program featured a very energetic live auction hosted by New York auctioneer, Harry Santa-Olalla; a special performance by Billy Porter; remarks from Outright International Executive Director, Maria Sjödin; Outright International Board of Directors Co-Chairs, Kathy Teo and Elliot Vaughn; actor, producer, and activist, Wilson Cruz; actor and writer, Daniel K. Isaac; and more. Guests included the indie pop trio BETTY, Real Housewives of New York, fashion designer and businesswoman, Jenna Lyons, artist and director Cass Bird, and more.

Outright is dedicated to working with partners around the globe to strengthen the capacity of the LGBTIQ human rights movement, document and amplify human rights violations against LGBTIQ people, and advocate for inclusion and equality.

Empire was proud to work with the Outright team on program development, speaker and talent advancement, scenic and decor, technical production, overall project management, logistics, and more to deliver a flawless event.

Outright International Celebration of Courage Awards & Gala
New York City
June 3, 2024
outright
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CyberArk IMPACT24 in Nashville

Nashville, TN
CyberArk IMPACT24 in Nashville

CyberArk is the global leader in Identity Security, providing solutions to protect human and machine identities, secure hybrid environments, and fend off AI-driven threats. CyberArk IMPACT tackles the imperative need to share the latest advancements in identity security and brings together top experts and organizations dedicated to making the digital world safer for all. For the second year in a row, Empire partnered with CyberArk to produce IMPACT 2024.

This year's IMPACT event was hosted at the JW Marriott in Nashville, TN, where Empire and CyberArk worked together to transform the hotel conference center into an immersive brand experience. Elements included a custom-designed scenic entrance moment, an illuminated Cyber Arena (Expo Hall), and an impressive keynote space. Additional ancillary events were hosted offsite to enrich the Nashville experience. Partner Day showcased CyberArk's goals and achievements at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and all attendees were invited to the IMPACT Soiree hosted at Luke's 32, where they could experience live country music, Nashville cuisine, and a bull riding activation. 

IMPACT kicked off on Monday evening with a welcome reception on the transformed outdoor lawn of the JW Marriott with a performance by The Royal Hounds, passed hors d’oeuvres, lawn games, a tap truck, and Hattie B’s Fried Chicken. The lawn was also home to attendee lunches, curated by the JW's hospitality team and supplemented with local Nashville food truck options. 

This year's keynote programs kicked off on Tuesday, welcoming notable speakers such as Kara Swisher, Robert Herjavec (from Shark Tank), CyberArk CEO Matt Cohen, and CyberArk Founder & Executive Chairman, Udi Mokady. LED wristbands were used as a welcome moment and to indicate that keynote presentations were set to begin. CyberArk utilized every event space at the JW, hosting over 57 breakouts, 30 hands-on labs and trainings, as well as customized events for partners and investors. 

This was Empire’s second year producing IMPACT 2024 and it was a resounding success, with attendance exceeding previous years accompanied by stellar feedback. Empire is proud to have been a part of this year's IMPACT and looks forward to continuing to produce innovative and future-forward events. 

CyberArk IMPACT24 in Nashville
Nashville, TN
May 20, 2024
cyberark
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JW Marriott
Country Music Hall of Fame
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VTS Accelerate

New York City
VTS Accelerate

View The Space (VTS), a leading real estate software company, held their annual conference VTS Accelerate at Chelsea Industrial and brought together over 300 clients, influential thought leaders, and employees for one day of keynote presentations, panel discussions, experiential exhibits, and networking opportunities.

The program featured a full day of main stage content from morning to evening, and included multiple sessions and customer awards that were distributed throughout. Guests also experienced the custom-built “Product Zone”, where VTS’s newest software was unveiled, and attendees were able to interact with the VTS product and sales team while connecting with each other.

The creative look and feel of the event was produced via collaboration between Empire and These Days, VTS’s creative agency.

Working hand-in-hand with the VTS team, we managed all aspects of production including fabrication, printing, catering, budgeting, staging, technical production, and venue management. We are proud to be a leading producer of bespoke B2B customer events.

VTS Accelerate
New York City
May 15, 2024
vts
vts
cause-related-market
Chelsea Industrial
false

Screenvision Media Upfront

New York City
Screenvision Media Upfront

Screenvision Media, a national leader in delivering video advertising and content partnership opportunities for cinema exhibitors, presented their 2024 Upfront. Approximately 500 advertisers, media buyers, and industry professionals gathered at Jazz at Lincoln Center in Midtown Manhattan to hear about the power of cinema and its ability to increase brand sales and deliver quality impressions.

Upon arrival, guests were treated to welcome drinks and snacks, Screenvision trivia, and exclusive movie trailers. Virtual attendees joined the livestream, and in-person attendees gathered in the Frederick P. Rose Hall to hear remarks from CRO of National Ad Sales Christine Martino. CEO John Partilla then took the stage for an engaging one-on-one conversation with actor and producer Alec Baldwin.

Following the stage presentation, attendees flowed into the Ertegun Atrium and Appel Room for cocktails, music from DJ L3NI, a movie-themed photo booth activation, and a surprise performance from Fitz and the Tantrums!

Upon departure, guests scanned a QR code to reveal a Fandango gift card so they could savor the magic of the big screen long after the Upfront.

Empire oversaw and coordinated all event logistics and timelines for the pre-reception, program, and post-reception. Our team utilized the Upfront logos to develop a unique brand identity that was woven throughout the entirety of the event. Creative elements included program graphics and animations, furniture and decor selections, and digital and print signage.

Empire’s program, technical, and talent teams collaborated closely with Screenvision Media to produce the main stage program and the post-reception headliner performance.

Empire is proud to produce the Screenvision Media Upfront for the sixth year and is a leading producer of Upfronts and Newfronts for the advertising-supported media industry.

Screenvision Media Upfront
New York City
May 14, 2024
screenvision-media
screenvision-media
premieres-grand-openings
Jazz at Lincoln Center
false

Smile Train's 25th Anniversary Gala

New York City
Smile Train's 25th Anniversary Gala

In celebration of Smile Train's 25 years of lighting up the world with smiles, the 25th Anniversary Gala aimed to reflect on the journey, honor the stars who have supported the cause, and look ahead to a bright future. Over 300 guests gathered for an inspiring evening featuring a cocktail reception, seated dinner, star-studded “blue carpet,” and an honoree program, all celebrating this milestone in cleft care.

The event kicked off with a unique “Pup-Jito Lounge,” sponsored by Brutus Broth, where guests had the opportunity to take photos with cleft-affected puppies and enjoy a signature Pup-Jito cocktail, creatively tying into the theme. Hosted by Jeannie Mai, the program featured heartfelt tributes to luminaries such as Naomi Glasses, Sister Shoba Lonappan, and Kimora Lee Simmons. Susannah Schaefer, President and CEO of Smile Train, shared the inspiring news of the organization's 2 millionth surgery.

Grammy-nominated artist Jordin Sparks performed a mix of her hits, energizing the crowd and setting the stage for the afterparty with DJ Jazzy Jeff. Notable VIPs like Justin Long, Kate Bosworth, and Elizabeth Gillies joined the celebration, adding to the event's star power.

The gala garnered widespread media coverage, generating over 8 billion digital impressions and sparking post-event buzz in publications such as People Magazine, Essence, and The Wall Street Journal. Good Morning America also amplified the event’s reach through social media.

Empire was proud to lead the creative direction, secure the venue, manage on-site talent, and ensure flawless technical production and program execution. Working closely with Smile Train and strategic partners, we helped make their 25th Anniversary Gala an unforgettable celebration of their incredible work and future vision.

Smile Train's 25th Anniversary Gala
New York City
May 8, 2024
smile-train
smile-train
award-show
galas
not-for-profit-charity-fundraising
Cipriani 42nd Street
true

Empire Presents Barenaked Ladies

Washington DC
Empire Presents Barenaked Ladies

Empire presented Barenaked Ladies for a private corporate group in Washington, DC on May 8, 2024. The super fun and engaging quartet put on a great show filled with upbeat hits including “One Week”, “Pinch Me”, “If I Had $1,000,000”, and “The Big Bang Theory Theme”. As usual, the band requested information about the corporate client in advance and worked some of the executives and other issues relevant to the company into the show in a comedic way, which the attendees loved.

Recommending and contracting headline talent has been a core expertise of Empire since its inception and remains a valuable part of our overall event production services.

Empire Presents Barenaked Ladies
Washington DC
May 8, 2024
private-client
private-client
music-concerts
No items found.
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The 28th Annual Webby Awards

New York City
The 28th Annual Webby Awards

Empire is honored to have produced the 28th Annual Webby Awards at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City for the 20th consecutive year. Clips from the show are available to view here.

Empire booked Amber Ruffin (from The Amber Ruffin Show on Peacock and Late Night with Seth Meyers) to host, and she kicked off the show with a tech-savvy monologue.

As always, the Webbys honored a variety of the internet’s best, including Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Keke Palmer, Shannon Sharpe, Laverne Cox, Kara Swisher, and many more. The Webbys are the internet’s highest honor, and the show is renowned for allowing winners just five words for their acceptance speeches. Nevertheless, this year’s winners showed that five words are sometimes all you need.

After a roaring round of applause for Lifetime Achievement Award winner Kara Swisher, she took the stage to put on her famous aviator sunglasses and used her five words to confidently say “I Ain’t Done, Tech Bros”. And after winning Podcast of the Year for “Wiser Than Me”, Julia Louis-Dreyfus got her point across with, “Listen to old women, MOTHERFU#*ERS!!!”

The show also included poignant moments highlighting how the internet helped bring greater attention and continued dialogue to women’s reproductive rights with a featured moment on Plan C, before Meena Harris presented an award to Tracy Droz Tragos and Francine Coeytaux.

Following the show, attendees headed uptown to Marquee for the highly anticipated afterparty, where Empire presented Natasha Diggs and Bad Colours to spin and keep the dance floor packed.

Empire produced nearly all aspects of the event, from the red carpet to the show itself to the afterparty. Partners this year included David Korins Design, who led on all things design, and Sunshine Sachs, who worked to create a buzzy red carpet and media room.

Empire is honored to have been chosen to produce every live Webby Awards event since 2005, and we consider the Webby Awards team part of the Empire family.

For more information on this year’s Webbys, check out #Webbys across Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok to catch up on the fun!

The 28th Annual Webby Awards
New York City
May 1, 2024
webby-awards
webby-awards
award-show
Cipriani 42nd Street
true

Suntory Japanese Craft Gin’s ROKU: Experience the Season

Tokyo, Japan
Suntory Japanese Craft Gin’s ROKU: Experience the Season

Suntory hosted Experience the Season—Six Seasons in One Sip, an immersive event for its Japanese craft gin brand, ROKU, at Tokyo’s newly opened Azabudai Hills complex. In order to bring this benchmark experience to life, Empire was called upon to craft this brand activation and ensure a smooth opening of the exhibition.

To fully Experience the Season, we employed spatial art installations that engaged all five senses, immersing guests in Japan’s spring, summer, autumn, and winter through dynamic soundscapes, evocative lighting, and curated scents. As they explored the seasonal shifts reflected in ROKU’s unique botanical elements, attendees enjoyed ROKU Gin Soda alongside four seasonal variations—cherry blossom, sudachi, ginger, and yuzu.

To generate buzz, opening day featured an exclusive media event, highlighted by a captivating live session with actors that drew significant press coverage. The result was an unforgettable brand experience that deepened ROKU’s connection to its audience while celebrating the artistry of Japanese craft gin.

Suntory Japanese Craft Gin’s ROKU: Experience the Season
Tokyo, Japan
April 1, 2024
suntory
suntory
experiential
Azabudai Hills
true

AMG Upfront

New York City
AMG Upfront

Allen Media Group turned to Empire to bring its 2024 Upfront to life—a high-impact showcase of its brand portfolio, new programming, and advertising opportunities. Hosted by Founder, Chairman, & CEO Byron Allen, the event welcomed 200 national advertisers to Avra Rockefeller Center in New York City for an exclusive look at the company’s vision for the year ahead.

To elevate the Upfront experience, Empire partnered with Allen Media Group’s marketing team to craft a fresh, modern aesthetic. We developed a bold creative direction, scripting, and dynamic motion graphics to enhance the on-stage presentation. Our team also provided expert stage management, technical production consultation, and on-site staffing to ensure seamless execution.

Featuring key executives and network talent—including Michael Senzon (President, Digital, Allen Media Group) and Weather Channel meteorologists Jim Cantore and Stephanie Abrams—the program delivered a compelling, visually striking presentation that underscored Allen Media Group’s influence in the media landscape.

The result? A polished, engaging Upfront that captured the company’s innovative spirit and set the stage for another year of growth and success.

AMG Upfront
New York City
April 1, 2024
allen-media-group
allen-media-group
upfront-2
branded-entertainment
Avra Rockefeller Center
false

Target’s Financial Community Meeting

New York City
Target’s Financial Community Meeting

For the ninth consecutive year, Empire served as Target Corporation’s production partner for their Financial Community Meeting—an annual presentation by the company’s leadership to analysts and media.

Target announced their 2024 growth plans, earnings, and recent accomplishments, along with strategies for continued growth for 2024 and beyond.

After a networking breakfast, Target CEO Brian Cornell took the main stage to provide his thoughts on the company’s growth in 2023 and his perspective for the upcoming year, highlighting Target’s partnerships with Apple, Starbucks, CVS, and Levi’s, as well as growth in the company’s owned brands such as Good & Gather, Gigglescape, and Cat & Jack.

At the conclusion of the presentation, Target’s leadership team engaged in an Investor Q&A segment, which was immediately followed by a series of one-on-one Q&A interviews with media.

Empire worked closely with Target’s team to plan and execute each component of the event. Empire oversaw permitting, venue management, technical production, programming, budgeting, creative design, catering, and virtual and in-person American Sign Language interpreters.

Empire is proud to work with Fortune 50 corporations like Target to produce their most important business communications events.​

Target’s Financial Community Meeting
New York City
March 30, 2024
target
target
meetings-conferences
The Times Center
false

Pratt Industries Unveils Facility with Grammy Award-Winning Artist Performance

Georgia
Pratt Industries Unveils Facility with Grammy Award-Winning Artist Performance

Pratt Industries, America's fifth-largest corrugated packaging company and the world's largest privately-held, 100% recycled paper and packaging company, recently unveiled its newest facility in Austell, Georgia. The Super Sheet Factory Grand Opening event celebrated this milestone, drawing over 200 political leaders, stakeholders, and clients from the greater Atlanta area.

Empire played a central role in organizing the event, including setting up a presentation space for speeches by Pratt Industries Executive Chairman Anthony Pratt; Georgia Governor Brian Kemp; and others. Empire also managed logistics for key attendees. To guarantee another successful celebration and opening, Empire secured the acclaimed 14-time Grammy-winning artist Dan Tyminski and his band.

In collaboration with Pratt Industries, Empire managed all technical, logistical, and contractual aspects of the event, contributing to a memorable kickoff of their latest endeavor.

Pratt Industries Unveils Facility with Grammy Award-Winning Artist Performance
Georgia
March 1, 2024
pratt-industries
pratt-industries
meetings-conferences
No items found.
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