Empire's Tokyo-based Asia Division Produces a Spectacular Building Opening in Japan
Veloqx is a real-estate development and investment company based in Hong Kong that constructs architecturally unique and futuristic buildings in popular areas of Tokyo. When Empire Japan was asked to design the celebration and grand opening of Veloqx’s newest building, The Ice Cubes, located in the fashionable shopping district of Harajuku and where the popular brand H&M calls home, Empire aspired to create bold visuals inspired by the building’s unique architecture.
Empire designed the party space with an icy cold atmosphere by using materials and lighting that gave the impression of a futuristic ice palace. By carefully choosing the white interior materials along with fresh ice blue lighting, the space provided the guests a chilling experience.The exterior lighting cascaded all the way up to the 9th floor of the building complimenting the architecture perfectly and creating a magnificent icy citadel highlighted by the Tokyo skyline. Through Empire’s original lighting design, the building was immediately transformed into a new landmark of Harajuku.
High-profile guests of the grand opening including the chairpersons and presidents from the top financial and real-estate companies in Asia were treated to a solo performance by a well-known Japanese violinist. A local DJ provided the icy cool soundtrack for the evening’s reception and lounge party.Empire was responsible for creating the overall concept, event design, interior and exterior lighting, talent booking, catering and bar service coordination with Japan’s top culinary brands, scripting, and full production of the event. Empire’s production of The Ice Cubes’ official opening coincided with H&M’s opening of their Harajuku store, requiring logistical coordination between the two clients.
Empire Japan is a leading producer of public and private events throughout Asia.
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
