11th Annual Webby Awards

In June 2007, Empire Entertainment produced the 11th Annual Webby Awards. This was the third consecutive year Empire was asked to produce the event by Recognition Media, LLC. The Webby Awards is the leading international award honoring excellence in web design, creativity, usability and functionality, and the event has been dubbed the "Oscars of the Internet" by the New York Times, and "the Online Oscars" by Time Magazine. On the night of the event, more than 850 of the best and the brightest minds on the net came to honor and be honored for their contributions to the information superhighway.

This year, the evening kicked off with a cocktail hour at the Museum of American Finance across the street from the main event. Hors d'ouvres and and Bellinis were passed while attendees networked and mingled. When it was time to commence the show, the guests were escorted across Wall Street, which Empire arranged to close for a short time, to Cirpiani Wall Street where the event was held for the second year in a row. Collaborating with the client, Empire created a dazzling stage set and lighting design. At the client's request, the set included a "shadow box" onstage in which winners' silhouettes were visible through a silk screen before it was their turn to take the podium for their 5-word acceptance speech - - one of the many unique charms of the Webby Awards.

Three large video screens were flown by Star Group Productions, adding to the sleek, high-tech feel of the event. Dogwood trees set around the room were uplit with amber lighting, as were the impressive pillars and columns in the venue. Centerpieces of white candles surrounded by small satellite vases with off-white roses created an elegance throughout the room.

Empire secured Rob Corddry to host the event for the third consecutive year. Rob kept the night light and fun, and introduced Webby Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Meg Whitman (CEO of eBay) as well as Beastie Boys, who were honored as the Webby Artist of the Year. The program was packed with memorable moments and 5-word speeches, but the highlight of the evening came when musical legend David Bowie took the stage to accept the second "Lifetime Achievement" award of the evening. Empire Entertainment again provided oversight of nearly every element of this complex event, including site selection and acquisition, signage, catering, décor, registration, staffing, audio and video, lighting, talent wrangling, and stage management. Empire was pleased to partner with Cipriani Wall Street, Star Group Productions, Deccan Designs, and Production Glue on this successful event.

Empire is a leading producer of cutting-edge recognition events. We take pride in clients like recognition Media who choose to work with us for many years running on their most important projects.