When a private client sought to celebrate an important birthday party with a unique event in his home, he turned to Empire Entertainment to help him plan a most memorable affair. Working closely with his staff, Empire was able to negotiate and secure the services of Keith Urban, one of the most dynamic performers and all around professionals, we’ve had the pleasure to work with at Empire. Over a period of six months, Empire worked closely with the client and the event’s designer to develop a tented solution in the beautiful waterfront backyard to accommodate the evening’s events.

When the day arrived, the weather was perfect. Guests arrived down a stately gravel driveway, flanked by 10-foot high hedges, and pulled up in front of a cocktail tent overlooking the water in which Empire had programmed light and client’s preferred background music. Guests then moved into a tent to be seated for a dinner followed by remarks and a tribute video. But it was not until the guests moved into the entertainment tent that the full scope of the party’s plan was revealed. Inside this large tent built with a sunken pickled birch wood dance floor and cowhide banquettes, the production and design team had created the perfect environment for an entertainment presentation and after party.

One of the client’s family members performed a 20-minute set with a seven-piece band at the top of the show, wowing the audience. Immediately afterwards, a birthday cake was presented to the sounds of Stevie Wonder's “Happy Birthday”, after which, the main event commenced

Keith Urban took the stage with his full band and played a 90-minute set that included all of his hits, including several covers by artists such as Billy Joel and AC/DC. The audience danced the entire set and Keith Urban even brought some of the guests up on stage to sing with him. At one point, Urban went into the crowd, played a guitar solo, signed the guitar, and gave it to one of the stunned attendees. Towards the end of the set, Urban invited the man of the hour onstage to sing with him to Steve Miller Band’s "The Joker," and ended the show with a special guitar version of "Happy Birthday." After his final encore, Keith Urban left the stage and the evening transitioned into a dance party led by a DJ, spinning tunes until the last guests left at 1:30 AM.

For this ambitious private client project, Empire served as overall entertainment producer. Empire worked closely with the client’s office to secure and contract all performing talent and entertainment, provide all technical production, including a custom lighting rig built to conform to the shape of the tent, and Empire provided all talent logistics, stage management, and onsite production management.

From parties in remote New York locations, to the South of France, Buzios and Bodrum, Empire is the leading producer of private celebrations and events and the world's leading provider of headline entertainment for private events.

The Fragrance Foundation Awards are, simply put, the Academy Awards of the fragrance industry. Each year, the Awards recognize leading perfumers, perfumes and outstanding achievement in the field of fragrance. This year, Fragrance Foundation President Elizabeth Musmanno tapped Empire Entertainment to produce the awards show on June 12, 2013.

The celebration was held at Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall and was hosted by¨“Saturday Night Live’s” Dana Carvey. The program began with a cocktail reception in the Alice Tully Hall atrium among a gallery of large, printed floral walls that surrounded lounge seating. A press tent outside also displayed a similar floral pattern step & repeat in front of which all of the attending celebrities and presenters were photographed.Following a brief cocktail reception, guests made their way into Alice Tully Hall for the Awards presentation. Carvey kept things moving with his lively humor and fragrance industry material. In his opening monologue, Carvey talked about some of the fragrances that didn't make the cut this year including Governor Chris Christie's Ravenous, Breathalyzer by Reese Witherspoon, Hans & Franz Pump, On the Scent by Dog the Bounty Hunter, and Satan's Scent by The Church Lady. Following remarks by Elizabeth Musmanno and Fragrance Foundation Board Chair Jill Belasco, Carvey began the awards section of the program and presented the first of several categories. Among the highlights of the show was the Fragrance Celebrity of the Year Award presented to Taylor Swift, who wore a stunning white Emilio Pucci gown as she delivered her acceptance remarks. Other presenters that evening included André Leon Talley, Dita von Teese, Connie Britton, Sky Ferreira, Australian twin models Jason & Zac Stenmark, and Public School design duo, Maxwell Osborne and Dao-Yi Chow. The program also included a live reading of an original work of poetry by Obama Inaugural Poet, Richard Blanco.

In addition to Taylor Swift and a multitude of fragrances, this year’s winners included Allure’s Linda Wells and Perfumer of the Year Lifetime Achievement winner, Alberto Morillas. The after-party was held in the Alice Tully Hall atrium where a lighting change and sleek furniture transformed the room into a luxurious late-night lounge. DJ Donna D'Cruz spun a mix of sexy international songs that perfectly suited the perfumed atmosphere of the evening, as guests drank cocktails and sat outside on lounge furniture in the sunken plaza on Broadway, masked privately by large floral-printed walls. For this production, Empire served as overall producer, coordinating all talent, technical production, stage design, room design (with Buero NY and set designer Philipp Haemmerle), talent, and stage management to ensure an efficient experience.

Empire is a leading producer of events and programs for the luxury brand industry, as well as a leading producer of award shows. Empire congratulates all of the 2013 Fragrance Foundation Award winners.

When a private client wanted to surprise his mother with a very special 80th birthday performance, Empire Entertainment helped produce “EGOT” (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony) Award-winning performer Liza Minnelli, and her trio for the occasion.Taking place at their home in Woodstock, Vermont, outside with the gorgeous scenery of Summertime Vermont, the intimate birthday celebration called for a classy and entertaining show, that the guests ranging in ages from their teens to their 80’s could enjoy.

Following dinner, Liza Minnelli took to the stage, as the birthday girl cheered along in surprise. Sitting on blankets and cocktail tables directly in front of the stage, guests clapped and sang along as Liza performed a 60-minute set of her hits including “Liza With A Z,” “Cabaret,” “Ring Them Bells,” and a very energetic performance of “New York, New York.”

The show culminated with Liza inviting the lovely and musically talented guest of honor to the stage, where she got to join in a duet of Liza’s encore, “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love.”

Immediately following the song, a 15-minute firework display was set off, ending an incredible night. For this event Empire was responsible for advancing all technical and logistical details, including driving a truck stage and Steinway piano onto a very narrow private road, and producing all elements in a very remote location. Empire Entertainment is a leading producer of private events and family celebrations in the U.S. and around the world.

Open since 1888, Katz’s Delicatessen has been a beloved New York City institution through 23 presidencies, two World Wars, three depressions and many generations of food lovers. More than a century later, Katz’s sits on the same lower East Side corner — serving up heaping piles of pastrami to hungry throngs of New Yorkers, tourists and celebrities. When this iconic delicatessen turned 125 years old, they called on Empire Entertainment to produce their unique three day celebration.Kicking off the festivities Empire produced a 200 person Shabbat dinner, closing the restaurant to the public for one of the very few times in its history. Guests dined under the neon lights while enjoying a four course tasting menu of tribute dishes prepared by some of New York City’s hottest celebrity chefs including Joey Campanaro of the Little Owl, Danny Bowien of Mission Chinese, Bill Telepan of Telepan, and pastry chef Sarabeth Levine. Each chef took Katz's signature ingredients and put their own spin on their notable dishes. Between courses, host Gilbert Gottfried joked with the crowd and shared his own experiences. Katz’s owners Alan and Jake Dell also spoke and provided anecdotes of some of the best Katz's moments over the decades.

All proceeds from the Shabbat dinner benefited Henry Street Settlement, another lower East Side institution celebrating its own 120th anniversary this year (www.henrystreet.org). Among the many notable guests in attendance were Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, NYC Comptroller John Liu, mayoral candidates Joseph Lhota and Adolfo Carrion, Jr., entertainers Marilyn Michaels and Jackie Hoffman, Chef Wiley Dufresne (WD-50, Adler), Chef Marcus Samuelson (Red Rooster), and Chef Daniel Holzman and Chef Michael Chernow (The Meatball Shop) among others.The celebrations continued throughout the weekend with a first-ever main stage that Empire built inside Katz’s to entertain guests with a constant stream of bands, Vaudeville and Catskills performers and talent hosted by American Idol's Devyn Rush.

Capping off the momentous weekend was a full day of activities on Sunday, June 2, which was proclaimed ‘Katz's Delicatessen Day’ by Mayor Bloomberg. In addition to twelve straight hours of live music and entertainment on the in-store stage, the first ever Katz's Delicatessen World Pastrami Eating Contest was held on an outdoor stage at the Lower East Side BID DayLife Festival. Hundreds of members of the media and spectators turned out to watch ten ranked professional competitive eaters consume over 140 half sandwiches in 10 minutes. Joey "Jaws" Chestnut, the top ranked competitive eater in the world, won the golden pastrami sandwich trophy after consuming a whopping 13 sandwiches. He was absolutely a crowd favorite with all chanting his name.As the weekend wound down, the celebration did not! The restaurant lighting was turned off and the neon signs blazed as Katz’s Deli transformed into a night club where patrons danced to live music and DJs until midnight.Empire Entertainment served as overall event producer, developing the program for the weeken's activities, coordinating all logistics, dinner registration and seating, décor, celebrity chef procurement & talent booking, technical production, and onsite management for the three day series.

Empire is a leading producer of food-related events and is proud to be the producer-of-choice for a variety of New York Institutions.

One of Empire's private clients recently reached out for help seeking headline talent for his daughter's Sweet 16. Empire was able to immediately secure the birthday girl's favorite band and up-and-coming stars, Timeflies, for this special occasion. The birthday party was held at a popular lounge in Stamford, CT . Although it was not a typical performance venue, Empire worked with the venue and the band to install a stage with professional sound and lighting that could create a concert experience for the guests and have the band shine like their large venue shows. On the night of the party, DJ L, who was also recommended and booked by Empire, opened up the party and then a couple hours later, Timeflies showed up from the back and completely surprised the birthday girl and her 100 friends with an hour long concert of their hits.

Due to complete secrecy in planning, the birthday girl didn't have a clue that Timeflies would be appearing until the moment they were introduced. The band went above and beyond in their performance, inviting her onstage and letting her stay on stage throughout the entire show. All the guests were thrilled to see Timeflies rock the stage. The party ended with a friendly meet & greet and photo shoot with all the guests. Empire is a leading resource for headline talent for all types of private and family celebrations and we have delivered artists that include the Jonas Brothers, Pharrell Williams and Timeflies for Sweet 16 events.

When Korea’s KDB Daewoo Securities needed a breakthrough concept for their marketing campaign, they turned to Empire's Tokyo-based Division.Empire Entertainment, working together with KDB’s agency, proposed artist and photographer Alexa Meade as the ideal solution for their needs. PBS said the following of Alexa “In some ways, artist Alexa Meade is a traditional figure painter. But she works on an unusual canvas: the actual human body. And she takes a classical concept — trompe l'oeil, the art of making a two-dimensional representation look three-dimensional — and turns it on its head. Her aim is to do the opposite, to collapse depth and make her living models into flat pictures." Using her unique painting technique, Alexa delivered a truly attention-grabbing commercial and set of campaign materials, which KDB successfully leveraged for their through-the-line campaign. Empire developed the creative concept for the advertising campaign together with Alexa, and also provided rights management and talent management services on this project. Empire is a leading producer and source of talent and creative elements for major commercial campaigns worldwide. Past Empire commercial projects have included work for clients ranging from Samsung, EA Sports and Asahi.

Empire Entertainment once again had the pleasure of producing the 6th annual Internet Week New York festival, which featured hundreds of events around New York City from May 20 -23, 2013. IWNY returned to Metropolitan Pavilion and the Altman Building for the festival’s headquarters, the location for 2010 and 2011.

With more than 10,000 visitors over the week and hundreds of companies represented, including Google, AT&T Adworks, MLB Advanced Media and Aereo, the space was strategically organized to create more intimate spaces, including two stages, a classroom and a lounge furnished by official design partner Design Within Reach.

Highlights of the week included:· The opening day party at Internet Week HQ featuring Performances by HITS and DJ sets from The Juan Maclean, Benji B and Brendan Fallis· A keynote presentation by Vice Media Founder Shane Smith and former MTV CEO Tom Freston· Keynote presentation by Andrew Ross Sorkin of The New York Times, who answered the question “When Everybody’s a Reporter, What’s a Reporter to Do?”· Surprise appearance by Fred Armisen who had a sit-down conversation with NYC comedian and covered everything from SNL to zoo animals to brunch, with a little bit of Internet thrown in the mix.· Joan Rivers’ brutally honest conversation about the Internet’s impact on comedy, the role Twitter is playing in her career and her entry into producing short-form wed video.· Randi Zuckerberg sat down to talk about her growing media empire, her vision for the future and her passion for helping people untangle their modern wired lives.· Architect David Rockwell shared his thoughts on how to create new experiences through interactive environments and the increasingly dynamic role technology plays in design today.

The festival again include activations in two separate theatre spaces to accommodate longer presentations and conferences. Taking place in the Altman Building, Mediapost held two daylong conferences, OMMA Social and OMMA Data Driven Marketing. CM Summit hosted their 2-day conference on bridging data and humanity. On the 2nd floor of the Metropolitan Pavilion, the second theater hosted #Twitter4Brands Conference and AdAge’s Marketing and Technology Summit.

Empire oversaw the 6th Annual Internet Week New York festival headquarters from conception to completion, coordinating registration for the thousands of guests, stage management and producing all of the presentations in the theater and on both HQ stages, and managing the event sponsors from the design process for their footprints in the space and all of their needs from load-in to load-out.

Empire is a leading producer of trade events, expos and event marketing / presence marketing installations with extensive experience in the technology industries.

For the second year in a row , MTV Tr3s joined forces with Empire Entertainment to help them produce their annual Upfront. This year the event took place at one of NYC’s landmark entertainment venues, Webster Hall.

Hosted by José Guillermo and Rafael Vazquez of Circo Hermanos Vazquez, this event wowed and amazed attendees with both spectacular stage performances and talent roaming the floors. As a finalé to the presentation reggaeton and hip hop star Daddy Yankee performed his hits to an exhilarated crowd, setting the upbeat tone on the dance floor for the rest of the eveningEmpire transformed the venue into a symbol of the brand’s bilingual and multicultural appeal through Tr3s’ new show, Circo.

With a host of stilt dancers, contortionists, fire-eaters, snake charmers, acro-balancers and strongmen, combined with creative technical, scenic and decorative production, Empire successfully turned Webster Hall into a Mexican-themed circus.

Once the stage was set and the ambiance achieved, guests were given a preview of what is to come next for the hit television network. Featured programming included Familia de Circo, which takes a behind-the-scenes look at a forty-year old family circus led by five Mexican brothers. The Divas Del Azucar jumped out of a cake to present their reality series - Bakers for the Stars. Also announced was that the Unplugged series will showcase Ricardo Arjona as he does stripped-down acoustic performances. Colorful uplights and authentic décor accents completed the aesthetic, giving guests a transporting experience in a well-known venue. Mexican food was passed and the open bar kept drinks flowing freely. On an evening in New York City when many competing Upfronts were taking place, guests packed Webster Hall to capacity to enjoy Tr3's much-anticipated party. From conception to execution, the client’s objective and vision was achieved in every aspect throughout the seamless event. Strong partnerships with Webster Hall and Empire’s trusted vendors and crew led to the precise implementation of the event creative and plan. Empire is a leading producer of Upfront events with a strong track record of producing major events for multicultural audiences and clients with diverse consumers.

In its 17 years, The Webby Awards has become the internet's single most important annual event, celebrating achievements within the world's most dynamic and fast-growing industry. Equally important, the Webbys documents the creative culture of innovation that is rapidly remaking our ever-more interconnected world. At this year's Webby Awards, web achievements by celebrities including Jerry Seinfeld, Kevin Spacey, and Ben Stiller, were celebrated alongside accomplishments of President Obama’s tech team, GIF creator Steve Wilhite, NASA’s Mars Curiosity team, and others.To begin the evening, guests enjoyed Cipriani’s famed Bellinis while networking across the street at The Museum of American Finance.

When it was time for the main event, attendees crossed Wall Street for the dinner and the show.Patton Oswalt served as host for the second straight year, and began the show noting that “50 percent of Internet bandwidth goes to Netflix and YouTube, another 49 percent goes to porn. And that last 1 percent is what we’re here to talk about today.”Consistent with tradition, it was the Webbys renowned 5-word acceptance speeches that stole the show. Steve Wilhite, accepting a Lifetime Achievement Award for inventing the GIF, cleared up an age-old internet mystery, with his 5 word video acceptance that spelled it out for the audience “It’s pronounced ‘JIF’ not ‘GIF”.Some winners used their five words to more poignant effect, with Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe (“Athlete of the Year”) telling viewers to “Treat others with empathy,” and another winner, referring to the legalizing of gay marriage stated “equality…..38 states to go.” Others treated the moment lightly: Ben Stiller, accepting with two other members of the “Burning Love” cast, was introduced jokingly by his colleagues as “Beyoncé”, and he simply said “gracias.”

The evening also featured many humorous videos as well as a brief performance by Tanlines. The most anticipated moment of the night came from comedy legend Jerry Seinfeld. Receiving the award for Outstanding Comedic Performance. He summed up what many think about the Webby tradition saying “Why five words? It doesn’t……” but then waved his hands at the audience in mock frustration, before exiting the stage.But Seinfeld’s question may have been answered earlier in the evening, when Kevin Spacey, receiving a Special Achievement Award for his work in “House of Cards”, said of his brief speech: “The Oscars should do this.”This was the 9th consecutive year that Empire Entertainment has produced the Webby Awards. Empire was responsible for nearly every element of the event including the cocktail reception at The Museum of American Finance, the red carpet and step & repeat, the video lounge where winners recorded their five word speeches, permitting & tenting, registration, signage, talent wrangling, technical production, and stage management. Empire was also responsible for producing the after-party at Amnesia NYC. Together with an A-list team of partners including creative directors Andrew Fried and Tommy Kail, set designer David Korins, talent coordinator Lesley Roy and others. Empire was proud to execute what many called the best Webby’s yet.

Empire is one of the internet industry’s leading event producers.

Founded over 60 years ago with the purpose of making great opera available to a modern, wide-reaching audience, the New York City Opera is one of New York’s leading cultural institutions. In April 2013, the New York City Opera chose the occasion of the premiere of La Périchole for its annual gala and Empire was honored to serve as the Gala producer.

La Périchole is a madcap comic opera loosely based on the life of a Peruvian street-singer who maintains a love triangle between the Spanish viceroy and her true love and fellow street-singer. The gala began with a Peruvian-themed pre-show cocktail reception at New York City Center.

The reception featured a gallery of printed images of Peruvian textiles and Peruvian floral arrangements and linen patterns. Following the performance, guests made their way to the Grand Ballroom of the Plaza Hotel for a French-themed dinner dance. In this grand space, Empire worked with the Plaza Hotel and Great Performances catering to create an elegant environment to complement the French menu. The Avalon Jazz Band played onstage throughout the evening. At one point New York City Opera’s General Manager and Artistic Director George Steel took the stage to deliver remarks and to introduce performances by some of the evening’s lead performers which included a rendition of Edith Piaf’s La Vie en Rose. The evening’s gala was generously sponsored by American Airlines, Van Cleef & Arpels, Clos du Val and Bellavista.

Empire was responsible for venue coordination, technical production, décor and design, coordination of catering, ground transportation, security, staffing and stage management for both events.

Empire is proud to serve many of New York’s leading cultural institutions including the New York City Opera.

AMC hosted its first-ever Upfront event at the 69th Regiment Armory in a format that was anything but ordinary. As a reflection of the newly-launched tagline “Something More,” AMC and Empire collaborated to create something much more than a typical upfront experience. Opting for an immersive, interactive experience, rather than a typical presentation format, the network and Empire created an environment that literally transported guests inside the worlds of its groundbreaking shows.

A forest full of Walking Dead-like zombies, a functioning meth lab akin to Breaking Bad, and a Venice Beach freak show full of the sword-swallowing, fire-breathing stars of Freak Show were just a few of the experiences within the labyrinthine event. Upon arrival, guests were greeted with champagne and walked down a meandering hallway of illuminated show posters displaying AMC’s extensive slate of original programming. At the end of the hallway, fog rolled out from a draped doorway, and guests stepped into a chilling nighttime forest scene - on one side an overrun campsite, on the other, a rattling shack full of moaning “walkers.” Hunting parties of disheveled survivors would run by suggesting guests go left or right to safety helping to determine the pathway of their experience. Stepping through the next draped opening, guests found themselves in a tent town on a vast prairie, a space designed to echo the 1867 setting of the series Hell on Wheels. To the left, three surly men played a round of poker, while prostitutes in a tent across the way cat-called at passersby. Sounds of blowing wind, and the occasional train whistle along with smells of whiskey, hay, and dirt rounded out the experience.Through another palate cleanser, and another draped entryway, guests walked into a local talent competition set in a YourTown, USA theater. Here, variety acts performed all manner of humorous and inspiring acts, demonstrating the look and feel of AMC’s new unscripted show, “Showville,” where small towns hold local talent competitions and award the winner $10,000 prizes.

Continuing on, guests found themselves walking down a long hallway with fluorescent overhead light and ceiling tiles. Reminiscent of the hallways of Sterling, Cooper, Draper, Price from Mad Men, advertisements from the late 1950s and 60s adorned the walls, and every so often, a secretary dressed in period attire would rush down the hall warning “Mr. Swanson is in a terrible mood today!” Around the corner, guests found themselves in the bustling creative office of a 1967 advertising agency. Creative Directors dressed in period attire stood smoking, brainstorming period campaigns and offering guests whiskey from the bar cart. Continuing on, around the next corner, guests entered into a carnival-esque room, wrapped in red velvet drape and topped with a striped black and white ceiling. Large banners adorned the walls, warning of the “Great Spider Woman,” “Gorilla Girl,” and “Voodoo Mysteries.” From a drum stage, actual cast members of “Freak Show” performed phenomenal acts of sword swallowing, fire breathing, and contortion, while America’s tallest man, George Bell, who is 7’8” tall stood by to meet and greet attendees.

The final stop through the AMC network brought guests in to a “functioning” meth lab, where workers in yellow Tyvek suits prepared the drugs on an industrial scale and then smashed up and bagged blue “meth” rock candy for guests to take home with them. In between each space, guests were served cocktails and hors d’eouvres, and had the opportunity to enter the main, central party space to mix and mingle. Here, the message was simple: AMC, Something More. Tufted black leather couches with gold detailing, black carpet, and 100’ high ceilings with dramatic uplight set the tone of the affair. An abundance of food stations from steak carving to dim sum offered guests a multitude of delicious culinary options. In this main space, AMC President and General Manager, Charlie Collier led a brief presentation stating: “We just have two goals in mind—celebrate (our) brand and thanking you with a real AMC experience.” Following the presentation, the stars of each show descended upon the crowd to converse with guests and partake in numerous photo ops.

As guests left smiling, it was clear that AMC had succeeded in its mission to present the AMC brand in an original and unexpected manner. An industry veteran, working in events for 10 years stated: “Hands down, this is the coolest event I have ever seen!” Empire worked closely with the AMC Ad Sales Marketing and Communications teams as well as executive management for over six months to develop and refine this ground-breaking upfront concept. Empire was responsible for details including venue acquisition, layout and room design, design and décor for each of the spaces, staging, sound, lighting, furnishings, carpet, catering, technical production, casting, costuming, script development and the curating of each space to accurately reflect each series represented.

Empire is a leading producer of innovative Upfronts and other critical business-to-business events.

When the BMW Group needed to launch the MINI Paceman vehicle in Japan, they turned to Empire’s growing, Tokyo-based Asia division to produce this important launch. The launch took place in Tokyo at the chic "R-Gallery", and was kicked offwith a press conference led by BMW Group Japan President Mr. Alan Harrisand MINI Division Director, Mr. Andreas Wecke.The launch included several elements including vehicle displays, live entertainment, and innovative food presentation to members of the automotive press. In addition to being responsible for the production of the press conferences, Empire organized a series of exclusive party events in Tokyo and Osaka attended by top names in fashion, design, architecture, and various well-known celebrities.Empire is responsible for a wide variety of launches, press conferences and event marketing activities through Asia.

When event designer, Thomas Noel received a request from his Russian client for an internationally-known musical performance at his upcoming wedding in Monte Carlo, he turned to Empire Entertainment to secure the perfect artist.Taking place at the Sporting Club of Monte Carlo, facing the Mediterranean, the wedding performance would have to be a magical experience equal to the spectacular setting. With that vision in mind, Empire set about securing the always-elegant superstar, Seal, to perform to this very special celebration.With talent secured, Empire worked closely with the EDI team, Seal, and local vendors to ensure that all international logistical and technical elements were advanced properly. This included working out the timing of the performance perfectly, to follow a precisely-timed fireworks display.As guests marveled at fireworks overhead, their attention was diverted while Seal took the stage and began his extraordinary set for the delighted wedding guests, bride and groom.

Throughout the 90 minute performance, Seal sang his hits such “Kiss From a Rose,” “Don’t Cry,” “Crazy,” “My Vision,” and “Love’s Divine,” frequently wading into the dancing audience, and inviting guests up to the stage to dance along the band, and the happy newlyweds.Another highlight of Seal’s performance were songs from his two recent Soul albums, including classic’s such as Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” and “Here I Am (Come And Take Me)” and Teddy Pendergrass’ “Love TKO.” Immediately following his set, Seal participated in a meet & greet with close friends and family of the bride and groom. For this incredible event, Empire was responsible for proposing, negotiating, contracting, and advancing all logistical elements for Seal, as well as working with the design team to coordinate all production elements, schedules and layouts. Empire Entertainment is a leading provider of talent for private events and celebrations around the world and has presented events large and small throughout the French Riviera.

Earlier this year, Japan's No.1 beer, "Asahi Super Dry", wanted their new advertising campaign to reflect the power and dynamism of the brand. To accomplish this they turned to Empire Entertainment Japan as their producer and Empire enlisted award-winning action filmmaker John Woo to direct the commercial campaign. Woo is the director of such action movies as "Face Off", "Mission Impossible II" and "Red Cliff."The campaign would feature one of Japan's biggest artists, Masaharu Fukuyama, and his newly released single "Get The Groove" - which shot to number one on the single charts in Japan following the release of the campaign.John Woo's production team on this project included Japanese set designer Yohei Taneda, well known for his work on films such as “Kill Bill”, and cinematographer Mauro Fiore, who won the Academy Award for his cinematography work on “Avatar.”Empire Entertainment produced this major project - under the guidance of Emmy Award-winning Executive Producer Theodore Miller - in collaboration with Hakuhodo and Ridley Scott Associates.Empire Entertainment is a leading provider of notable directors, actors and creative resources for advertising, industrial video and brand marketing projects worldwide. In addition to John Woo, Empire has delivered directors including Michael Bay, George Lucas, Judd Apatow, Spike Lee, and Bennett Miller (Capote, Moneyball) for past projects.

On Friday, April 19, Empire Entertainment produced the annual Fragrance Foundation Awards Finalists Breakfast. Taking place in the beautiful ballroom at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel at the Time Warner Center in Columbus Circle, the newly blossoming Central Park foliage set the backdrop for the morning.Kicking off the announcements and hosting the event was Christine Baranski, known for her work in The Good Wife, Mamma Mia, and The Birdcage. Adding some morning humor and her own flair to the event, Christine announced finalists for several categories, including Perfume Extraordinaire of the Year and Bath and Body Line of the Year.Guests dined on delicious breakfast offerings from the Mandarin Oriental catering team while eagerly anticipating the announcement of the finalists for the premiere category of Fragrance of the Year. The winner of this category was announced at the 2013 Fragrance Foundation Awards on June 12, 2013, which Empire Entertainment also produced.During the stage presentation, the Empire team swiftly worked with a display merchandiser to transform the ballroom foyer in to a chic and surprise display of the Fragrance of the Year finalists bottles. Upon event departure, guests were encouraged to sample the select and esteemed fragrances.Empire Entertainment served as the overall production company for the Finalists Breakfast, managing all aspects of the event including stage decor, AV management, decor supervision, stage and show management, script writing, signage, and catering management.

The Bravo Upfront Party has become one of the most highly anticipated upfront events in the industry. Bravo once again enlisted Empire Entertainment to produce their Upfront Party, held at SIR’s Stage 37. After check-in, guests were whisked into a room and met with a 16-ft wide curved LED video screen. To their surprise, a popular "Bravolebrity", Curtis Stone, appeared in the room to welcome them to the event and to introduce a short sizzle video of Bravo’s upcoming programming.

The video also featured a look at the past “Summer by Bravo” promos and an introduction to this year’s Summer promo and Upfront Party theme, desert island. Doors then opened to reveal a fantastical desert island paradise party filled with luxurious thatch roof lounge cabanas, 14’ high palm trees and Bravolebrities galore, including the ladies of every "Real Housewives" franchise, each member of "Shah’s of Sunset", "Vanderpump Rules", "Top Chef" hosts Tom, Gail & Padma, Andy Cohen, Patti Stanger, Tabatha Coffey, Jeff Lewis and Jenni Pulos.

It was truly an amazing turnout of Bravo star power. In keeping with the evening’s desert island theme, giant stone “Bravo Island Heads” were carved in the likeness of "Flipping Out" design maven Jeff Lewis and "Real Housewives of Atlanta" star Nene Leakes. Sand mansions were sculpted for properties featured on "Million Dollar Listing" and "Flipping Out."

Guest interactions included a custom "Real Housewives" video for which guests recorded their own sassy voiceover and video to be craftily edited into the opening credits of "The Real Housewives" city of their choosing. Guests could also get their hair and makeup done under the watchful eye of Tabatha Coffey, consult with Patti Stanger on their love lives, upload a gif of themselves styled by Brad Goreski and shot with the Shah’s, or get a drink served by Jax and Tom, the bartenders from "Vanderpump Rules." Pinch Catering passed hors d’oeuvres throughout the night and set up stations with a delectable assortment of rice paper rolls suspended on copper wires, fresh cut sashimi and juicy bao-style buns filled with salmon, beef or vegetable tempura.

DJ Earworm, known for video mashups including “United State of Pop,” spun music throughout the evening and cut in video clips of Bravo’s most memorable on-air moments, expertly sliced into pop music. Empire Entertainment worked closely with Bravo’s Trade Marketing, Creative and Press teams and served as overall event producer and designer for the program. Empire’s responsibilities included overall design & management, coordination of custom scenic, decor, audio/visual, catering, activities, venue, red carpet, travel coordination for talent, graphic design, printing, permits and security.

Each year TIME publishes the TIME 100: A list of the 100 most influential people in the world. To celebrate its highly anticipated release, TIME hosts an exclusive Gala event in New York City attended by current and past TIME 100 honorees. With its extraordinary mix of world leaders, innovators and celebrities, the TIME 100 Gala is recognized as one of the world’s most high-profile annual events and for the 5th consecutive year Empire was proud to serve as the event’s producer.

The 2013 TIME 100 Gala took place at the Frederick P. Rose Hall, home of Jazz at Lincoln Center. Participants and performers included Christina Aguilera, Vice President Joseph Biden, Jimmy Kimmel, Senator Rand Paul, Gabrielle Giffords & Mark Kelly, as well as Time Warner Chairman and CEO, Jeff Bewkes, and TIME Managing Editor, Rick Stengel.

The Gala was also attended by a global who’s who of icons from industry, culture, sports, fashion and politics including Steven Spielberg, Justin Timberlake, Lena Dunham, Jimmy Fallon, Instagram’s Kevin Systrom, Jennifer Lawrence, Padma Lakshmi, Daniel Day-Lewis, Frank Ocean, Amy Poehler, Claire Danes, Harvey Weinstein, Aziz Ansari, Michael Kors, Fareed Zakaria, and Ricky Gervais.

The TIME 100 consisted of red carpets on three floors, an elegant cocktail reception, a seated dinner & program that combined keynote remarks, musical performances and toasts by the evening’s honorees, and an after party. The event was sponsored by Chivas Regal 25 and Citi.

As one of the world’s most high-stature events, the TIME 100 draws extensive global media coverage which this year included the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, the Today Show, Huffington Post, FOX, Forbes and many others. BizBash Media named the Gala the #1 Media Event of the Year.

With the world watching through such extensive coverage, the production of the TIME 100 requires precision execution. Empire was proud to work closely with the TIME team to deliver a flawless evening.

Empire’s responsibilities as producer included event design & décor, talent booking & coordination, venue and catering logistics (provided by Great Performances), technical production, broadcast and Internet stream facilities, stage management, staffing, front of house logistics and security.

Empire is one of the world’s leading producers of high-profile events and is proud to again have been chosen to produce the TIME 100.

On April 24, 2013, Empire delivered legendary rock and roll band Foreigner for a financial services company’s annual incentive program in San Diego. With 2,000 guests in attendance, it was all about the hits and Foreigner delivered. With more than a dozen major radio hits to their name, there was no need for the band to start slow. They opened with the one-two punch of “Double Vision” and “Head Games” and had the entire crowd on their feet from the opening chords. There was no let-up in the entire set, which also included classics “Cold As Ice”, “Feels Like The First Time”, and “Jukebox Hero”. The band was having so much fun with the crowd that they invited several of the attendees up onstage to be the backup “choir” on the blockbuster #1 hit, “I Want To Know What Love Is”. With the crowd roaring for one more, the band didn’t disappoint, breaking out “Hot Blooded” as the final encore of the evening. Empire also arranged a private meet and greet with some of the client VIP’s and the band, where guests were able to meet the stars, and get autographs and photos as well. As a final gesture, the band also autographed a guitar and presented in to the client’s event planner.Empire has been recommending, contracting, and producing headline entertainment since its inception in 1993. We pride ourselves on delivering the best possible artists for our clients based on their budgets and their audience demographics. Foreigner was yet another tremendous success in this regard.

For the fifth consecutive year Empire Entertainment was chosen to produce the Film Society of Lincoln Center's annual Chaplin Award Tribute. This year's Gala, the 40th annual, honored one of the motion picture industry’s most celebrated and enduring superstars – the incomparable Barbra Streisand.The Film Society's Tribute Gala began in 1972 and honored Charles Chaplin – who returned to the United States from exile to accept the commendation. Since then, the award has honored many of film's most visionary talents, including Alfred Hitchcock, Sir Laurence Olivier, Federico Fellini, Elizabeth Taylor, Martin Scorsese, Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks among others.With a sold out house, frenzied media attention, and Streisand’s own legendary attention to detail in the pursuit of perfection, the stakes were high to deliver a flawless evening.

The evening began with an elegant cocktail reception in the promenade before the guests moved inside Alice Tully Hall for the program. The all-star tribute began with a video of previous Chaplin Award honorees, followed by remarks from the Film Society of Lincoln Center Board Chair Ann Tenenbaum and Executive Director, Rose Kuo.The tribute included a series of remarks interspersed by film clips of Streisand’s motion picture work, both in front of and behind the camera. The presenters for the tribute included past Chaplin Award honorees Catherine Deneuve & Michael Douglas, George Segal, Alan Bergman (who offered a musical tribute to the tune of “The Way We Were”), Kris Kristofferson, Amy Irving, Pierce Brosnan, Blythe Danner and Fockers Co-Star, Ben Stiller.This year’s Tribute also featured a series of extraordinary musical tributes including Wynton Marsalis performing “Hello Dolly,” Liza Minnelli performing "What Did I Have That I Don't Have Now," and Tony Bennett performing “Smile” which was composed by Charlie Chaplin himself and used in the soundtrack to his 1936 film “Modern Times.”

As the final presenter of the evening, President Bill Clinton, who attended with his wife, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, delivered heartfelt remarks and then presented Barbra Streisand with the Chaplin Award. Barbra Streisand then delivered her acceptance remarks while all of the evening's presenters stood by her side.The program was followed by a seated dinner at the David H. Koch theater's spectacular second-floor promenade overlooking the fountain in the Plaza of Lincoln Center. The evening raised over $2 million for the Film Society, easily breaking the previous record. At the dinner, Barbra Streisand was asked by cabaret singer Ann Hampton Callaway to sum up the evening in one word. Her choice – “Glorious.”For this year’s tribute Empire served as the producer, working with director Richard Jay-Alexander, Writer Jon Macks, Musical Director Kevin Stites and Lighting Designer Matt Berman. Empire was responsible for creative and production design, talent & presenter coordination, technical production, television facilities, script, stage management and overall oversight of the production of the Tribute.To learn more about the Film Society of Lincoln Center Chaplin Award and its programs, visit www.filmlinc.com.

Empire is a leading producer of high-profile award and tribute programs and is honored to have had the opportunity to work with one of the world’s greatest talents – Barbra Streisand.

Createdin celebration of the brand’s 310th anniversary, Mount Gay, the oldest rumin the world, released Mount Gay Black Barrel on February 20, 2013. Tocommemorate the launch and educate press on this new premium rum, BlackbirdPublic Relations called on Empire to deliver an educational and refined experienceto 75 top media influencers at the Soho Grand Hotel.

Guestswere invited to walk through an interactive event experience mirroring the premiumrum’s “Road to Refinement” brand story, illustrating the four distinct stagesof the rum making process.

Setagainst large, beautiful and classic photos of the rum making experience,guests had a unique opportunity to taste the raw ingredients, learn more aboutthe distillation process and engage with Master Blender Allen Smith, whoshowcased the art of blending to create Mount Gay Black Barrel Rum.

Mastermixologists served Mount Gay Black Barrel “neat,” “on the rocks,” and in classiccocktails that included the “Black Barrel and Ginger Ale” and the “PerfectMount Gay Black Barrel Manhattan” to highlight the refined taste of this smoothspirit.

EmpireEntertainment served as the overall event producer and assisted with siteselection and contracting, logistics, catering, décor, technical production,and onsite management.

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To help bring about the end of the AIDS pandemic, Empire Entertainment partnered with The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation to serve as producer of their inaugural Global Champions of a Mother’s Fight Awards Dinner in New York.Originally scheduled in November 2012 but postponed because of Hurricane Sandy, the rescheduled event was held at New York's Mandarin Oriental Hotel in the Grand Ballroom. Over 500 guests were treated to spectacular views of Central Park and the midtown skyline while dining on a menu designed by celebrity chef Cat Cora.

Chair, President and Editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post Media Group, Arianna Huffington, acted as the evening’s host and also led a rousing Q&A session with the event’s three honorees. Amy Towers, Founder of the Nduna Foundation, accepted the Humanitarian Award. Cookie Johnson, Board Member of the Magic Johnson Foundation received the Global Advocate Award, and Alex Gorsky, CEO of Johnson & Johnson, accepted the Corporate Champion Award on behalf of Johnson & Johnson. Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo was on hand to present all three awards.

Speakers for the evening included Charles Lyons, President and CEO of Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Willow Bay, Co-chair, and Jake Glaser, son of Elizabeth Glaser, along with Florence Ngobeni-Allen, Global Advocate.Two-time Grammy award-winning Canadian R&B recording artist, Melanie Fiona, performed twice during the evening, singing her new single, “Wrong Side of a Love Song” and “L.O.V.E.” to close out the night.

Empire served as the overall production company, managing all aspects of the event, as well as the creative partner working with Jason Wu and Karlie Kloss to design inspired tabletops and stage set decor. The stage set incorporated a photograph of a mother and child from world famous photographer Nigel Barker, and Jason Wu designed furniture from his collection for Canvas.

At the event, Johnson & Johnson announced that they will match all contributions to the Foundation up to $1 million between the event date and Mother’s Day. With Johnson & Johnson’s match, the foundation raised over $1.8 million.

Empire is a leading producer of high-stature fundraising events and has assisted in the fight against HIV / AIDS since our founding two decades ago.

For the highly anticipated launch of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue 2013, Sports Illustrated again selected Empire Entertainment to provide celebrity entertainment for their marquee event in Las Vegas. At Club SI Swimsuit, the final night of launch week at 1OAK at the Mirage Hotel, Empire secured the "The Bachelor's" Chris Harrison to host the Swimsuit Model reveal and Latin Grammy Award-nominee Pitbull and his band to perform for an audience of swimsuit models, Sports Illustrated guests and sponsors. Following the stage program and Swimsuit model reveal, Pitbull and his band took the stage to perform a 60-minute set of his hits including "Hey Baby," "International Love," "Calle Ocho," "On The Floor," "I like It," "DJ Got Us Falling In Love," and "Hotel" that had the entire club on their feet. Working under the direction of Sports Illustrated's Executive Director of Event Marketing & Talent Relations, Christine Rosa, Empire was responsible for securing Chris Harrison and Pitbull and handled all details relating to their performances with the Sports Illustrated Events team. Empire also worked closely with Team Epic who staged all of the launch week events.Empire is a leading provider of high-profile talent for media events.

When event designer, Thomas Noel received a request from his international client for a special musical performance at his fiancé’s intimate birthday celebration, he turned to Empire Entertainment to secure the perfect artist. With the show being a week away, taking place in the cozy dining room in a TriBeCa restaurant, with a very limited amount of time for set up, Empire was charged with recommending current headliners who were available on short notice and who could perform to track with minimal technical set-up.Within a very limited time, Empire was able to secure British singer-songwriter and three-time Billboard Music Award winner, Taio Cruz to perform his top-five singles before the international crowd. Following an 8-course meal served by a world-renown chef, and DJ and live music by D&E Entertainment, Taio Cruz took to the stage.As Taio began his performance, the birthday girl, and her guests flocked to the dance floor, where they danced and sang along to “Break Your Heart,” “Hangover,” “Higher,” and “Little Bad Girl.” The conclusion of his set featured an a cappella intro & sing-along into “Dynamite,” which in 2012 became the second best-selling song by a British artist in the digital era.Immediately following his set, waitstaff entered the room with birthday cakes, and Taio Cruz led the guests in a rendition of “Happy Birthday.” It was truly an once-in-a-lifetime experience. Empire was responsible for proposing, negotiating, contracting, and advancing all logistical and technical elements for Taio Cruz, as well as working with the design team to coordinate all schedules and layouts of the tight event space.Empire Entertainment is a leading provider of talent for private events and celebrations in the U.S. and around the world.

Vibe Media has been the go-to source reporting on urban contemporary culture since 1993. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Vibe launched the Vibe Impact Awards, setting out to honor artists who have played a significant role developing and shaping hip-hop’s culture. In order to produce this celebrity-driven special event, Vibe turned to Empire Entertainment.The first ever Impact Award was bestowed on one of the most influential women in hip-hop, 9-time Grammy Award Winner, Mary J. Blige. The event was hosted at the infamous Sunset Tower Hotel on Los Angeles during Grammy week, drawing numerous industry moguls, celebs and high profile guests. Empire worked with the venue and vendors to design an elegant dinner setting infused with sponsor Malibu Red’s signature colors throughout the dinner and cocktail space.Following red carpet arrivals and cocktails, dinner kicked off with the CEO of Vibe, Ari Horowitz, welcoming guests and introducing the host of the evening- Andre Harrell, long-time friend and the first person to sign Mary J. to Uptown Records. Jermaine Hall, Editor in Chief at Vibe, then took the stage to share Mary’s history with the brand and even got the crowd to sing in her honor. Once dinner was served, Harrell continued the program inviting Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds and Sean “Diddy” Combs to recount some of their personal experiences with Mary. Queen Latifah introduced Anita Baker for a few short words, and afterwards presented the actual award to Mary J.As soon as the program ended, Empire quickly flipped the room to accommodate the additional 300 guests arriving for the after party, which had been stored inside due to weather constraints earlier in the day. The guests piled in to the sounds of DJ Homicide and a special celebrity-DJ set from Nick Cannon. Malibu Red’s specialty cocktails were flowing throughout the room as guests mingled and danced the night away.Empire congratulates Mary J. Blige on her inaugural Vibe Impact Award and becoming the most covered artist in Vibe’s history by gracing her 10th Vibe cover this month.

On February 7, 2013 Empire Entertainment was proud to produce the 2nd annual TRANS4MATION EXPERIENCE event on behalf of seven-time Grammy winner will.i.am and his charitable organization, the i.am.angel Foundation that supports trans4mation and revival in distressed communities like will.i.am’s hometown in east Los Angeles. This year, the event was named TRANS4M AMERICA and included as its goal the promotion of S.T.E.M. Education (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics). Held at the AVALON Hollywood on the eve of the Grammy Awards, over 1,400 guests came out to support the i.am.angel Foundation including Alicia Keys, Ludacris, Estelle, Mark Ballas, Bobby Brown, the Black Eyed Peas’ Taboo & apl.de.ap, Coco Lee, Paris Hilton, Shaggy, Shepard Fairey, Kimberly Cole, David Arquette, Derek Hough, Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and astronaut Leland Melvin among many others. will.i.am is best known for being a multi-platinum music artist, producer and front man for The Black Eyed Peas, though he is an innovator, entrepreneur and philanthropist as well. As the evening’s host, his message of trans4ming lives through education, opportunity and inspiration was driven home by an emotive program of speakers and videos. Following the speaking program, will.i.am and an incredible band of backing players delivered a non-stop dance concert experience featuring will.i.am and guest performances by Alicia Keys, Ludacris, Estelle, Mark Ballas, Bobby Brown, the Black Eyed Peas’ Taboo & apl.de.ap and Coco Lee. The 90 minute concert had everyone on their feet throughout. Guests were welcome to explore the multi-level venue including the VIP artists lounge, two levels of balcony, and an open-air club, known as Bardot. Bardot was also the hot spot to be for the post-concert after-party where DJs rocked the party until 2am. Keeping in the STEM theme, NASA provided several real-life exhibits at the event that guests were able to use as photo ops. A scale model F-117 fighter jet, hover craft, and lunar rover were big hits with the crowd. Another added element this year was an auction of original art pieces by artists including Shepard Fairey, Os Gemeos, and Retna. With pieces valued at upwards of $35,000, guests were encouraged to bid on these unique works to raise additional funds for the Foundation’s programs. All told, the event raised over three million dollars to support i.am.angel Foundation’s programs to transform communities. Empire Entertainment served as overall event producer for the i.am.angel Foundation TRANS4M AMERICA, managing all aspects of the event including venue contracting, logistics, catering, décor, stage, production, parking, security and onsite management, collaborating with the i.am.angel Foundation, partners, and donors.To find out how you can get involved with i.am.angel Foundation and help trans4m communities around you, visit their website at iamangelfoundation.org

In January 2013 Empire Entertainment’s Tokyo-based Asia Division was honored to serve as a producer of a series of keynote speaker sessions hosted by the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office (Kantei) for the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2013, otherwise known as the DAVOS meeting.The sessions, entitled “SpeakerBox” were the Japanese Prime Minister’s office’s answer to programming a “Japan Night” event, an evening organized to accommodate the forum attendees. For this amazing event, Empire was responsible for the core elements such as content producing and stage directions. Everything from titles, themes, copywriting, speaker liaison, stage settings and production were managed by the Empire team. We also had the honor of working directly with the Japanese Prime Minister, Mr. Shinzo Abe, to help produce his video speech on the subject of Japan’s future and its Vision in English, which appealed to the DAVOS audience. In addition to fulfilling the audiences’ appetites with wonderful Japanese delicacies such as freshly prepared Sushi and Bento, the attendee’s minds were also stimulated by the innovative and thought-provoking ideas shared by some of the world’s greatest thinkers including the following:Mr. Yasuchika Hasegawa (President and Chief Executive Officer, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited)Prof. Muhammad Yunus (Chairman, Yunus Centre Nobel Peace Prize recipient)Ms. Sadako Ogata (Former President, Japan International Cooperation Agency)MISIA (Japanese Singer / Official Supporter of JICA-TICAD V)Mr. Akira Oshima (Honorary Executive Chef, Japanese Restaurants, Hotel Okura Amsterdam)Ms. Yoshiko Ueno-Mueller, Author and “Sake Samurai”Mr. Atsutoshi Nishida (Chairman of the Board, Toshiba Corporation)Mr. Ian Bremmer (President and founder of Eurasia Group)Mr. Yorihiko Kojima (Chairman of the Board, Mitsubishi Corporation)Mr. Klaus Schwab (Founder and Executive Chairman, World Economic Forum)Empire is proud to serve governments throughout the world with creative and production services for high level thought leadership forums and conferences and is a leading producer of Head of State level events.

On Saturday, January 26, 2013, Innovation: Africa hosted their 5th annual fundraising gala at Skylight West in NYC. After five years of bringing Israeli innovation to African villages, Innovation: Africa hired Empire Entertainment to redesign and produce their 500-person cocktail party into the organization’s first-ever seated dinner and stage program.

Nearly 300 guests joined Innovation: Africa for an evening of special guests featuring a keynote address from the Tanzanian Minister of Education, Dr. Shukuru Kawambwa. Israel’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ron Prosor was honored as well. To help break up the speaking program, Innovation: Africa engaged a costume designer to specially design pieces creatively depicting their work through an entertaining fashion show. Not all was new though when one staple of past years’ events returned, African dance troupe Batoto Yetu performed again accompanied by live drummers, bringing the guests to their feet. Even the I:A volunteers took the stage for one dance.

Following the dinner, the guests were invited to join an ever-growing crowd back downstairs at the after party. Up and coming DJ JPatt of The Knocks kept the crowd dancing late into the night, as guests were welcome to wander and experience interactive installations exhibiting the organization’s work- including an energy generating arm bike, a larger than life slide puzzle, and art installations of solar panels.

Empire is proud to partner with Innovation: Africa to celebrate their 5th anniversary, and congratulates them in their continued success bringing light and energy to rural African villages. To learn more about their work and get involved please visit http://www.innoafrica.org/

On Monday, December 10th, 2012, charity: water hosted their 7th annual charity: ball gala at the 69th Regiment Armory in NYC. Nearly 2,000 guests joined charity: water Founder Scott Harrison and host Seth Meyers, of Saturday Night Live, to help raise over $3 million in a single night. To produce this fast-growing, star-studded event, charity: water brought Empire Entertainment onboard. charity: water has made a name for themselves by always doing things differently and, from the beginning of the planning process, charity: water and Empire set out to innovate the event in order to bring it to the next level. Through months of creative discussions and design meetings, this objective was achieved by utilizing an in-the-round stage, a circular Waterwalk, an innovative live pledge auction experience, dimensionalized water project installations, and RFID wristbands for guests to streamline check-in and pledges. The Waterwalk, a constant at every charity: ball, was redesigned this year to frame the circular stage in the middle of the room. Here guests have the chance to experience first hand a mere fraction of the daily walk that people in developing countries journey to bring water home to their families. Thanks to the generous support of W Hotels and TOMs, every person who walked raised an additional $500. 100% of the money raised from the Waterwalk will fund water projects in India. When complete, these projects will give 19,400 people clean water.The live auction has also been an annual feature of the event, but this year it was re-imagined to be more inclusive, enabling more guests to donate starting at lower, more affordable levels. charity: water asked guests to pledge by moving through a series of bid zones surrounding the stage where their RFID bracelets registered successively higher bids. The auction began with guests bidding at just $200 with opportunities to move up to levels of up to $100,000. It worked, and in a short 25 minutes, charity: water had raised more than $800,000 in pledges from more than 300 people while each bidder’s name appeared on monumental projection screens along with the rising total.Throughout the evening, guests were free to explore a series of innovative installations celebrating charity: water’s work. Guests were invited to pump water at a working well that displayed live data on the water pressure; interact with a fundraiser canopy that was built to showcase hundreds of people from around the globe who have campaigned for charity: water; purchase yellow helium balloons to help fill a giant, inverted Jerry Can (charity; water’s logo); wander an explorable maze of blue pipes highlighting charity: water's recent focus on gravity-fed well systems in Rwanda; and examine charity: water's drilling rig- Yellow Thunder, which was reconstructed inside the venue with large prints and a live twitter feed sharing the rig’s history.With over $3 million raised at the event, charity: ball's goal of taking the annual gala to the next level was reached both in terms of money raised and also by re-imagining the guest experience of this talk-of-the-season event. Empire is proud to partner with charity: water to deliver this one-of-a-kind event, and congratulates them in their success both as an action-oriented charity and an innovative leader in fundraising.To learn more about their work and get involved please visit: www.charitywater.org

Happy Hearts Fund is an organization dedicated to rebuilding children’s lives after natural disasters. The organization was founded by supermodel Petra Nemcova after she survived the South-East Asia earthquake and tsunami of 2004. Every year, Happy Hearts Fund holds its Land of Dreams Gala in New York City and focuses on a different country where they conduct their programs. This year’s gala spotlighted the foundation’s efforts in Mexico and once again, Empire served as the gala producer.

This year’s event, which took place at the Metropolitan Pavilion on Tuesday, December 11, 2012 welcomed special guest Carlos Slim, among others, and featured a performance by Marc Anthony. The evening raised over $3 million dollars for the foundation to rebuild more than 30 schools and to restore hope and opportunity in the lives of children around the world.

The evening’s journey began with a trip down the Happy Hearts Fund orange carpet past the airport arrivals board where flight attendants and airplane pilots welcomed guests into the Land of Dreams: Mexico. Once inside, guests were greeted by the image of a towering Chichen Itza pyramid decorated with flickering candlelight on each of its steps. A beautiful canopy of string lights radiated from the highest point of the pyramid casting a festive glow onto the entire party.

During cocktails, guests enjoyed live music by Mariachi Real de Mexico, while visiting a series of experience stations inspired by treasures from Mexico’s diverse states. These experience stations included Mexico City’s Museo Soumaya, the underwater museum, a craft and food market vignette, and the Happy Hearts school vignette. The Museo Soumaya vignette was inspired by the museum’s extensive collection of Rodin sculptures and its starkly modern architecture. The vignette spotlighted three Rodin replicas with dramatic lighting set against a sleek architectural backdrop. The underwater museum vignette was modeled after the Museo Subacuatico de Arte in Cancun and featured an underwater sculpture installation viewed through an aquarium window. The craft and food market vignette included beautiful displays of pottery, ceramics, baskets, and textiles from various regions in Mexico. In the food market portion, guests were offered a variety of tasting opportunities including mole negro, coffee from Véracruz, Ibarra chocolate from Jalisco, and three kinds of chili peppers from Oaxaca. The jungle vignette was dressed in lush jungle foliage, complete with an adorable live baby cougar named Zeus. The Happy Hearts school vignette was modeled after a Happy Hearts Fund primary school and dressed with traditional Mexican decor while featuring a live Spanish lesson activity.

After the cocktail reception, guests moved into the North Pavilion for the seated dinner and program. Bloomberg Television’s Nicole Lapin, the emcee of the evening, introduced the founder of Happy Hearts Fund, the stunning Petra Nemcova, and Executive Director Phil Caputo to welcome guests and set the tone for the evening.

The dinner program featured remarks by honorees Howard G. Buffett, president of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, and Don Juan Beckmann Vidal, chairman of José Cuervo. Also featured was Lynne Greene, Group President of The Estée Lauder Companies, Inc and Global President for Clinique. The evening included performances by a student from the Happy Hearts Fund Arcadio Zentella School in Tabasco, Mexico and opera singers from Sociedad Internacional de Valores de Arte. After dinner, auctioneer Simon De Pury, of Phillips de Pury & Company, raised over $2 million dollars in an action packed live auction. For the grand finalé of the evening, five time Grammy winner Marc Anthony delivered a high-energy performance that brought guests to their feet and had them dancing until the night’s end.

Working closely with Happy Hearts Fund, Empire served as Producer of Land of Dreams, managing elements including décor, technical production, performing talent and stage management.

To learn more about the efforts of Happy Hearts Fund or to donate, please visit happyheartsfund.org.

Empire is proud to serve charitable organizations like Happy Hearts Fund and to help support their important work across the globe.

Spotify is a fast-growing Internet music service with over 20 million active users and 5 million paid subscribers in 17 countries. For a recent series of business-to-business and press events in New York City, Spotify once again tapped Empire Entertainment to serve as its production company partner. The single-day project was composed of two separate events: a mid-day press event that would be webcast live to locations around the world and an evening party that would feature a lineup of some of biggest names in music performing in an intimate setting.

Held at Chelsea’s Cedar Lake Dance Center in New York City, the venue’s raw space was completely designed to facilitate a sleek white main stage for the webcast presentation, demo and panel discussion and additional, smaller stages that would support the live band performances.

The press program was hosted by Spotify CEO Daniel Ek, who spoke to the music & technology media audience about the future of the company. In addition to news about the evolving Spotify platform, Ek announced that Metallica's 30-year catalog would now be available on Spotify. Present at the announcement was Metallica drummer, Lars Ulrich, who surprised the audience by appearing onstage alongside Napster’s Sean Parker for an engaging discussion about their history together, and specifically, the issues of musician royalties. The discussion was moderated by Executive Arts and Entertainment Editor of The Huffington Post Media Group, Michael Hogan.

Following the press event, Empire quickly reset the space to prepare for the evening party. Just a few short hours later NYC indie rock band Vampire Weekend kicked off the night’s musical performances with renditions of “Holiday” and a special guitar version of “I Stand Corrected” performed in-the-round.

Next up, R&B / soul artist Janelle Monáe took the stage with her full band. Her rhythm section and horns performed on one stage while she and her guitarist Kellindo delivered a blistering performance from the center stage ringed with fans. The closing performance of the party was delivered by breakout artist Frank Ocean who had just been nominated for an incredible six Grammy awards the previous night. Ocean mesmerized the intimate audience with his renditions of “Pyramids” and a cover of Radiohead’s “Fake Plastic Trees".

Empire was responsible for working with the Spotify team to develop a creative vision from renderings to reality, and managed all aspects of scenic, décor, audio, video, lighting, webcast and event management. The main stage featured a giant, curved LED wall and a series of ten LED columns set along flanking runway stages. All the screen content for both events was created custom for this event and was mapped to run on all of the LED surfaces simultaneously. In order to accommodate the musical performances of all the acts in the evening, Empire designed a unique audio system that featured four separate audio systems to support four different staging positions in the room.

Empire is the leading producer of innovative product launches and webcast press events and is a top event marketing agency to some of today’s fastest-growing Internet and media brands.

Recently Empire Entertainment had the opportunity to deliver three musical headline artists on three successive weeks in different locations for three different happy clients. The artists included Usher, Train and Wyclef Jean. November 28, 2012 – Dallas, TXWhen a private client wanted to treat their 800 meeting attendees to a special night out, the turned to Empire to provide the perfect headline entertainer. To announce the surprise performer, Empire worked with the band to create a special video message that was shown during that day’s general session. That message came from Pat Monahan, the lead singer of the award-winning band, Train. Pre-show, band members Pat, Scott Underwood and Jimmy Stafford participated in a meet & greet with 100 guests. When it was time for the rocking concert to begin, a client executive took to the stage to introduce the band, as the curtain opened behind her, kicking off Train’s 80-minute set. In between performing their greatest hits: “Meet Virginia,” “Drops of Jupiter,” and “Hey, Soul Sister,” they also performed client requested covers: Led Zeppelin’s “Ramble On,” Aerosmith’s “Dream On,” and Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” during which two attendees were called up on stage for a sing off and a signed guitar was given out to the winner. Empire was responsible for contracting Train as well as providing all technical and logistical support for this perfect headliner.When a private client sought a world class headliner for an intimate group for the final night of a celebratory week, they turned to Empire to secure talent for a night that they’d never forget, Empire delivered an extremely special, private concert with one of the best-selling artists in American music history, Usher. Prior to dinner, Usher participated in an intimate meet & greet with the guests, getting them excited for the performance of a lifetime to follow. As the concert began, guests flocked in front of the stage, where Usher, his full band and dancers performed a 90-minute greatest hits set including “OMG,” “Yeah,” “Caught Up,” “Without You,” “DJ Got Us Falling In Love,” and his most recent hits “Scream” and “Climax.” This incredible show took place in front of an intricate backdrop of huge LED panels with full, major arena show lighting. This headliner, in this spectacular venue was a hit with the high level attendees. December 15, 2012 – Miami, FLWhat can make your wedding day even better and more special? Sometimes it is the addition of world class entertainment to the celebration. This was the case when a client from Miami wanted the Grammy winning, multi platinum recording artist Wyclef Jean to perform at their wedding at the luxurious Mandarin Oriental. Based on our many prior experiences with this artist, Empire booked Wyclef Jean with his full band and worked closely with their road and production management to create a production scenario that could be achieved in the intimate reception space. Wyclef performed a 60 minute set of his hits with some Fugee classics. The guests stood and danced throughout the performance. The clients and their guests were ecstatic. Empire handled all booking and logistics working closely with wedding planners at David Tutera Events to ensure a smooth experience from load-in to load-out. Whether it’s securing headline musical, comedy or variety talent, contracting or handling production or logistical needs, Empire Entertainment is leader in delivering the biggest names in the world for private performances.

Following the cancellation of Keep a Child Alive’s Black Ball due to Hurricane Sandy, the Keep a Child Alive and Empire teams were faced with the challenge of planning an alternate event before yearend. Though the format and venue for the rescheduled event would change slightly, the rescheduled event would need to capture the same essence, vitality and spirit of the legendary benefit event - uniting celebrity with philanthropy to raise awareness and urgently needed funds for children and families affected by HIV in Africa and India.

In the words of Keep a Child Alive co-founder, Alicia Keys: “Hurricane Sandy taught us all that, when disaster strikes, people don’t turn away, they turn it up.” In that spirit, Empire Entertainment, the producer of the Black Ball since 2004, and the Keep a Child Alive team worked quickly to create the “Black Ball Redux”, a once-in-a-lifetime fundraising event that would take place just one month later at Harlem’s world famous Apollo Theater. The Black Ball Redux, emceed by Whoopi Goldberg, honored the incomparable Oprah Winfrey and Grammy Award-winning Beninoise singer-songwriter and activist Angélique Kidjo for their philanthropic contributions in Africa and worldwide.With performances by Alicia Keys, Angélique Kidjo, Bonnie Raitt, Jennifer Hudson and Brittany Howard of the band Alabama Shakes, the Black Ball Redux evoked the dynamism of Modern Africa, paying tribute to the empowerment of women – the heartbeat, soul and backbone of the AIDS movement - and the promise of an AIDS-free Africa.Prior to the commencement of the program, more than 650 guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvre’s designed by celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson, served by Creative Edge Parties with wine and spirits generously donated by Sherry-Lehmann Wine & Spirits.

Next was an inspirational program honoring Angélique Kidjo for her relentless work for social change, and Oprah Winfrey, for her lifelong dedication to humanity. Andrea Fiuczynski, President of Christie’s Los Angeles, and emcee, Whoopi Goldberg, worked together onstage for a live auction of incredible once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Among the evening’s generous donations was that of Stewart Rahr who contributed $1 million to Keep a Child Alive. Mr. Rahr, listed as #298 on the Forbes 400, donated through The Stewart J. Rahr Foundation, who gives generously to support medical issues, education and healthcare.Then the amazing concert program began on the legendary Apollo stage with Angélique Kidjo who opened with her high-energy song “Afrika” and a duet with Keys on “Djin Djin,” rousing all guests to their feet. Jennifer Hudson, with her powerhouse voice, tore the house down with “Save Me” and “Angel.” Alicia Keys then joined the legendary Bonnie Raitt for a beautiful duet of “I Can’t Make you Love Me,” which prompted a standing ovation. Alabama Shakes lead singer, Brittany Howard then joined Raitt for a soulful bluesy rendition of “Wrap it Up.”Keys then took the stage and performed several songs from her newly released album, “New Day,” including “Girl on Fire,” “Not Even the King,” and “Brand New Me.”

Keep a Child Alive’s Black Ball Redux raised over $2.1 million to provide lifesaving HIV treatment, care and support to children and families affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa and India. Since 2004, the Black Ball has generated over $18 million for Keep a Child Alive.

Empire Entertainment once again served as overall event producer for the Black Ball Redux and managed aspects of the event including site selection, logistics, catering, décor, talent coordination, technical production, security and onsite management.

To get involved as a sponsor, donor, partner or supporter, please contact Empire Entertainment or visit www.keepachildalive.org

According to the Huffington Post, when the Gotham Independent Film Awards announces its winners, "Awards season is officially officially underway." Every year in late November, the Gotham Awards brings together the best and brightest in the filmmaking world for a gala dinner in New York that is, in addition to an elegant live program, an intimate gathering of famous friends. For the past five years, the Independent Filmmaker Project's flagship event has been held at Cipriani Wall Street and produced by Empire Entertainment. The 2012 Gotham award for Best Feature went to "Moonrise Kingdom," which bested "The Master," "Bernie," "Middle of Nowhere" and "The Loneliest Planet" to achieve the honor. Gotham "Tributes" went to Matt Damon, Marion Cotillard and director David O.Russell. The big show's many attendees and presenters included Jack Black, Emily Blunt, Amy Adams, Willem Dafoe, Billy Crudup and John Krasinski. The Gotham Awards show has become as famous for running flawlessly as it has for being jam-packed with Hollywood A-listers. The Gotham's after party found IFP executive director Joana Vicente effusive: "Everybody is saying it was the best Gothams ever."

Non-profit organization, Change the Equation, launched their new online game iON FUTURE live from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif. The event, which was hosted by Keke Palmer, and featured NASA’s ‘Mohawk Guy’ Bobak Ferdowsi, was streamed live into classrooms all across the country.Change the Equation is a not for profit coalition of business leaders aligned to improve learning in the U.S. and to promote careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).As part of their program to achieve this goal, Change the Equation developed iON Future, an interactive, online game to allow middle school and early-high school youth to explore STEM-based professions and to match their interests with different career pathways in STEM. To launch this game and drive initial awareness and trial of iON Future, Change the Equation turned to Empire Entertainment which conceived of an entertaining STEM-related live webcast.Working closely with Change the Equation, Empire created an original 40 minute webcast that originated from the acclaimed NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif. This facility has served as “Mission Control” for generations of unmanned space exploration including the recent Mars Curiosity mission. Hosted by Keke Palmer, star of Nickelodeon’s “True Jackson, VP,” the show took place before a live audience of students from the Los Angeles area and included participation by Mars Curiosity Flight Director Bobak Ferdowski, popularly known as ‘Mohawk Guy’ for his unique haircut. The program also took viewers and students to remote locations where STEM knowledge is needed for success, including:- GlaxoSmithKline in Collegeville, Penn., where they are doing important molecular research on pharmaceutical products; - Rolls Royce in Indianapolis, where students got an inside look at how jet engines are manufactured; and - Viacom’s Network Operations Center in Happauge, N.Y. where networks like MTV, VH-1, Nickelodeon, and others beam their programming via satellite dishes around the world. In addition, each remote segment and the end of the program was accompanied by a challenge that the students at Jet Propulsion Laboratory and viewers could work to solve, giving students an opportunity to see what it is like to be a STEM professional. The iON Future launch webcast was viewed by a significant number of the target audience and drove substantial trial of the iON Future game. Watch the Ion Future Launch Webcast on demand at https://vimeo.com/165209860?utm_source=email&utm_medium=vimeo-cliptranscode-201504&utm_campaign=29220 and play iON Future here: http://ionfuture.org/. Empire is a leading producer of innovative broadcast and webcast projects.

Panasonic’s solar project, described as “Filming the Sun, using the Sun” captured the 2012 solar eclipse and broadcast it live over the Internet using only solar power. Panasonic’s “HIT” solar panels efficiently produce energy which is then stored on high capacity portable rechargeable batteries, ready to power all the equipment needed for the broadcast.November 14th 2012 saw a total eclipse that would be visible from the north-east of Australia. Panasonic asked Empire to help plan and execute an attempt to capture that eclipse and broadcast it live to the world. Months of planning went into the project which depended on many factors coming together at just the right moment.By the early morning of November 14th, the Panasonic-branded stage had been set up on the beach at Port Douglas with a second location ready 75Km away at the windy summit of Fitzroy Island. Tension was high as the forecast was not in favor of clear weather, and rehearsals the previous day had taken place in conditions of cloud, wind and rain. However, on the day of the eclipse, Scott Mellish, announcer for the broadcast, was able to describe a beautiful sunrise. Although there were clouds in the sky, each location was able to capture beautiful scenes of the eclipse with Lumix GH2 cameras. Just before “totality” the Sun was actually obscured by clouds, however - as if by magic – they parted right on cue, allowing the eclipse crew, thousands of visitors at the beach and hundreds of thousands of viewers online to witness the incredible spectacle of the Sun being completely obscured such that everything was cast into a cold darkness for over 2 minutes.In addition to over 800,000 views on the dedicated Ustream channels, our stream was picked up by broadcasters across Australia and the world – and was even mistaken for NASA coverage! The response to the broadcast has been phenomenal with thousands of people leaving messages of thanks on the dedicated website (http://www.facebook.com/PanasonicEclipseLiveBySolarPower). We are proud to have been instrumental in bringing this spectacular celestial event to so many people around the world. This a perfect example of how Empire can provide Branded Entertainment to our corporate customers in terms of executing a genuinely exciting event that appeals to a large audience such that the supporting brand gains huge positive feedback.

A digest video of the project and broadcast can be seen HERE.

On November 7, 2012, Empire Entertainment once again served as producer of the Coalition for the Homeless’ 18th annual ARTWALK NY – New York's premier contemporary art auction event. More than 600 Coalition supporters, art collectors and enthusiasts, and celebrities came together in 82 Mercer for a night of festivities, including a live and silent auction. Artist Jack Pierson was honored for using his art to raise awareness of pressing social issues, and photographer Patrick McMullan was honored for his dedication and support of the Coalition.

The silent and live auction featured over 120 works of contemporary art donated by some of the world’s most celebrated artists including Andy Warhol, Shepard Fairey, Wade Guyton and Ed Ruscha. All of the biggest names in the art world were represented and up for auction, all benefiting the Coalition’s efforts to end homelessness in New York City.The evening, generously sponsored by FENDI, began with hors d’oeuvres by Silkstone and cocktails graciously provided by Belvedere Vodka, and wines donated by Brancott Estate. Several of New York’s best restaurants, including The National, Macao Trading Company, Indochine, The Odeon, David Burke Kitchen, and Michael’sprovided tasting stations.In the live auction room, Sotheby’s Senior Vice President Aileen Agopian auctioned off original works by honorees Jack Pierson and Patrick McMullan as well as works by Andy Warhol, Wade Guyton, Ed Ruscha, Jenny Holzer, Kim McCarty, Louise Fishman, Barnaby Furnas, Adam Fuss, Roxy Paine and Cindy Sherman.

The rest of 82 Mercer's multi-room space served as a gallery for the silent auction. Throughout the night, guests bid on and purchased works from established and emerging artists like Yoko Ono, Leonard Rosenfeld, Olaf Breuning, and Swoon. The silent auction featured works ranging from paintings and photographs to sculptures and installation pieces.Working closely with Coalition for the Homeless’ events team, Empire Entertainment served as overall producer of the event and was responsible for aspects ranging from event design, layout, production and logistics to décor and restaurant coordination.ARTWALK NY raised over $900,000 for the Coalition for the Homeless. Empire Entertainment is honored to have worked in collaboration with the Coalition for the Homeless and its many supporters, to make this year’s ARTWALK NY event the most successful one yet.

To learn more about the Coalition for the Homeless or to get involved and donate, visit www.coalitionforthehomeless.org

On November 2, 2012, EBONY Magazine presented the Inaugural EBONY Power 100 Gala, honoring the nation’s most influential African-Americans. The invitation-only affair took place in New York City and Empire was honored to serve as event producer. The gala took place at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall in the Allen Room, and was hosted by the magazine’s Chairman Linda Johnson Rice and CEO Desirée Rogers of Johnson Publishing Company. The red carpet saw the likes of A-listers George Lucas, "Precious" star Gabourey Sidibe, Vivica A. Fox, ROHA & The New Normal's Nene Leakes, celebrity stylist June Ambrose, Glee's Amber Riley and Quvenzhané Wallis of Beasts of the Southern Wild, as well poet Tracy K. Smith and the Reverend Al Sharpton. The dinner program was emceed by stars Sherri Shepherd and AJ Calloway, who introduced a wide range of talent from The Black Monks of Mississippi and the 100-member Abyssinian Baptist Church Choir, to 16-year old classical violinist virtuoso Brendon Elliott, as well as a lively and colorful number from the cast of the Broadway musical Fela! A thirty-minute set by the Grammy Award-winning The Roots rounded out the evening. Honorees were designated in categories including “The Powerbrokers”, “The Thought Leaders” and “The Young Gifted & Black”. President Barack Obama, American novelist Toni Morrison, gold medal Olympian Gabrielle Douglas, American Express executive Ken Chenault, and philanthropist Marjorie Harvey were just a few of the 100 luminaries honored at the fête.

Afterwards, guests filed into the Atrium where they were treated to an after-party, with a sponsored lounge by Nationwide Insurance, and music by celebrity DJ D-Nice. Empire’s role started with early planning and ran through the very last clink of cocktail glasses filled with Hennessey libations concocted special for the event. Empire responsibilities ranged from securing performing talent, overall design & décor, coordinating with the venue and catering (provided by Great Performances), branding and sponsor fulfillment, step & repeat, staging, sound, lighting, video projection, video documentation, talent and presenter coordination, stage management, staffing, and security. Empire Entertainment is a leading producer of high-profile events and is proud to have been chosen to support this remarkable program for EBONY Magazine and The Johnson Publishing Company.

In Fall 2012, Bravo’s Consumer Marketing team turned to Empire Entertainment to open a 5-week, limited run restaurant in NYC for the Emmy Award and James Beard Award-winning television series Top Chef. The ambitious undertaking of designing, building and running a fully operational restaurant, aptly named Top Chef Kitchen, was a first for Bravo and Empire.The process began with scouting for the ideal space in Manhattan. Requirements for the space included that it be in an upscale and accessible neighborhood, have a large functional kitchen and a main dining room that could be completely remodeled in the Top Chef aesthetic as well as accommodate 100 diners per seating. Through Empire’s contacts with real estate brokers and local restaurateurs, Empire was able to find the perfect location -- a restaurant with 15-ft high windows in a landmark building nestled in one of Manhattan's trendiest neighborhoods - TriBeCa.

Next up, Empire and Bravo were tasked with designing and building the restaurant in just 10 weeks -- an unheard-of feat in the restaurant industry. Bravo’s consumer marketing team and Empire's production team worked quickly with m-USE, a trusted architect partner, to interpret the Top Chef brand in a contemporary Manhattan restaurant setting. The extensive demolition involved stripping down the interior to a clean box and opening up the kitchen so diners could watch the chef’testants in action. Renovations transformed the bare space into a sleek and sexy dining room featuring Top Chef’s bright orange accents playing against steel grey and dark walnut. The updated "open kitchen" featured gleaming white tiles and shining steel equipment. Above the heads of guests in the dining room, an ethereal “cloud” of white string was hung as a focal design element. Each and every detail, from furniture, lighting and bathroom fixtures to each piece of china or glass, was scrutinized and selected specially for Top Chef Kitchen’s 5-week limited duration. Brand new custom tables, chairs and upholstered banquettes filled the room just days before the grand opening.

The Top Chef Kitchen experience would also have to faithfully reflect the experience of the popular Bravo series during its 5-week, sold out run: Ten Top Chef alumni, including Richard Blais, Mike Isabella, Antonia Lofaso and recent Top Chef: Texas winner Paul Qui, were paired off to helm the kitchen and execute their own four-course dinner menu. Guests could choose to order one chef’s menu or mix and match courses from that evening's competing chefs. A curated wine list and Top Chef-inspired cocktails, including the very popular and spicy “Padmarita,” rounded out the dining experience. In addition to managing the overall design and production of the restaurant, Empire helped engage Distilled NY, the front-of-house and kitchen management team.The Bravo Top Chef Kitchen completely booked its entire five-week run within an hour of going live on OpenTable.com and is one of the first examples of an innovative brand leveraging its intellectual property to create an event marketing experience that consumers would not only attend and amplify through social media but that they would also pay for.

Empire has pioneered this revolutionary trend in event marketing and is the leading producer that helps brand marketers generate cash flow for their marketing activities.

The IAB MIXX Conference & Expo, the Official Interactive Event of Advertising Week, is a key program for marketing and agency professionals—and the publishers and technology firms who help drive their efforts. This year, the cornerstone of the conference was a conversation with Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg and Netscape founder Marc Andreesen. And when IAB needed an interviewer with the gravitas to lead the dialogue, they selected Empire to secure acclaimed broadcast journalist, Charlie Rose.Mr. Rose led the discussion at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in NYC with insightful questions about Facebook's IPO, as well as privacy issues that face the marketing industry in general as technology becomes more pervasive, and perhaps, more invasive as well. When Rose asked Sandberg to explain the evolution of online advertising in relation to Facebook, she responded that Facebook is "the largest and most engaged community of people anywhere in the world and that gives businesses an opportunity to transform their relationships. Rather than just talk at large groups of anonymous people, businesses can relate to a consumer and establish an ongoing relationship." The interview and lively discussion had an intimate feel, and included moments of humor as well as incredible insights and predictions relating to the future of online marketing and advertising from some of the world's most knowledgable minds.

For two decades Empire has been a leading resource for keynote speakers as well as hosts, moderators, panelists and discussion participants. Some of the hosts and moderators that Empire has presented include Oprah Winfrey, Anderson Cooper, Charlie Rose, Barbara Walters, Kelly Ripa, Lisa Ling, Lou Dobbs, Linda Ellerbee, Walter Cronkite, and Tom Brokaw.Some of the keynote speakers Empire has delivered include President Barack Obama, his Holiness XIV Dalai Lama, Bill Gates, President Bill Clinton, Sir Richard Branson, Deepak Chopra, Steven Speilberg, Magic Johnson, George Lucas, Ralph Lauren, Malcolm Gladwell, and many more.

In connection with the Microsoft Windows 8 worldwide launch, PC giant, ASUS Computer International, turned to Empire Entertainment to produce the launch of their highly anticipated Windows 8 lineup of products.Held at the elegant and modern Espace venue in Midtown Manhattan, the event was attended by 200 of the New York’s top technology media outlets.

The event featured a carefully-scripted onstage presentation that combined the company Chairman's enthusiastic presentation of the products with performances by the world-renowned techno-illusionist Marco Tempest, who wowed the crowd with his interactive virtual magic.

The main focal point of the presentation was a massive LED screen, which displayed the precise custom video content was created for the presentation. The Chairman and Marco interacted heavily with this screen throughout the presentation as they introduced the new products using the large LED wall as their canvas.

As a surprise finale to the show a closing recap video of all of the products, each combined with an onstage illusion by Marco, led to a reveal moment where two huge kabuki curtains flanking the left and right of the stage were suddenly dropped revealing long sleek display tables featuring all of the products just introduced. The media were on their feet and using the products just moments after the presentation ended as wait staff appeared to serve celebratory glasses of champagne.Working closely with the client's talented design team in Taiwan, Empire created all elements of the event including highly-finished stage design, furnishings and demo tables all consistent with the design excellence of ASUS. These elements included a custom LED trimmed stage, demo stations and two 8’ wide ASUS logos that were lit from within with LED lighting.

Empire is the leading producer of cutting-edge product launches that utilize state-of-the-art design and technology and is a strong partner for international brands looking to launch their products in the world's most important media market“ New York City.

On October 18, 2012, Empire was proud to serve as production partner to Elizabeth Rose Consulting to produce the inaugural Tyra Banks presents the Flawsome Ball.Hosted by Tyra Banks, the event supported the Lower Eastside Girls Club. Founded in 1996, the mission of the Lower Eastside Girls Club (LESGC) is to provide a place where girls and young women 8-23 can grow, learn, have fun, and develop confidence in themselves and their ability to make a difference in the world. With the catchphrase “I Love My…,” the Flawsome Ball celebrated the flaws in all of us.The star-studded evening began with a yellow carpet and an elaborate cocktail reception where variations on the catchphrase were interspersed with live circus performances by the House of Yes and a “smize” photo booth. Once guests moved into the majestic Capitale main ballroom they were trested to a sumptuous seated dinner by chef, Marcus Samuelson, surpassed only by the rich stage program.

Throughout the evening, guests were treated to performances by the female drum core, Brooklyn Express, electric violinist Sarah Charness, and artist’s Nicolina & Lexi Bella. In addition, the girls of the LESGC participated in the show through videos, onstage moments, and a very special spoken word piece.Friends and supporters of Tyra Banks and the LESGC, including Rosario Dawson, Clay Aiken and Simon Doonan joined Tyra Banks on stage throughout the program. In addition, led by auctioneer, Lucy Sexton, the event included a cash call and a very rowdy live-auction, for a date with former boxer, model and America’s Next Top Model judge, Rob Evans.To top off an incredible night, Grammy-nominated artist Drake and DJ Future took to the stage, and had the entire room on their feet as they performed their hits: “Take Care,” “The Motto,” and “Best I Ever Had,” “Make me Proud,” and “Find Your Love.”Empire Entertainment served as event producer of the main ballroom and stage program, which included stage and production management, and coordination of all talent and technical logistics and production.

Empire is a leading producer of celebrity-driven not-for-profit events.

When Mindshare, one of the world's largest advertising & media buying agencies sought to create an original branded entertainment work for their client Kimberly-Clarke, they turned to Empire as their production company and creative partner. Shedding light on a topic often discussed in hushed whispers, feminine product Poise and their agency Mindshare teamed up Empire to crete and present The Hot Flash Road Show - a traveling sketch comedy show based on the trials and tribulations of Menopause. The show was written by the Daily Show writer Mo Gaffney and featured Daytime Emmy award-winning co-host of ABC’s “The View,” Sherri Shepherd, and nine time Emmy award-winning actress, Cloris Leachman. Together with the All Girl Review, an all-female comedy troupe straight out of Second City in Chicago, Shepherd and Leachman brought the house down in live performances in New York City and Los Angeles with original skits entitled "The Last Two Eggs," "If Men Had Menopause," and a show-stopping musical performance entitled "Menopositive." Bookending the sketches, pre-recorded interstitial "Couch Talk" videos featured hilarious outtakes of candid interviews with everyday women talking about their experiences with The Change in the manner of When Harry Met Sally. The live events in New York and Los Angeles were also taped for broadcast and livecast to remote audiences.In addition to the olive show, the program also featured a pre-show branded experience with product displays presented in Poise-themed purple lighting while powerful female anthems from Aretha Franklin, Alicia Keys, and Donna Summer set the tone for the evening.For this unique branded entertainment initiative, Empire worked closely with Mindshare served and served as the overall production company responsible for concept development, venue acquisition, staging design, technical production, camera facilities and livecast, branded installations, as well as audience and talent logistics. To learn more and to see excerpts of the Hot Flash Road Show visit:http://www.poise.com/personal-stories-and-blogs/the-2nd-talk/the-2nd-talk-eventsEmpire is proud to work with world class advertising agencies, media buyers and marketing firms to create original branded entertainment content of all types.

On the evening of October 10th, 2012, Reel Works hosted its 3rd Annual Benefit Gala at the Edison Ballroom in Times Square, New York City. Reel Works welcomed over 230 guests including Academy and Emmy award winning screenwriter, producer and playwright, Aaron Sorkin, Academy Award winner Fischer Stevens, Alessandro Nivola, Elizabeth Gilles, and Zoey Deutch.Reel Works is a youth filmmaking program based in New York City that matches students with film and television professionals who serve as mentors.

The gala began in the mezzanine level of the Edison Ballroom where guests were invited to mingle and enjoy elegant cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres while they participated in the extensive silent auction. Items for the auction included Google Nexus 7, Apple iPad, backstage passes for The Daily Show and an Aaron Sorkin autographed poster of HBO’s The Newsroom. Custom movie posters featuring the movies of the six teens that were nominated by their peers for the night’s featured F. John Occult Award decorated the cocktail area.

After cocktails, guests were invited downstairs to a gourmet three-course meal and full award program featuring The Daily Show comedian Al Madrigal as emcee for the evening. Featured remarks included Reel Works founders, John and Stephanie Williams honoring long time Reel Works supporter, Emily Mortimer, with the Inspiring Artist Award. Reel Works alumni welcomed to the stage Actor Jeffery Wright to the stage to accept the award for The Visionary Artist Award. The Reel Works Junior Advisory board awarded the 2012 F. John Outcalt Award to Emily Batista for her movie, My Skin. Nickelodeon star, Avan Jogia invited Kelleigh Dulany, VP of Corporate Responsibility at Viacom Entertainment Group to the stage to accept the Corporate Leadership Award on behalf of Viacom. The evening concluded with a stellar performance by Grammy Nominated artist, Karina Pasian who dedicated her hit, Winner to all of the teen nominees of the evening.As guests left the ballroom a highlights from the evening that the Reel Works students edited together in real time throughout the evening played on the big screen.

Event sponsors included Viacom, HBO, Vivendi, Empire Entertainment, and C2 Media among others. Dave Bernath, Executive VP, Program Strategy and Multiplatform Programming of Comedy Central was the Event Chair of the event.Working closely with the Reel Works’ team, Empire Entertainment served as sponsor and overall producer of the Reel Works Gala 2012. Empire was also responsible for aspects ranging from event design, technical production, layout design and logistics and music.

To learn more about Reel Works or to donate, please visit, ReelWorks.org.

Fashion's Night Out has become one of the largest citywide events in New York and it is expanding to an increasing number of cities around the world every year. This year marked its 4th year and was the biggest yet, with over 500 retailers participating in the U.S. alone. As part of this shopping extravaganza, Scoop NYC hosted a block party in the Meatpacking District and Empire Entertainment served as their production partner. Scoop NYC's Fashion's Night Out Block Party was a free event that took place on Washington Street between 13th Street and 14th Street. Mick Boogie was the DJ for the evening and he provided an excellent mix of tunes for the streets filled with Fashion's Night Out shoppers. The highlight of the night was when Brooklyn-based electro pop band, St. Lucia, rocked the main stage with a 30 minute set that got the entire block packed with fans and spectators. While they performed the Scoop NYC stores were filled to capacity with fashionistas enjoying special promotions from select designer brands and sponsored drinks. Empire provided all staging, audio, and lighting, and managed all of the outdoor logistics for this event. Despite strict city regulations for outdoor entertainment and a short time frame to produce, Empire was able to make a quick turnaround and get the party ready on time.Empire Entertainment is a leading producer of consumer-facing marketing projects in markets worldwide.

Leading cosmetic industry giant, L'Oreal Paris unveiled their newest innovation in hair care: Advanced Hair Care at Cedar Lake Studio on September 24. In an effort to impress the notoriously hard-to-impress beauty editors on the guest list, L'Oreal and their event marketing agency Momentum Worldwide partnered with Empire Entertainment to create a series of original, live theatrical performances illustrating the unique benefits of each product. As guests arrived, they were led into a dimly lit room, surrounded by five hidden "vaults" – each displaying a large projected lock on the facade. Once all guests had arrived, a theatrical sequence ‘unlocked’ vault one and a traveler curtain parted revealing a sunny, colorful room where two models dressed in the French mod style performed a choreographed dance routine set to the music of Pizzicato 5. As the sun blazed overhead, the colors began to fade from the scene, until everything was drab and dull in shades of black, white and gray - everything that is, except the model’s brilliant hair color, which managed to stay vivid and beautiful in spite of the damage incurred from the sun. As soon as the first vault closed a second vault opened to reveal a series of three dancers with short hair standing underneath of a sculpture of fluorescent light tubes before three large van de Graffe static electricity generators. As they danced the models placed their hands on the orbs causing their hair to stick straight up and fall in time with the music. At the conclusion of the routine their hair returned to it’s original, beautiful condition. After that a third vault opened to reveal he façade of a giant water tank. Inside a gorgeous performer appeared as if floating underwater as rays of blue and green light slowly radiated behind her as her long hair flowed and undulated along with tall growths of sea grass beside her. As she danced and played underwater, her hair kept its natural sheen and luster. Just then a fourth vault opened to reveal an industrial setting of steam pipes in a vivid red color palette. Amidst the factory a lithe model with chiseled muscles and 10’ locks of hair stood as if in the midst of a workout. As the music began to play the model reached up to take hold of her three braids of hair to reveal that each was attached to a weight – a 500 lb. barbell, a huge dumbbell and an anvil. The model stepped forward and lifted each of the weights by pulling on her hair, demonstrating the hair strength created by the product. A final vault revealed a series of floral & foliage panels each representing one of the four seasons. As a soundtrack of Vivaldi progressed throughout the year, each panel sprang to light and a model at the center’s hair was attacked by each seasons trials – cold, wind, rain, heat, etc. and a series of hot hair tools. At the end of the full year cycle the model stepped forward to reveal that her hair had survived all of the challenges and retained all of its original beauty. In each vault the benefits of the hair care line continued to unfold in breath-taking, dramatic vignettes, composed of avant-garde scenic installations, exquisitely choreographed. As the final vault closed, L'Oreal's President and CEO, Karen Fondu took the main stage and announced Lea Michelle, star of Fox's hit show Glee, as the new face of Advanced Hair Care. Lea then took the stage herself to say a few words about her exciting new role. Following the presentation specialty cocktails and delicious small bites were served as the product itself was dramatically revealed by male models on custom-designed product displays. As DJ music played the crowd lingered to take photos with the vignette models in the vignettes and to discuss the benefits of the new products with hair care expert Dr. David Kingsley and stylist to the stars, Johnny Lavoy. Empire is a leading producer of innovative product launches and serves brand marketers and agencies from every industry as a creative and production partner of innovative product launches and rollouts.

When wedding planners, JOWY Productions, received the request from a bride-to-be to surprise her future husband with his favorite musician, they turned to Empire Entertainment to deliver Elvis Costello for the occasion.Taking place outdoors, amongst the mountains of Park City, UT the intimate wedding reception called for a solo performance by the Grammy award winning, and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member.After an introduction by the bride, Elvis took to the stage, as the groom, (whose family describes at the worlds biggest Elvis Costello fan) nearly dropped to the floor. After the initial shock wore off, the groom joined his bride on the dance floor, directly in front of Elvis as he began to perform his 6-song set. The crown sang along as he performed his hits including “(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes,” “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding,” and “Every Day I Write the Book.” Songs that made a huge splash included the jazz classic, “Makin’ Whoopee!” and “Alison,” where Elvis changed the lyrics to include the bride’s name. Towards the end of the set, Elvis got the entire wedding party up on the dance floor as he performed an exciting version of “Pump it Up.”Following his performance, Elvis participated in an intimate meet & greet with the bride, groom, and their immediate family. Elvis also signed their wedding guest book, as well as a drum skin for the groom, who drums along to the Elvis Costello classics at home.Empire was responsible for negotiating, contracting and arranging travel and accommodations for Elvis Costello, as well as working with the wedding planner to coordinate all schedules, logistical and technical aspects of his performance, while keeping the performance a secret.Empire Entertainment is a leading producer of private and corporate events in the U.S. and around the world.

When a longtime Empire client and notable Russian family sought to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary in New York City, they turned to Empire to serve as their producer. The event at the historic Metropolitan Club on Fifth Avenue and 60th Street was attended by an audience of over 200 Russian oligarchs, political figures and celebrities, and included over a dozen performances by many of Russia's and the world's biggest stars.

The evening began with an elegant cocktail reception in the Metropolitan Club's Great Hall with its marble walls, imposing staircase and lavish ornamentation. The anniversary couple greeted and posed for photos with arriving guests in a receiving line while a team of Russian hostesses received gifts from the attendees. At the center of the Great Hall, a large bar stood with giant ice sculptures formed to create ice buckets for magnums of champagne. After the cocktail reception, guests moved upstairs into the President's Ballroom where Empire had created an elegant dinner setting. Guests were seated at the lavish tables, each set with custom-made gold and salmon-colored damask linens and chair covers, gold plates, glassware & flatware, hemstitched napkins embroidered with the family crest and ornate floral displays of peach, yellow and pink roses.

The program began with welcome remarks by emcee and Russian television star Yana Churikova who conducted the entire evening's program in Russian. Yana then introduced a video about the couple that set the theme for the evening. Since the couple met at a train station, the video and the segments of the evening would each reflect a different 'station' of their lives including periods in Tajikistan, Europe, Israel the the United States. Performances included a 45 minute set by International superstar Julio Iglesias and his full band, Russian crooner Alexander Kogan, Lev Leshchenko, hockey player Vladislav Tretiak and ethnic performers from Tajikistan. At the conclusion of the dinner, a surprise performance by a real Gipsy orchestra of singers and dancers got the guests on their feet and led them to the extraordinary, historic West Lounge that Empire had transformed into a nightclub cabaret.

On one end of the room Empire had created a huge proscenium stage finished with architectural details that perfectly matched the room, a large custom dance floor featuring the family crest and cabaret seating at tables appointed with burgundy and gold linens and chair covers and, red flowers with red, Baccarat-style cut glass votives. The candle and pinspot-lit tables gave off a gorgeous red & gold glow beneath the gorgeous ceiling frescoes. Yana Churikova then introduced the last surprise performance of the evening, the legendary Diana Ross, who performed a 45-minute set of her greatest hits including "I'm Coming Up," "Mr. Postman," and "You Can't Hurry Love," that had the entire audience dancing.

For this ambitious program, Empire was responsible for overseeing every detail from event design and decor to production, staging, talent logistics, stage management, catering planning, staffing and flow. Joining the project was decor partner Colin Cowie Lifestyle and the Metropolitan Club provided extraordinary service.Empire is a leading producer of private events, parties and milestone celebrations and has worked extensively for many of Russia's most prominent families.

When a powerful headline performer was needed for the closing night of a week-long meeting, Benchmarc360, Inc. worked with their strategic entertainment partner, Empire to contract and deliver the legendary Sammy Hagar for a high-energy hard rock show. With his backing band The Wabos, the former Van Halen frontman performed a surprise 60-minute set at the Gaylord Palms convention center for the client's 1,500 guests. The performance included all of his greatest hits, such as "I Can't Drive 55", "Right Now", "Why Can't This Be Love", "Mas Tequila", "(There's Only) One Way To Rock", "Finish What Ya Started", as well as a medley of Montrose songs. Sammy Hagar and the audience were having so much fun that he added an impromptu second encore, covering the Beastie Boys' "(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party!)". Following the extraordinary concert, Sammy Hagar participated in a Meet & Greet and photo-op with approximately 30 of client’s VIPs, including the CEO of the company. Empire has been recommending, securing, and producing headline entertainment for private events since its inception in 1993. We pride ourselves on suggesting the best possible entertainers for our clients based on their attendees, budgets, and event objectives.

Bravo’s new series, Around the World in 80 Plates, took the culinary competition across the globe, with layovers in exotic destinations that included Morocco, Thailand and Argentina.

To celebrate its debut season and to provide a sneak peek into the highly-anticipated finalé episode, Bravo engaged Empire to design and produce an original event to transport guests around the world.

In response to the client's brief to create an event that would transport guests throughout the evening to different locations around the world, Empire developed a plan to transform the cocktail party space by building three large circular turntable stages—each decorated with three foreign vignettes—that rotated on cue with dancers, live musicians and of course, delicious food from around the world.

The first hour featured a scene of the French countryside set with cheese & charcuterie boards, a “fiery” brick pizza oven in Italy and live flamenco guitarists in Barcelona’s Plaza Real. Speciality cocktails, peach prosecco bellinis & Spanish tapas-inspired hors d’oeuvres were also passed to guests.

A duet by flamenco dancers focused the crowd as the lead-in to executive remarks and a sneak peek reel for the show’s upcoming finale. Hosts Curtis Stone & Cat Cora took the stage to unveil the “journey” around the world, commencing with a spirited Chinese lion dance that wove through the crowd. Guests were then delighted as the French vignette rotated to reveal a Hong Kong dumpling stand. Italy turned into a tropical beach serving Thai satay & noodles and Barcelona simultaneously transformed into India, complete with the sounds from sitar and tabla musicians. By the time guests were onto their 2nd helping of cocktail-of-the-hour Mango Mumbai, DJ Aaron James began to drop in Punjabi beats and a troupe of Bhangra dancers poured into the room for a choreographed Bollywood routine.

For the third act, Brazilian samba percussionists emerged from the back of the room as the stages rotated once more, this time revealing Morocco dishing up savory falafel and Buenos Aires serving assorted spicy empanadas. A duo of capoeira dancers tumbled & sparred by the stage -- now a lively street scene from Brazil set with shimmering streamers and bistro lights. To continue to spice up the evening, a pair of alluring dancers, dazzling in sparkles & feathered headdresses, took to the floor to top off the grand Carnival finale.

In addition to all of the live entertainment, Empire designed interactive games for adventurous guests. At the “Guess & Flip” game, contestants were presented with a wall of photos from foreign locales visited on the show and were asked to guess the country. At “Taste the Exceptional Ingredient,” blindfolded participants had to touch, smell or taste mystery ingredients to test whether their palate knew its exotic flavors.

All of the evening’s vignettes were fully designed with a mix of prop scenery, authentic furniture, and fresh cut flora & foliage. While France featured a floor of live grass, the beaches of Thailand were powdery white sand. Guests even jumped onto the vignettes as the evening progressed, enjoying the spirit of the evening that only comes from great food and music.Every component of the evening contributed to a completely immersive and international experience, as guests were able to taste the cuisine, touch the vignettes, hear live musicians, and see vibrant dance performances.Empire Entertainment provided full event production services including concept development, décor design and renderings, event layout, live entertainment, run-of-show development, graphic design, catering coordination, audio/visual management, logistics, and onsite management.

Empire was thrilled to once again work with Bravo, who constantly pushes event-innovation to deliver memorable experiences for clients and fans.

One of the toughest challenges when selecting a business speaker is finding someone with truly global appeal. Empire was presented with such a challenge by a global technology company, who looked to present a speaker that would appeal to an audience comprised of attendees from over 140 countries. To answer this challenge, Empire recommended a speaker that Time magazine heralds as one of the top 100 heroes and icons of the century, the founder of The Chopra Foundation and the Chopra Center for Wellbeing, Dr. Deepak Chopra. As an author of more than 65 books, that have been translated into 35 languages and sold more than 20 million copies worldwide, Dr. Chopra’s international recognition and profile as “one of the pre-eminent leaders of the mind-body-spirit movement” were the perfect fit. In the center of an audience of over 12,000 people at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Canada, Deepak Chopra circled the stage as he delivered a 15-minute keynote and participated in a 10-minute moderated Q&A discussion with a company executive, where he covered the topics of Leadership, Spiritual Solutions: Answers to life’s great challenges, and The Future of Wellbeing . The Future of wellbeing speaks to the world as it is today and the importance of wellbeing in all aspects of life: Spiritual, Physical, Economic, Career and Social. One of the highlights of the presentation was when Dr. Chopra spoke on the impact of digital and social media and the impact it is having on our wellbeing, which really rang true to the global technology audience that surrounded him. Following his presentation, Dr. Chopra participated in a meet & greet session with VIP guests and client senior management. Empire handled the negotiation and contracting of Dr. Deepak Chopra’s services, coordination of all logistics, including precision international arrival and departure planning between Dr. Chopra’s teaching schedule in Chicago, and his radio show in New York, as well as all onsite management.Empire is proud to present many of the world’s leading speakers and is a leading source for keynote speakers of global stature.

Following a successful installation in Los Angeles, renowned advertising firm Crispin Porter & Bogusky turned to Empire to recreate a unique consumer promotion for their client Old Navy in New York City & Tokyo. With well-established offices in both cities and a strong background in producing consumer-facing stunt activity in high traffic areas, Empire was the perfect activation partner for this project.

The purpose of the 3-city event was to generate public awareness of the Old Navy brand as the trendsetter in summer fashion and footwear.

The concept for the project was to create a giant, 10 ton ice cube with hundreds of colorful Old Navy flip-flops frozen inside. Through the course of the hot summer day, the ice would melt, thus freeing the flip-flops for the public to take. In New York, Empire took over the north side of East 17th Street at Union Square to install the mammoth 7' square block of ice. During the course of the day, thousands of passersby interacted with the ice block and got into the spirit of summer by participating in hula hoop competitions for prizes.In New York Empire assisted provided all onsite production supervision and staffing. Empire also assisted with venue selection, coordinated with the ice vendor, staffed and trained a team of brand ambassadors, produced custom 4-sided signage and provided onsite management of the event.In Tokyo, the event coincided with the grand opening of the first Old Navy store in Japan -- at Odaiba's premier shopping mall DiverCity Tokyo Plaza. Building the ice block at this prime location garnered an thousands of interactions and brand impressions over the course of the day. Empire's New York City and Tokyo offices oversaw every aspect of the Tokyo event including venue selection & acquisition, sourcing of and coordination with the local ice vendor, staffing and training a team of brand ambassadors, production of custom 4-sided signage, event budgeting, translation, cultural consulting, and onsite management of the event. Empire also worked closely with the Old Navy and Gap Japan clients to ensure effective communication amongst all parties in the United States and Japan.With abundant international resources, Empire Entertainment is a proven leader of executing innovative, consumer-face brand marketing projects across worldwide markets.

2012 marked the second year of Empire's partnership with Games for Change, and the ninth year of the G4C festival, itself. This year, festival-goers enjoyed more than 50 presentations — over three days and in four different venues — staged by the game industry's best and brightest. Outside the various conference rooms and auditoriums, presenters and attendees mingled and matched. Highlights of the 2012 Games For Change Festival included an awards ceremony honoring the best socially-conscious games of the year, an arcade where attendees could play the nominated games, and a keynote presentation by Atari founder and one of "The 50 Men Who Changed America", Nolan Bushnell.Games for Change is the leading global advocate for the development of games that contain and promote educational and social messaging. The Games For Change Festival is the cornerstone in the organization's event calendar.Empire is a leading producer of festival and not-for-profit programs.

To support the fast-growing music subscription service, Spotify, Empire again worked the Spotify press team to produce an innovative event in Los Angeles at West Hollywood’s Andaz Hotel.Hosted by recording artist and Spotify Artist-in-Residence, D.A. Wallach, the event would draw attention to announce the release of Spotify's Artists Apps, allowing users to navigate through the extensive 16 million song library by choosing options hand-picked by artists and music experts.

One of the newly-released Artists Apps was curated by the multi-Grammy winning-producer, Quincy Jones. In attendance for the launch was the man himself. Bruno Mars led a discussion with the legendary Jones about his decades-in-the making catalog and creative processes. Quincy spoke to the intimate crowd of 200 about his upbringing and his illustrious career.Closing out the event was a performance from 10-year-old piano prodigy, Emily Bear, hand selected by Jones as a rising star in the music industry.

Empire is the leading producer of innovative product launches and announcements and is a leading event marketing agency to some of today’s fastest-growing Internet and media brands.

Gentlemen Jack put the BAR into BARbershop this June by taking over elite grooming lounges in Manhattan, Washington DC, Chicago, and Dallas. With a nod to an earlier era of Gentlemen's Lounges and Speakeasy culture, guests received gratis luxury grooming services, delicious southern bites, and an array of specialty cocktails featuring the Rare Tennessee Whiskey. Each BARbershop was custom-designed to suit each market and venue and presented a unique experience for the consumer. Gentleman Jack spread word of the event through a strategic social media campaign combined with well positioned and well appointed street teams in each market driving hundreds through each storefront in a matter of 5 hours.Unlike any other whiskey in the world, Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey is charcoal mellowed twice – once before it goes into the barrel and again after it fully matures. The result is an exceptionally smooth whiskey with a rich, rewarding taste. Jack Daniel’s is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey-based Ready-to-Drink Beverages and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails.

More than 1,000 people stopped by Openhouse Gallery in NoLIta, New York to check out “The 2012 Korea Cosmetic Bliss,” a pop-up event showcasing top Korean cosmetic brands and healthcare services. The Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI), a Korean Government Agency based in New York City, partnered with Empire Entertainment to host this one-day event introducing Korea’s leading beauty products and services to the fashionable New Yorkers. The Korean companies that were introduced at this event were AMOREPACIFIC, LG Household & Healthcare Missha, and AIIN for cosmetics; and Seoul National University Hospital, Bliss Acupuncture Wellness Center, JK Plastic Surgery, Koreana Pacific, and Face Laser Clinic for healthcare. Vita 500 was the sponsored beverage of the day.The event was full of activities for the attendees to enjoy. 10 different companies had their own booth where the attendees received goodie bags, purchased select items for a special discount, and took complimentary health consultations. There were also makeup artists in the salon area who helped the attendees try out the featured cosmetics for free. Guests who wanted to find out more detail on the products and services were able to attend seminar programs in the video room conducted by the participating companies. A lounge with comfortable seating and pillows were provided for anyone who needed breaks in between.The promotional street team who were the beauty ambassadors of the event dressed up in Korean traditional outfits called “hanbok” and played a big part in attracting many weekend SoHo shoppers and a wide variety of New Yorkers. One of the most popular attractions was the crane machine filled with cosmetics which had a constant line of guests waiting to try out this game and win free gifts. At last, the most valuable products and gift cards were given out to 13 attendees who won the raffle.Empire Entertainment partnered with KHIDI on every creative and logistical aspect of the event, starting from concept, flyer design, venue rental, interior design, provision of staff and street team, crane machine, branding & signage, and more.

Recently a major corporate CEO was scheduled to speak in Mumbai, India to an audience of thousands. But with only a day's notice his schedule changed unexpectedly requiring him to remain in Beijing, China. The simple solution was to videotape his keynote address and to get it to India to play at the conference but there were two challenges: First, how to arrange a professionally-produced shoot in China with only a day's notice and second, how to reliably transmit the files from behind the 'Great Wall of China' - China's internet firewall.The client's conference producer turned to Empire's New York office to solve both problems. Empire immediately connected with our Tokyo-based Asia Region headquarters for assistance and within three hours had identified three production teams on the ground in China who were available and qualified to produce the shoot. Overnight the details were arranged to create a small set in a ballroom at the CEO's hotel and to bring in camera crew, audio, teleprompter, backdrop, scenic and lighting. Early that morning the shoot took place and immediately afterward the video was edited onsite at a quickly arranged edit suite with graphics and audio mixing added and the final product approved by the client's communications staff.The next challenge was to get the HD video file to India in time to test it and play it that evening in Mumbai. A courier with a copy of the video left the shoot immediately to the airport as a backup while the Empire video team immediately began uploading the file via VPN to multiple servers on proprietary corporate networks not subject to Chinese firewall restrictions.Minutes later the client team in Mumbai was able to successfully access the file and confirm successful playback at the conference. The client was thrilled that the Empire team had been able to solve the problem and the best part of it all, the entire project only cost a few thousand dollars.Empire's growing global presence, network of affiliates in countries worldwide, experience producing projects in 65 countries and instant response make us an ideal resource for all types of event, communications and marketing projects worldwide.

Conservation International, one of the largest conservation organizations in the World, returned to New York City recently to host its annual New York Gala at the iconic Pierre Hotel. This year’s gathering of over 300 guests would celebrate Conservation International’s 25th anniversary and honor long-time Conservation International board member, Henry Arnhold. Empire worked closely with this client to create a memorable event highlighting the growth and accomplishments in the fight for conservation and sustainability for future generations.After an elegant cocktail reception in the Cotillion Room, guests were invited to dinner in the Grand Ballroom where Empire transformed the space into a lush forest. Woodland sounds filled the air as guests were seated immersed in nature. Beautiful and sustainable floral centerpieces made of live bonsai palm trees, succulents atop moss-adorned tables contributed to the earthy theme of the evening. As the program began, a warm amber glow throughout the room highlighting overgrown palm trees faded and the focus turned to the stage where an impressive wall created entirely of live moss and orchids set stood as the backdrop for the program.The stage program included tributes to Henry Arnhold (known to the family, friends and colleagues as “Uncle Henry”) for his generosity and efforts in conservation. Guest speakers including Chairman and Co-Founder of Evercore Partners, Roger Altman; President of the Council on Foreign Relations, Richard Haass and former World Bank President, James Wolfensohn who all commended “Uncle Henry” for his involvement in sustainability and his lifetime of humanitarian workMarrying Henry Arnhold’s support of the arts and the mission to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come, dinner host committee member, Jodi Arnhold invited students from the School of Dance of the world-renowned dance company, Ballet Hispanico to the stage to perform two vibrant dance numbers. The dancers’ lively flamenco and a whimsical ballet set a festive tone to the evening and reminded guests that all the efforts of Conservation International is integral to the vitality of the community. Conservation International Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO, Peter Seligman awarded “Uncle Henry” the Global Conservation Hero Award and unveiled the founding of the Institute for Environmental Sustainability and Peace at Conservation International. Seligman then took to the stage to highlight Conservation International’s accomplishments of the past 25 years including creating strategic partnerships with major corporations like the Gap, Wal-Mart and Starbucks to value forest eco-systems for forest-friendly methods that preserve and grow the environment.Board Member, Heidi Miller, concluded the evening’s program by inviting guests to continue the fight for a more conscious and sustainable world by donating to the Conservation International cause. The evening raised over $1 million.Guests continued the celebration mingling and enjoying a lovely dessert reception in the Garden Foyer.Empire and Conservation International were able to deliver a beautiful evening for gala attendees driving home the CI mission and recognizing achievement in the fight for a brighter future.

On May 24, 2012 Empire Entertainment was proud to serve CoreMedia Systems as producer of their high-profile charity concert and auction to celebrate their 20th Anniversary. Sponsor donations went to the Good Tidings Foundation, a children's charity that looks to equally support arts, education, athletics and dreams for youth from communities of need in the San Francisco Bay Area. The event took place at the historic Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City and featured performances and collaborations by The Knocks, platinum recording artist O.A.R. and the Boys and Girls Choir of Harlem. The rock-concert-like energy was paired with cocktail hour as more than 1,000 sponsors and guests from the direct response media industry gathered to support Core’s lasting commitment to giving back.The host of the event, CoreMedia Systems, Inc., develops and supports CoreDirect, the 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, proudly stated, “Thanks to our supportive clients, we’ve been able to celebrate other milestones in our company history by helping charities like Keep a Child Alive, Shine on Sierra Leone and Bono’s Project Red. For our 20th anniversary, I can’t think of a more deserving recipient from the direct response advertising community than the Good Tidings Foundation.”Empire Entertainment transformed the century-old former opera house into a sleek, modern lounge. Both the exclusive VIP-Sponsor lounge and the main floor were furnished with stylized white settees and end tables lit from the interior. While guests mingled to the music of DJ duo The Knocks, the crowd savored Pinch’s notable hor d’ouevres, which floated above the audience suspended from balloons or dangled from racks of hooks carried between servers. Guests participated in a silent auction, sporting Yankees ace, CC Sabathia signed Jersey, a volleyball signed by two-time Olympic gold medalist Kerri Walsh, “The Boat House” painting by famed artist LeRoy Neiman, NY Yankees Scout Seats and a Gibson Guitar signed by Allman Brothers’ Warren Haynes.The American rock band and Platinum recording artist O.A.R. took to the stage to the tumultuous excitement of the young, roaring crowd who eagerly mouthed along the words to a mixture of the band’s well-known classics, such as “City on Down,” “King,” “Takin on the World,“ and “Poker.” The band even performed a cover of U2’s classic “Sunday Bloody Sunday” before inviting the Boys and Girls Choir of Harlem on stage with them for the group’s evocative, soulful sound on “War Song,” and “Heaven.” Finally, guests hit the floor as The Knocks took back over the turntables and spun a wild after party with everyone on their feet.Empire Entertainment served as overall event producer, coordinated all logistics, catering, décor, talent coordination, technical production, security and onsite management.Empire was proud to partner with CoreMedia Systems to support the Good Tidings Foundation.To learn more and donate to the Good Tidings Foundation, please visit www.goodtidings.org. You can learn more about CoreMedia at www.coremedia-systems.com.

The Webby Awards, honoring excellence online, is famed for allowing winners just five words to deliver their acceptance speech. After a fantastic opening monologue, host Patton Oswalt explained that much can be accomplished in just 5 words, and he referenced "One small step for man" during the 16th Annual Webby Awards at The Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City on May 21, 2012. The unique rule has led to some uproarious and poignant moments over the years, and 2012 was no exception.

Receiving a Lifetime Achievement Awards for his work online, Mayor Michael Bloomberg used his five words as an ode to New York, stating “Make it here, then anywhere”. Holocaust survivor Tibor Sands accepted the Cultural Institution Webby for the “Remember Me Project” on behalf of Blue State Digital. The octognerian took the stage to a standing ovation from the crowd, held his trophy proudly and told the viewers “Thanks for remembering me”.The quirkiest acceptance of the evening came from singer/actress Bjork, who was honored as Artist of the Year, and accepted by saying “A…E….I….O….U!”.Comedian Louis C.K., accepting his Person of the Year Award was not to be outdone, telling the audience, “When I die…….bye-bye”. Spectacular live concert performances by Passion Pit and The Key of Awesome, as well as appearances by Spike Lee and New York Knicks sensation Jeremy Lin brought tremendous energy to the room, but for the first time, the highlight of the Webby Awards may well have been a video.Justin Long and John Hodgman (of “I’m a Mac. I’m a PC” fame) introduced two-time Oscar Winner Richard Dreyfuss to the stage, where he explained that Steve Jobs had personally chosen him to do the voiceover work for the first-ever Apple commercial. After some words of high-praise for the Apple co-founder, Mr. Dreyfuss then introduced a video tribute to Steve Jobs, conceived by Empire producer Adam Kahan and shot almost entirely in iPhones, which included some of the greatest luminaries on the planet delivering just five words each about the late technology titan. President Clinton kicked off the video by saying “We thank you Steve Jobs”, and was followed by George Lucas (“For Making Technology into art”), Bono (“For saving lives with (RED)”), Buzz Aldrin (“For exploring beyond our reach”), Jimmy Fallon (“he made turtlenecks sexy again”), and even President Obama (“thank you for thinking different”). 2012 marked the eighth consecutive year that Empire has produced The Webby Awards. Incredible new partners this time around including Creative Directors Andrew Fried and Thomas Kail, scenic designer David Korins Design, Director Gary Natoli, and many more. Major League Baseball Advanced Media once again did an outstanding job handling the livestream of the event.

Empire is proud to serve as producer for the most innovative industry's most innovative recognition event.

On May 7, 8, and 9, Empire helped world-famous cosmetics and skincare brand, Shiseido celebrate their 140th Anniversary with a 3-day pop up event at OpenHouse Gallery in New York’s fashionable NoLiTa neighborhood.This program was designed to take place in a single headquarters of activity which served as a platform for several separate programs including internal and client events, press events and a consumer-facing marketing day.Working with the client and their communications agency, Kaplow Communications, Empire designed and created a visually-appealing space based on Shiseodo's esthetic and brand guidlines. The design inspired by the Japanese Cherry Blossom tree and featured a museum display with a 140 year timeline wall, vitrine displays of historical artifacts, transformative scenic décor, and computer stations for social media activity, all combining to showcase the hallmarks, history and trend-setting future of the world’s oldest beauty brand.A central theme of the anniversary was based on a Japanese tradition of writing wishes and hanging them around trees in temples. For Shiseido, the 140th anniversary celebrated Wishes of the World represented both visually in the space and digitally. In the entryway of the event Empire created a large Wishing Wall which was adorned with hanging Ema, traditional Japanese wooden plaques. The physical Wishing Wall also framed a digital wishing tree, which displayed wishes posted via Facebook. Guests were given the opportunity to visit the Shiseido 140th Anniversary Facebook page to make a wish and purchase anniversary Shiseido products online. Their wishes appeared on a digital cloud of cherry blossom leaves on the screen within the physical ishing wall.At the center of the main room, a live, blooming Cherry Blossom tree served as the event’s dramatic centerpiece. This impressive and beautiful perennial was surrounded by a graphic timeline and museum display of artifacts, offering guests a detailed look into Shiseido’s rich history, stretching back to the 19th century.The event activity included a breakfast, lunch, dinner and a cocktail reception for members of the press featuring a presentation by creative director, Dick Page and a showcase of Shiseido’s upcoming fall products. At each event guests were treated to Japanese delicacies, traditionally prepared with exquisite detail down to the charcoal-purified drinking water.On the last day of the event, the space opened to the public, becoming a pop up shop for the fashion-forward, NoLiTa shoppers. Empire provided a promotional street team, outfitted in beautiful, Japanese kimonos, to draw the public into the space. Hand massage stations and make-up consultations were offered, as guests relaxed underneath the canopy of cherry blossoms.Empire was proud to work with Shiseido and Kaplow PR to create this one-of-a-kind event for this very special anniversary.Empire is proud to serve some of the world's most established and leading edge brands with innovative press and event marketing activity and branded installations.

Viacom’s US Hispanic network, Tr3s: MTV, Música y Más joins forces with Empire Entertainment to deliver their annual Upfront event at the Highline Ballroom in NYC. Starting with the creative concept of a Latin street party, Empire sought to transform the venue into an embodiment of the brand’s bilingual and bicultural flavor. With existing VIP areas revamped into custom-built “taco and dulce storefronts set up along its perimeter, the Highline Ballroom in New York City was transformed into the barrio for Tr3s’ preview of the upcoming television season.” from Latin Recap Online. Through a mix of creative, technical, scenic and décor production, Empire completed the transformation of the Highline Ballroom into the look and feel of an outdoor street festival or block party. Channeling the festive spirit of a Latin street fair, this block party was universally styled, resembling a street that could be found in the Bronx, LA or Mexico City.The ceiling was draped with bistro lights, while food was served from stylized areas including a mock taco stand branded after Tr3s’ own Ricardo Laguna (from “The Ricardo Laguna Project”) and a Dulce storefront representing the network’s hit franchise: The Quieros (in particular, Quiero Mis Quinces and Quiero Mi Boda). Also installed in the room was a Colombian party bus from which DJ Mauricio Parra spun, enticing guests to climb on board and dance the night away. Colorful uplights and authentic décor accents completed the aesthetic, giving guests a transporting experience in a well-known venue. The presentation kicked off with comedian Erik Rivera taking the stage to warm up the crowd and focus the attention of a lively crowd. After a brief, but hilarious set, Erik introduced an opening video roll, which kept the audience laughing the whole way through. Actor and Executive Producer of one of the network’s new shows, Wilmer Valderrama, then took the stage to intro the high energy 2012 sizzle reel featuring music and imagery that embodied the spirit of the brand and built up the room’s energy.For the introduction of Tr3s’ General Manager & EVP, Jose Tillan, a live bike stunt by network star Ricardo Laguna was staged, simulating Mr. Tillan’s BMX skills. The presentation by Tillan kept the audience’s attention and moved along at a pace of interest that surprised guests when it quickly became time to for the live performance of the evening. The crowd roared as international super star, and Grammy & Latin Grammy award winner Juanes took the stage, ending the presentation and setting the upbeat, dance floor mood for the rest of the night. After Juanes finished his set, where one lucky guest was given a Juanes-autographed guitar, the DJ was back on the turntables and took the party into the night. Guests enjoyed tacos, nachos, ceviche, Cuban sandwiches and custom cocktails, all representative of the variety of flavors to be found at a street festival. From conception to execution our client’s objective and Upfront vision was achieved in every aspect of a seamless event. Strong partnerships with the Highline Ballroom and others led to precise implementation of the event. Empire is a full-service, creative production company that produces first class events for first class clients.

Each Year, Conservation International presents an important fundraising event in the San Francisco / Silicon Valley area for its top donors and leaders in the internet and technology industries. To underscore CI’s messages of conservation and environmental protection, the 2012 Gala was held outdoors in a clear tent in the spectacular home of Intel Corporation Founder Gordon Moore.Guests arrived at the home via a shuttle bus trip that took them away from the urban centers of San Francisco and Palo Alto and up into a pristine California Redwood forest.

After a cocktail reception on the beautiful grounds of the estate, guests entered a large, clear tent to the sounds of crickets and the gentle glow of fireflies – installed by Empire’s special effects team. Immediately guests could tell that tonight’s event would be no ordinary fundraiser.Throughout the dinner, guests heard remarks from a collection of extraordinary speakers. Motion picture superstar and longtime Conservation International supporter Harrison Ford delivered welcoming remarks along with those by Gordon Moore and Gap Inc.'s Bob Fisher.Next a far-ranging conversation on conservation and energy ensued featuring former U. S. Secretary of State George P. Shultz and Farallon Capital Management’s Tom Steyer moderated by Sequoia Capital Partner Thomas Stephenson. During the conversation 92 year old Secretary Shultz displayed the latest in solar energy panels to the audience.After dinner, private Wealth Partner’s Ken Siebel spoke and introduced Conservation International’s Co-Founder, Chairman & CEO Peter Seligmann, who delivered a powerful keynote on the state of global environmental crisis and what Conservation International is doing to correct it around the world.

At the end of the dinner New York Times Columnist Thomas Friedman and his wife Ann took the stage to thank the guests and direct everyone to the dessert reception where they remained talking under the stars.The setting for the dinner was spectacular and Empire worked closely with the groundkeepers of the Gordon Moore estate to light the 100’+ redwood trees so that the they would be slowly lit as the sunset turned into nightfall. The event was attended by many of Silicon Valley’s best-known entrepreneurs and business leaders including Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom.

To learn more about Conservation International visit http://www.conservation.org/

Empire Entertainment once again had the pleasure of producing the 5th annual Internet Week New York festival, which featured hundreds of events around New York City between May 14 to 17, 2012. This year, the unique event, which celebrates NYC’s thriving Internet industry and community, was headquartered at Soho’s 55,000 square-foot event space, 82 Mercer.Festival co-founder David-Michel Davies aptly described the continuing need for such an event by saying, that, these days, it is the Internet instead of television that is at the forefront driving pop-culture today. Indeed, Mayor Bloomberg further corroborated this stating at his on-site press conference, “New York City is the place to be if you’re a growing tech start up,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “Our tech companies are looking for talent, and we want to make sure that everyone – no matter where they live today – knows about these jobs and is able to apply for them.”Having grown-out of its previous home at the Metropolitan Pavilion, the 4,000 guests milled about the enjoying presentations ranging from Buddy Media's "How to Master Social Advertising," Flavorpill's "Sifting for Culture on the Internet," to Yahoo's "Big Data, Big Solutions," and mingling with online-celebs including David Karp, founder and C.E.O. of Tumblr, David Carr, columnist for The New York Times, Mitchell Baker, Mozilla Foundation chairman. With more than 2,500 visitors each day and 500 companies represented, the space was strategically organized to create more intimate spaces for these exchanges, including three stages and various lounges furnished by official design partner Design Within Reach. The second floor transformed into a hub of innovators sharing and exploring ideas with each other in over 100 formal presentations and discussions.Highlights of the week included:· The opening day party at Internet Week HQ followed by the after-party at Tribeca Grand, featuring Performances by DJ Michna, MDNR, and Wild Belle· Keynote presentation by former Oakland Athletics General Manager, Billy Beane.· Recreating Startup City, the New York City way. Startup City was once hailed as the home of Silicon Alley during the initial tech boom of the early 00's and is now in the midst of an even more exciting wave of technological innovation and entrepreneurship. For this reason, Internet Week NY felt compelled to create our own mini-version of this amazing renaissance in Startup City, a curated and creatively designed footprint within the IWNY Headquarters where 12 up-and-coming startups showed the thousands of attendees their offerings.· Pete Cashmore, C.E.O of Mashable sitting down for a fireside chat with Mr. Davies as he reminisced about starting the largest independent website dedicated to news, information and resources for the connected generation at age 19 back in Scotland in 2005 out of his bedroom while Mr. Cashmore ruminated on the swiftly blurring lines between consumer and producer as users begin to activately creating, customizing and publishing content, not just passively consuming ready made products. Furthermore, Mr. Cashmore explored the notion of social media as a personal filter tool to help us make sense of the world around us while making it more personal and relevant.The festival once again expanded to a theatre space to accommodate longer presentations and conferences. Taking place on the ground floor of 82 Mercer, MediaPost held two day-long conferences, OMMA Mobile and OMMA Social. APPNATION hosted their conference & demo on all things mobile apps and Mozilla wrapped up the week with “Opting in to do not Track”, exploring new technologies that allow customers to opt out of third-party web tracking.Empire oversaw the 5th Annual Internet Week New York festival headquarters from conception to completion, coordinating registration for the thousands of guests, stage management and producing all of the presentations in the theater and on both HQ stages, and managing the event sponsors from the design process for their footprints in the space and all of their needs from load-in to load-out.

Cable's leader in reality programming, Bravo, held its annual upfront party, celebrating another successful year of growth in viewership as well as new initiatives into the digital marketplace. The party was held at the multi-level Center 548 in the Chelsea art district, where guests arrived on the iconic Bravo blue carpet and were greeted by a fleet of registration staff.

Guests were escorted inside the venue’s massive 300 square foot industrial freight elevator, dressed with blue carpet and bathed in light from the custom chandelier, comprised of linked neon tubes in Bravo’s passion colors. As the elevator began its ascent, the walls came to life with columns of LED lights while Bravo's on-air announcer Rick Gomez introduced guests to the night’s party theme: Powered by Bravo. The first visual element as the elevator doors opened was a 12' high array of light strips, crawling up to a warmly glowing canopy of light bulbs dropping at varying heights. Screens of steel conduit brimming with LED lights ran from floor to ceiling, piping in Bravo's passion colors throughout the space. The pipe motif continued to the stunning 20-ft custom bar, constructed entirely of horizontal runs of gold conduit pipes of various lengths. Caterer Creative Edge Parties collaborated with Roblé to execute the menu and provide staffing. Sleek lounge areas were designed for Bravo’s passion colors for Food, Fashion, Beauty, Design & Pop, and featured white tufted ottomans over round custom printed area rugs and topped with matching printed throw pillows and custom drop chandeliers.

To highlight their newest Passion Point, Digital, a digital mosaic was fabricated out of iPads, iPhones, Macbooks, and flat screen TVs, each showcasing the multitude of apps, games and websites Bravo is launching in the digital marketplace. A sculpture of 16 clustered talk bubbles emerged from a wall, serving as the stage backdrop and a focal point in the room. While simply up lit during cocktails, the talk bubbles came to life with a spectacular 3D video animation show to kick off executive remarks. Guests were then invited to head downstairs for a live taping of Bravo's hit late-night talk show, Watch What Happens Live! Seated cabaret-style alongside "Bravolebrities", guests were treated to an hour-long “All-Star Party” show -- all ringmastered by the ever-entertaining Andy Cohen. After this one-of-a-kind show, guests headed back upstairs where the room had been transformed for the after party. Gaming areas were revealed, treating guests to a variety of activities from skeeball and ping-pong, to a giant set of Connect Four. The talk bubble sculpture came to life again with a series of custom animations timed to the beats spun by DJ Mick Boogie which kept guests dancing.

Empire Entertainment worked closely with Bravo’s Trade Marketing, Creative and Press teams and served as overall event producer and designer for the program. Empire’s responsibilities included overall design and management, coordinating custom scenic, decor, audio/visual, catering, activities, venue, red carpet, talent travel logistics, graphic design, printing, permits and security.

Each year TIME publishes the TIME 100, a list of the 100 most influential people in the world. To celebrate the TIME 100 issue, TIME hosts an exclusive gala event in New York City attended by current and former TIME 100 honorees, celebrities, and leaders. The TIME 100 gala is one of the highest profile media events and once again, Empire was thrilled to serve as event producer. This year's TIME 100 Gala took place on April 24, 2012 at Frederick P. Rose Hall, home of Jazz at Lincoln Center. TIME Managing Editor Rick Stengel and TIME Vice President and Worldwide Publisher Kim Kelleher hosted the event. The TIME 100 consisted of multiple red carpets, a cocktail reception, a seated dinner and a stage program that combined musical and comedic performances with speeches. Sponsors included The Marriott Rewards® Premier Credit Card from Chase, Korean Air and Chivas Regal 25 Year Old Original.Performers at the 2012 TIME 100 Gala included Rihanna, Stephen Colbert and Raphael Saadiq. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gave the keynote address. Timothy Cardinal Dolan; Barbara Van Dahlen, Founder of Give an Hour; Dr. Freeman Hrabowski, President of the University of Maryland; and others made remarks.

The event was also attended by a who’s who of business, culture, sports, philanthropy, politics and science. Some of this year’s celebrated attendees included Kristin Wiig, Jeremy Lin, Chelsea Handler, Louis C. K, Matt Lauer, Aziz Ansari, Tilda Swinton, Claire Danes, Amy Poehler, Seth Meyers, Tyra Banks, Harvey Weinstein, Pete Cashmore, Dr. Mehmet Oz, Jose Andres, Ann Patchett, Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller, Rene Redzepi and many more.

For this event, all of the evening's production components require seamless execution and Empire was proud to once again work closely with the TIME team led by Ali Zelenko,Vice President, Communications, Time Inc. News Group; Carrie Dolen, Executive Director of Marketing Services, TIME; and Kristen Leoce, Events Director, TIME. Empire’s responsibilities ranged from securing the performing talent, coordinating with the venue and catering (provided by Great Performances), design & décor of all spaces, branding and sponsor fulfillment, step & repeat, staging, sound, lighting, video projection, video documentation, media feed, talent and presenter coordination, stage management, staffing and security.For more visit TIME.com for a brief summary of the 2012 TIME 100: http://newsfeed.time.com/2012/04/24/time-100-rihanna-clinton/

Empire Entertainment is one of the world’s leading producer of high profile events and is proud to again have been chosen to produce this remarkable program for TIME.

For the fourth consecutive year Empire Entertainment returned to Alice Tully Hall to produce the Film Society of Lincoln Center's annual Chaplin Award Tribute Gala. This year's star-studded Gala, the 39th annual, honored French film icon Catherine Deneuve.The Film Society's Chaplin Award Gala began in 1972 and honored Charles Chaplin – who returned to the US from exile to accept the commendation. Since then, the award has honored many of film's visionary talents, including Alfred Hitchcock, Billy Wilder, Laurence Olivier, Federico Fellini, Elizabeth Taylor, Bette Davis, James Stewart, Robert Altman, Martin Scorsese, Diane Keaton, Meryl Streep, Michael Douglas, Tom Hanks, and Sidney Poitier.This year's gala evening began with VIP cocktails in the Hauser Patron's Lounge in Alice Tully Hall before the 1000+ guests entered the Starr Theater for the all-star tribute program. The program began with a video retrospective of the Chaplin Awards through the years followed by remarks from the event committee chair Ann Tenenbaum and program director Richard Pena.The evening included a series of heartfelt tributes interspersed by film clips of Catherine Deneuve's work and past interviews. The presenters included Susan Sarandon, James Gray, Chiara Mastroianni, Francois Ozon, and Martin Scorsese.The clips included highlights from "Umbrellas of Cherbourg", "Repulsion", "Belle de Jour", "Hustle", "Donkey Skin", "The Last Metro", "The Hunger", "Indochine", "8 Women", and "A Christmas Tale” among others.One of the many highlights of the evening were remarks delivered by Deneuve's daughter Chiara Mastroianni in which she presented a slideshow of her mother's serious films with a comedic commentary.As the final presenter of the evening, Martin Scorsese at last presented Catherine Deneuve with the Chaplin Award. Deneuve then gave her heartfelt remarks and thanks while all of the evening's presenters stood by her side.The program was followed by a seated dinner at the David H. Koch theater's spectacular second-floor promenade overlooking the fountain in the Plaza of Lincoln Center.Empire served as the tribute producer for this high-stature event and was responsible for aspects ranging from creative and production design, to coordinating with presenters and talent, working with Lincoln center to provide production design and supervision, working with the Film Society to develop the run of show, script, and stage managing the event. Empire is a leading producer of high-profile award and tribute programs and is frequently engaged to present programs with international stature talent & celebrities.To learn more about the Film Society of Lincoln Center and to become a donor, visit www.filmlinc.com.

To promote Bravo’s new interior design show - Interior Therapy with Jeff Lewis, Bravo let loose a fleet of eye-catching, branded taxi cabs with custom interior designs on the streets of Manhattan offering free rides. Bravo called upon their upfront production partner Empire Entertainment to design and fabricate the custom interiors of the taxi cabs for this highly publicized 4-day stunt. The interior of each taxi cab was fully decked out in one of five design themes: Bohemian, 60s Mod, Glam, Aspen Ski Lodge & Moroccan. New Yorkers and tourists lucky enough to hitch a ride in one of these cabs were treated to a fully immersive experience in which every inch of the taxi’s passenger cabin was transformed with stylish materials. The backseats were made over into chic loveseats with custom upholstery and throw pillows. In front, temporary decorative walls were fabricated to create an immersive experience and featured a tablet running a video clip from Interior Therapy with Jeff Lewis. Between these walls sat a custom console table accented with fresh flowers or other theme-enhancing accessories such as a video fireplace in the Aspen ski lodge cab. The ceilings and doors in each cab were also tastefully dressed with wallpapers and fabrics, and a decorative rear wall was constructed behind each backseat featuring battery-powered lighting fixtures. To top off the experience, Empire also created a special musical play list for each cab theme transporting riders into the design theme and away from the city, if only for a short trip. The taxicab stunt was an instant success for Bravo, garnering a host of press coverage and driving viewer tune-in for the premiere of Interior Therapy with Jeff Lewis. Empire collaborated closely with Bravo’s Creative and Consumer Marketing teams on design and production. Empire’s team was responsible for design, sourcing materials, fabrication and production.

For Japan’s No.1 beer, “Asahi Super Dry”, Asahi wanted their new campaign to reflect the grand scale and aspirations of the brand. In response to this, Empire Entertainment Japan proposed the dramatic solution of tasking one of Hollywood’s top directors with that challenge, and together we have delivered the “Grand Shout”. Empire approached Hollywood’s multi-award winning director Michael Bay, director of such movies as “Pearl Harbor”, “Armageddon” and “Transformers”, to shoot a campaign comprised of short film, trailer and commercials. The commercial films feature Japan’s biggest rock star, Masaharu Fukuyama, performing his own specially written song, “Around The World”.Moab and Santa Fe in the United States provide the magnificent backdrop for the short films which consist of a teaser trailer, 15, 30, 60 and 90 second ads together with interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. The unique spot featured buffalo-mounted cameras and helicopters to capture Michael Bay’s grand vision.For this major project - under the guidance of Emmy Award-winning Executive Producer Theodore Miller - Empire Entertainment was in charge of casting, negotiating with and contracting Michael Bay to direct and produce the “Grand Shout”. In collaboration with Hakuhodo and post production agency TYO, the short films have been leveraged into a full 360°campaign.Needless to say - as witnessed by the incredible visuals and music – combining the talents of one of Hollywood’s finest movie-makers and Japan’s top rock performers, together with Empire’s production expertise resulted in a set of movie-like ads that ensure Asahi Super Dry, Japan’s No.1 beer brand remains at the forefront of audiences’ imaginations.The 90 second spot can be viewed HEREEmpire Entertainment is a leading provider of notable directors, actors and creative resources for advertising, industrial video and brand marketing projects. In addition to Michael Bay, Empire has delivered directors including George Lucas, Judd Apatow, Spike Lee, and Bennett Miller (Capote, Moneyball) for past projects.

Thrillist's members-only, online shopping destination JackThreads opened its first-ever Pop-Up in Union Square following Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Showcasing its exclusively male wares in the flesh for the first time, the popular web-based retailer invited throngs of passersby into a custom-designed shipping container to experience a curated sampling of their street-ready gear.A selection of spring's hottest clothing and accessories were displayed in five conveniently pre-assembled outfits against an industrial backdrop of diamond plate steel. With a sartorially inclined staff, armed only with iPads and an eye for style, inquisitive shoppers were expertly outfitted with clothing combinations from JackThreads' signature "looks", which they could also purchase on-site using the iPads and JackThreads' iPhone App.Besides browsing merchandise, shoppers were encouraged to have fun and interact with the brethren of stylists by posing for Polaroids with, appropriately, fake mustaches and beards. One lucky Polaroid subject would later win a full outfit from the JackThreads warehouse, which includes such brands as Ben Sherman, WeSC, GoodWood, and No Excess. JackThread's partner in styling, Gillette, offered a brand new Fusion ProGlide Styler complimentary with purchase.Clever signage inside and outside of the shipping container encouraged passersby to stop in and shop around. Onlookers -- tourists and jaded locals alike -- also used the opportunity to spread the word, snapping photos and sending out tweets about the flash-retail event. Empire Entertainment partnered with the Thrillist team on nearly every aspect of the Thrillist/JackThreads Pop-Up, from permitting, container rental and interior design, provision of Brand Ambassadors, round-the-clock security, branding & signage, generators, lighting, and more.Pop-Up Shops are undoubtedly a growing trend in contemporary marketing initiatives, offering an exciting and exclusive opportunity for any audience in any place to interact with any brand.

On February 9, 2012 Empire Entertainment was proud to produce the 1st annual TRANS4MATION EXPERIENCE event on behalf of seven-time Grammy winner will.i.am and his charitable organization, the i.am.angel Foundation. The purpose of the event was to raise money to support trans4ormation and revival in distressed communities, beginning with will.i.am’s own hometown, Boyle Heights in east Los Angeles. Held at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles on the eve of the Grammy Awards, over 1000 people came out to support i.am Angel Foundation including Estelle, Jessica Alba, Paris Hilton, Lee Ann Rimes, Mayor Anthony R. Villaraigosa of Los Angeles, Jay Sean and many others. will.i.am is best known for being a multi-platinum music artist, producer and front man for The Black Eyed Peas, though he is an innovator, entrepreneur and philanthropist as well. As the evening’s host, his message of trans4rming lives through education, opportunity and inspiration was driven home by an emotive program of speakers and video reels. Dr Robert Ross, President and CEO of California Endowment, David Silver, CEO of College Track and Carola McGiffert, Senior Advisor and Director of 100,000 Strong Initiative at the US Department of State all spoke about their commitment to developing communities and ensuring that more students have access to a college degree. Anthony R. Villaraigosa, the mayor of Los Angeles, spoke enthusiastically about will.i.am and his efforts to support his community and Golden Boy Oscar de la Hoya took the stage to rousing applause as he reminisced about his childhood roots in East LA. Guests were taken through a 360-degree projection of moving footage of East LA created by designer Richard Lasalle and seated in a stunning ballroom of sleek white leather lounge banquettes with graffiti inspired décor by notable grafitti artist Man One. They enjoyed the sumptuous menu of Wolfgang Puck before the highly anticipated three-hour high-energy concert performance began. Some of the highlights included will.i.am’s opener “It’s a New Day,” Coco Lee’s touching rendition of Adele’s cover, “Someone Like You,” K’naan’s crowd hit and World Cup theme song, “Waving the Flag” and Flo-rida’s latest chart topper, “Good Feeling.” Ne-Yo danced his way onstage with his smooth sounds of “All Because of You,” later joined by Taboo, jamming “Give Me Everything Tonight.” Legendary soulster and twenty-two time Grammy winner Stevie Wonder then took the stage for his feel–good harmonica and keyboard medley of “Superstition,” “I Wish,” “I just Called to Say I Love You,” and “My Cherie Amour.” Then the Black Eyed Peas set began with crowd pumping dance favorites, “Time of My Life,” “Dirty Bit,” “Let’s Get it Started” and Pump It, a duet with Coco Lee. Apl de ap beatboxed his hit, “You Can Be Anything,” and “Bebot.” The concert ended with Black Eyed Peas favorite “I Got a Feeling” with the whole audience dancing in their seats. All told, the event raised a whopping five million dollars in donations and commitments for the i.am.angel Foundation and their efforts to transform communities. Empire Entertainment served as overall event producer for the i.am.angel Foundation TRANS4MATION EXPERIENCE, managing all aspects of the event including venue contracting, logistics, catering, décor, onsite talent management and coordination, production, security and onsite management, collaborating with the i.am. angel Foundation, partners and donors. To find out how you can get involved with i.am.angel Foundation and help trans4rm communities around you, visit their website at iamangelfoundation.org “Inspiration without innovation is not good enough anymore. We need to have a clear vision for the future and then we need to transform that future. We transform the future by transforming communities and making the lives of people better.” will.i.am

The U. S. Department of State sponsors a program for foreign Chiefs of Diplomatic Missions to the United States to travel across the country several times a year. The program, entitled Experience America, seeks to build relationships, encourage business investment and trade, provide a forum for dialogue, and create opportunities for interchange between Chiefs of Diplomatic Missions and American leaders in a wide array of fields.

The most recent program took place in Los Angeles just after the busy Oscar Weekend. For the arrival night event Ambassador Capricia Penavic Marshall, Chief of Protocol of the United States, and Antonio R. Villaraigosa, Mayor of Los Angeles, hosted a reception and dinner to welcome the Chiefs of Diplomatic Missions and their spouses to Los Angeles in the spectacular setting of the Getty Center. Over 100 foreign Ambassadors and their spouses, representing countries around the globe attended this extraordinary evening. Guests arrived on top of the mountain on which the Getty sits just after sunset and were greeted by the Renaissance Arts Academy Orchestra playing classical music on the minimal travertine marble plaza.

Next they proceeded inside the Getty Center Rotunda for a cocktail reception where they were entertained by LA’s Promise wind ensemble while guests were led on brief tours of the highlights of the Getty Collection including Vincent van Gogh’s Irises.Following cocktails the 200 guests walked across the main plaza of the Getty Center to an extraordinary, clear V-shaped tent where dinner was served on a series of 80’ long banquet tables, elegantly set on white linens with white, linear place settings.

Once seated guests were greeted by a video message by secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton followed by The City of Dreams, a motion picture tribute to Los Angeles produced by Richard Kaufman of Goodspot. Next up Ambassador Marshall delivered welcome remarks in which she recognized the many dignitaries present including Ambassadors and Charge d’Affaires to the United States from countries including Albania, Azerbaijan, Cameroon, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Haiti, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Monaco, Nepal, Peru, Qatar, Tanzania and many more. Other speakers included Antonio R. Villaraigosa, the Mayor of Los Angeles, James Cuno, President & CEO of the J. Paul Getty Trust and His Excellency Meret Bairamovich Orazov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the United States and Acting Dean of the Diplomatic Corps. Others in attendance included Our America host Lisa Ling, Happy Hearts Fund Founder and supermodel Petra Nemcova and Kareem Abdul Jabbar. During the dinner the dignitaries were entertained by the Hamilton Jazz Group. The evening was smashing success and all of the attendees remained in the event long after dessert had been served, socializing and building bridges with America and each other.

For this singular, high stature project, Empire was engaged to serve as the evening’s overall producer and was responsible for coordinating elements of the program ranging from the Getty Center, tenting (provided by Classic Party Rentals), catering (provided by Bon Appetit), staging & technical production (provided by Showpro), florals (provided by Eggs LA) and overall event management.

Empire is a leading producer of high stature government events for the most distinguished audiences worldwide. Empire is proud to serve the U. S. Department of States on this and other important diplomatic initiatives.

For the highly anticipated launch of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue 2012, Sports Illustrated selected Empire Entertainment to provide celebrity entertainment for their marquee event in Las Vegas.At Club SI Swimsuit, the final night of launch week at the Caesars Palace Pure Nightclub, Empire secured Grammy Award-winner Bruno Mars and his band to perform for an audience of swimsuit models and 1,000 guests and sponsors.

Following the stage program and Swimsuit model reveal, Bruno Mars and his band took the stage to perform a 45 minute set of covers like “Kiss,” “Whole Lotta Love,” “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and “Roxanne” as well as his hits “Grenade” and “Just the Way Your Are” that had the entire club on their feet.Empire was responsible for securing Bruno Mars and handled all details relating to his performance with the Sports Illustrated Events team. Empire also worked closely with Team Epic who staged all of the launch week events.

Empire is a leading provider of high-profile talent for media events.

A 50th birthday only comes around once. So when a leading retailer wanted to celebrate their 50th anniversary with a bang, they and their meeting planning agency turned to Empire Entertainment to secure a headline entertainer to celebrate this great milestone. With employees of all ages from all over the country converging on Orlando for their annual sales meeting, it was important to bring in the right talent whose performance would appeal across all of the audience demographics. With the element of surprise for the attendees a main concern with the client, Empire worked with all parties, including the venue, to ensure total secrecy of the headliner's identity.After a day full of breakout sessions and keynotes, the attendees were looking forward to letting their hair down and having a good time. To open the evening's entertainment, Empire secured comedian and television personality, Tom Papa. Tom warmed up the crowd of 2,700 for 20 minutes with non-stop laughter ending his set with a standing ovation. Before exiting the stage, Tom gave one final announcement. "It is my great pleasure to introduce my friend, Jerry Seinfeld" The stunned and delighted audience immediately jumped to their feet and applauded with excitement as Jerry stepped on stage. Delivering his world famous stand-up performance, Seinfeld had the attendees in stitches for his entire 60 minute set. Following their performance, both entertainers took the time to meet with executives and VIPs for a quick conversation and photo.Empire Entertainment is a worldwide leader in headline entertainment booking.

At the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show, Cheil USA enlisted Empire Entertainment to deliver musical talent to promote Samsung’s new product, the Galaxy Note.Empire's task was to provide contemporary, engaging headline music performances by a tech-savvy artist that could utilize and incorporate Galaxy Notes into their songs and performance. The musical performances would take place over three days in a promotional space that recreated a street art scene. Cheil built the promotional space in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. To meet the needs of the client and to complement the setting, Empire recommended and delivered Body Language, an emerging band from Brooklyn.Empire was able to work with Body Language to develop an original performance that artistically integrated the Galaxy Notes technology into their music as supporting instruments. Moreover, the band’s music - an eclectic mix of electro, pop, dance, funk, soul, and jazz, was a great fit for the booth’s concept of free-spirited, modern art scene with a touch of futuristic technology.The combination of Body Language and the event setting broke through the clutter and attracted heavy traffic throughout the three day period. The Central Hall location ensured that every single attendee passed by the Samsung space and this year the number of attendees was record-breaking, reaching over 153,000 people.As a result of this project, the Samsung Galaxy Notes achieved massive exposure with the help of Body Language’s extraordinary performance and catchy tunes. In support of the musical attraction, caricature artists also drew portraits of attendees with the Samsung Galaxy Note that could be printed on t-shirts as gifts for attendees.CES is the world’s leading and biggest technology and electronics trade show which is held annually in Las Vegas. It reaches across global markets, connects industries and encourages innovation for more than 2,000 corporate members involved in design, development, manufacturing, distribution, and integration of consumer electronics products.For video from the event, click here.Empire Entertainment has been serving clients like Cheil / Samsung with unique talent solutions at Consumer Electronics Show for almost two decades.

On January 19th 2012, Nike invited international press and influencers to the launch of their latest product, the Nike Fuel band.

Guests wore the Fuel Band, which kept track of each mile, minute, and calorie, while they traveled to various activity locations throughout the entire city.Nike took their guests to unique, in-the-know locations throughout the city that added a layer of authenticity and character essential to the experience of each activity.

Some of these experiences included a double dutch performance at an industrial Brooklyn warehouse, pizza making at Williamsburg hot spot, Roberta’s, and a workout led by the Bartendaz at Brooklyn Barbells, an elite weightlifting facility.

The day of the launch, Empire staffed activity locations to ensure each member of the press had a fun and high-end workout experience. Empire provided every location with a women’s and men’s Freshen-Up Kit and a guests refreshments table fit for the pickiest of locavores and gourmands. Both the Freshen-Up kit and the refreshments were sourced through local companies to tie in the personality and life style of the city, making it truly unique New York City experience for international press.

Filmmaker Casey Neistat was one of Nike's guests to the event and documented his experience: Click here to watch.

Radical also installed a motion-sensor Fuel Light Wall, inspired by the Fuel Band: Click here to watch.

Empire was proud to partner with Radical Media once again to help them deliver an engaging, live-event experience for Nike.

Over the years Empire has delivered A-list talent in many incredible settings around the globe. Never was this more true than last month when Empire delivered Lionel Richie to perform on Lastochka, a spectacular ship docked on the frozen Moskva River in Moscow, Russia, while the temperature outside read minus 20 degrees Celsius. The occasion was a birthday celebration for one of the most successful businessmen in Russia, and 150 of his closest friends.After some Russian toasts and speeches by the attendees to the guest of honor, Empire brought Lionel Richie to the stage to launch into a concert performance that didn't waste time getting to his biggest hits. Ritchie opened the show with "Easy (Like Sunday Morning)" and then moved onto to three more classic ballads to warm the crowd up ("Penny Lover", "Sail On", and "Stuck On You"). Then Lionel kicked into high gear with his 80's smash, "Dancin' On The Ceiling" and then went a bit further back in time for his #1 hit with The Commodores, "Brick House". With the audience completely thrilled with the musical performance, Lionel endeared himself personally to the group by inviting the evening's host to share vocals with him on "Say You, Say Me". In spite of the language barrier, it was a moment that made the audience part of the show as the host and Lionel walked among the attendees singing, and the entire crowd sang the chorus. Lionel then kept the couples on the dance floor for one more slow dance to "Hello", before ending the performance with a lively performance of "All Night Long" which had the crowd dancing in a conga line as Lionel thanked them and departed the stage.Following the performance the happy client joined Lionel in his green room, where Lionel was happy to meet several of the host's closest friends, take some photos, and have some laughs. Empire is proud to serve clients throughout the world with headline talent booking and comprehensive event production services. In addition to Lionel Richie in Moscow, Empire has recently presented Rob Schneider for several performances in India, Il Divo at a nationally broadcast event in Vietnam, and many more. Since being founded in 1993, Empire has contracted and produced artists to perform in more than 65 countries worldwide.

To honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, an international technology company looked to Empire Entertainment to deliver a world-renown keynote speaker whose personal achievements embodied the lasting commitment to reflection, action and change promoted by Dr. King. Empire recommended internationally-acclaimed director and producer Spike Lee who is known for his bold, unapologetic style, and outspoken point-of-view.Appearing before an audience of close to 1,000 employees, Lee engaged in an intimate discussion of his films and the many ways in which Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and ideals have impacted the way he works. Guests were given the opportunity to ask the director about his philosophy and creative process as well as the socio-political issues at the heart his best-known films.Integrating the program’s overarching theme of Inspiration to Action, the Q&A sparked an interactive discussion between Spike Lee and his audience, that challenged and inspired guests to apply their own gifts to continue the work of Dr. King in taking action to better the company and their own respective communities.Empire handled the negotiation and contracting of Spike Lee’s services, coordination of all logistics, including precision arrival and departure planning and facilitated direct creative discussion among Spike Lee and the client.

Empire is proud to present the world’s leading speakers and is a leading source for keynote speakers of global stature that can inform, educate and entertain audiences.

When one of Israel’s fastest-growing insurance companies was looking to bring their executive management team to New York City for its annual conference, they turned to Empire to design and produce the full 3-day event. Every year the CEO surprises his management team with a trip where they discuss the coming year’s business plan. Each trip is organized around one of the company’s major tenets through specially curated activities. This year’s theme was “challenge,” which was incorporated into key programs throughout the trip.Working together with a marketing team local to the client, Empire handled everything from their arrival to departure. Looking for a boutique hotel close to Central Park, we booked the guests at Le Parker Meridien. For many of these guests it was their first visit to New York so much of the itinerary was designed to give them a first hand taste of the Big Apple. This included eating at classic restaurants such as the Carnegie Deli, traveling via Subway like native New Yorkers, and visiting historic locations such as the United Nations & the 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero.Kicking off the conference, Empire helped coordinate a briefing from the Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Ron Proser by securing a private room within the UN and handling all of the audio visual needs. Ambassador Proser was able to give guests a feeling of home while discussing the constant challenges he faces in his position. The theme really took off at the first dinner, where guests were divided into 7 teams and were given the first challenges commencing the city wide scavenger hunt the group would participate in throughout the second day.Edie Lutnick, Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund, inspired guests on the second morning with a talk about the tragedy and challenges surrounding the events of 9/11 and those family members and companies it affected. From there the attendees paid their respects at the memorial at Ground Zero and began the daylong scavenger hunt. This included solving clues directing teams to capture pictures of the Statue of Liberty, MetLife building, each other ice-skating at Rockefeller Center and the Atlas statue on 5th Avenue.The day culminated in a gala dinner at Apella designed by Empire, where The Honorable Mayor Rudy Giuliani gave an engaging speech to the executive team about the challenges of leadership. Empire produced all aspects of the dinner including lighting, décor, entertainment and all audio, video & media needs. Afterwards the groups celebrated by performing choreographed and lip-sung remixes of hit songs about their company and boss, followed by a dance party featuring one of the best corporate DJ’s.The pinnacle of the three-day trip was on the last day when, as a surprise to all of the employees, Empire secured the Thompson Reuters and NASDAQ billboards in Times Square welcoming the company to New York City. After all this excitement, the company finally settled into NASDAQ Market Site for their actual conference where Empire booked and secured the venue, a kosher caterer, and again handled all audio, visual and media needs.

Empire is a worldwide producer of company meetings, managing all aspects of a conference including stage production, technical production, video, photography, site selection, contracting, logistics, catering, décor, talent coordination, security and on-site supervision.

For the 2nd year in a row, the Bank of Tokyo - Mitsubishi UFJ (BTMU) entrusted Empire to produce their annual holiday party at the famed Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City in December 2011.Empire worked closely with BTMU’s Lee Linderman, Vice President, Corporate Sponsorships & Events, to design a Latin event theme to highlight BTMU’s operations in South America. By infusing the natural elements found in Latin America, Empire transformed the stately Cipriani into a tropical paradise. Twelve-foot palm trees towered overhead and exotic tropical flora consisting of huge green elephant ear leaves, yellow orchids and red helaconia florals garnished the bars, topped buffets and adorned tables dressed in shimmering green linens. The 40-ft high ceiling was washed in amber foliage patterns by the lighting design by Star Group.As guests arrived, they were greeted by the enticing sounds of a Brazilian jazz band. Later, in anticipation of the speaking program, samba percussionists took to the stage to create a dramatic lead-in for the remarks by Tony Marino, Head of Human Resources and CEO Masa Tanaka. Following remarks, guests were treated to a surprise dance performance by ZeeCee, featuring Tanaka’s son Zabu and dance partner Chris. ZeeCee displayed their slick pop-n-lock moves to an original mix while the intelligent lighting system added dynamic lighting effects on the dance floor. Both the remarks and the dance number were captured by the 2-camera IMAG team and projected onto the large 9’x16’ screen over the stage.Cipriani strayed from their classic Italian fare to feature a Latin American menu offering items such as ceviche, steak with chimichurri, empanadas and desserts drizzled with tres leches sauce. While some guests stuck to the dance floor, others hovered around the main central bar, a stunning white plexi 16’x16’ square glowing with amber LEDs. Matching white plexi and amber LED lounge tables flanked the dance floor with sleek white leather banquettes and custom palm print throw pillows.In an adjoining lounge area, guests could play a few rounds at the golf simulator or take photos with friends at the 2 green screen photo booths, which featured distinctively South American backgrounds including Machu Picchu and an Amazonian waterfall. Halfway through the party, guests got to see their photos (as well as everyone else’s photos -- including CEO Masa Tanaka’s own shots) projected onto the large video screen.In addition to providing décor & design, entertainment, stage management and technical direction of sound, lighting, video and staging, Empire was in charge of overseeing the check-in and distribution of custom pre-printed name badges for all 1,300 guests, which began early in the afternoon at BTMU’s offices in NYC and Jersey City. Empire also managed the round-trip bus transportation of 500 guests from Jersey City to Cipriani 42nd Street. Both Empire and BTMU were pleased at having produced a stellar, high level holiday party in spite of strict budgetary guidelines and constraints in a time of fiscal austerity. Empire is a leading creative producer of business meetings and events worldwide.

For the third consecutive year, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton hosted “Diplomacy at Home for the Holidays” at the Diplomatic Reception Rooms at the Department of State. This annual event honors the service, dedication and sacrifice of U.S. Government employees and their families who endure long periods of separation due to assignments in hardship posts around the world. This year, Empire worked with the Office of the Chief of Protocol to bring together a unique partnership with Internet voice & video phone service Skype to help bring these separated families together over the holiday season using new and innovative technologies.Using Skype, families attending the event in Washington DC were able to celebrate and re-connect live in a meaningful way with their mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and other loved ones serving at U.S. Embassies around the world. During the holiday event for approximately 350 guests a Skype Group Video call was initiated so that personnel around the world could view a live stream of the program hosted by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. Skype was also set up on several laptops outfitted with webcams around the Benjamin Franklin State Dining Room for families to use.During the event, children of U.S. diplomats serving unaccompanied tours, and children from the respective foreign embassies in Washington DC, also prepared Hallmark cards, recordable storybooks and art projects for those serving abroad. As an expression of gratitude, the completed projects were sent to the recognized hardship embassies for display during the holiday season.The highlight of the event came during the stage remarks by Secretary of State Clinton and Ambassador Capricia Marshall when Jennifer Mauldin and her family came onstage to talk about the challenges of being apart from her husband. In the midst of her remarks a surprise reveal moment occurred when Jimmy Mauldin suddenly appeared live at the event via Skype video call from Pakistan where he is serving a year in the Economic Section at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad. The family, children and the entire audience teared up during this touching digital reunion.In honor of this event and inspired by the history and significance of the Diplomatic Reception Rooms, interior designer Erinn Valencich created holiday decorations to complement the existing collections and colors in each room. The decorations would remain on display through the month of December in the Benjamin Franklin State Dining Room, Thomas Jefferson State Reception Room and James Monroe Reception Room on the eighth floor of the Harry S Truman building. Every day, the Diplomatic Reception Rooms play host to the most senior levels of American diplomacy and showcase our nation’s heritage to visitors from around the world. These stately rooms are maintained without taxpayer or government funds.Empire was honored to make the connection between its clients with the U. S. State Department and Skype and to develop what is sure to be a growing partnership in years to come.A full transcript of the evening's remarks is available at http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/12/178868.htmYou can learn more about starting to use Skype at http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/support/user-guides/start-skype/. You can also find more info about making video calls using Skype at http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/support/user-guides/video-calling/.Empire is a leading producer of innovative events for clients in both the private and public sector and is honored to serve our country.

The Gotham Independent Film Awards is an elegant dinner gala staged every year by the Independent Filmmaker Project. The funds raised by the event are channelled to independent filmmakers through the IFP's many programs and services. The Gothams are held at Cipriani's iconic Wall Street location, and are the marquee event of New York's prestigious independent film world.

At the 2011 Gotham Awards, tribute presenter and pint-sized comedian Patton Oswalt delivered one of the most memorable lines of the night as he stood at the podium with freakishly tall Charlize Theron draped on his left shoulder: "Yeah, this is what people really want to see. Charlize Theron with a bag of flour." Theron was one of four Gotham Awards tributees, along with Gary Oldman, director David Cronenberg and producer Tom Rothman, and one of many celebrities attending the star-studded 2011 Gotham Independent Film Awards. Ang Lee, Jim Jarmusch, Edie Falco, Alec Baldwin, Oliver Platt, Tilda Swinton and many others were out in force to support independent filmmakers and kick off the Oscars award season. This was Empire Entertainment 's fourth year producing the event.

Leading online music streaming service Spotify, which launched in the United States in July 2011, held its first ever press conference on November 30, 2011, unveiling the Spotify Platform, and announcing, “this is the beginning of something game-changing for digital music." The press conference introduced Spotify's new platform and a range of apps, created in partnership with some of the best and brightest brands in the world.

The fastest-growing and most popular music service of its kind, the Swedish-founded Spotify is quickly changing the face of the music industry; with more than 10 million active users, over 2.5 million paying subscribers, and now available in 12 countries. The press conference was delivered by Spotify Founder and CEO Daniel Ek, who was joined on stage by the CEOs of a number of the partner apps, including Jann Wenner, the iconic founder of Rolling Stone. CEOs from Last.FM, Tunewiki, and Songkick also shared the stage with Ek to discuss their respective apps, and answer questions from the audience on the impact the development of the Spotify Platform would have on the Spotify user experience, and on the music industry at large. Up and coming indie pop band, fun, gave a fantastic acoustic performance to cap off the stage presentation before guests were invited to interact with the custom-built partner installations Empire placed around the room, allowing guests to demo the new apps. To punctuate the initiative of accessibility, the event was live streamed to audiences in London and Stockholm as well as to individual media outlets around the globe – an idea that not only extended the reach of the event, but also resulted in the press conference becoming the number one trending topic on Twitter in real time.

For attendees in NYC, Empire layered and enriched the event experience with multiple elements that underscored the Spotify brand and created a much buzzed-about experience. Large-scale custom-designed graphics and Spotify visuals populated the room, while a guest-curated Spotify playlist emanated from the speakers. Unique and innovative catering offered additional fodder for the press blogs, while installations showcased the newly-announced Spotify applications designed to enhance user experience.

“As seems to be Spotify’s style, the event has unusually high production values: waiters are handing out espressos and bite-sized breakfast foods that I’ve never heard of (but are quite delicious). The company has a custom backdrop for the stage featuring music-themed illustrations.” -Jason Kincaid, Tech Crunch

“The platform was announced at a press conference in New York that bore all the hallmarks of Apple and Facebook's set-piece keynotes, with chief executive Daniel Ek outlining the news with the help of several partners.” -Stuart Dredge, Guardian.co.uk

Empire is a leading producer of innovative product launches and announcements and is a leading event marketing agency to some of today’s fastest growing Internet and media brands.

When E18 & L'Experience, both highly-respected producers of live and corporate events in India, sought an internationally known comedian to perform a 5-city tour, they turned to Empire Entertainment to deliver Rob Schneider, star of films such as "Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo", "Grown Ups", and "50 First Dates".The event sponsor, Black Dog Scotch Whisky, have built a reputation for hosting India's top comedy events and raised the bar with Rob Schneider's recent visit to Pune, Bangalore, Kolkata, Gurgaon (New Delhi), and Mumbai/Bombay.One of India’s top comedians, Mumbai-based Sorabh Pant, was the opening act throughout the tour. His 20-minute performance each night got the audience revved up for the evening's headliner.When Rob Schneider took the stage he was greeted by a roar of applause from the 600-1000 audience members, complete with fans shouting catchphrases from his various films. His set of 60-75 minutes began with 15 minutes of humorous observations and jokes on India and his experiences during the trip which he tailored to each city's unique culture. His material on what it's like working in Hollywood and more universal topics such as marriage cut though culture barriers and resonated strongly with the Indian audiences who roared with laughter throughout all performances.This first-ever visit by Rob Schneider included extensive press coverage from every major newspaper in India, including Times of India and Malayala Manorama, as well as television interviews with CNN/IBN and CNBC.Empire is a leading advisor and partner to international producers and talent buyers on every continent and a gateway to world-class entertainment. Empire is proud to partner with E18 & L'Experience in India and similar organizations throughout the world who have contributed to our work history of projects in 65 countries to date.

On November 7, 2011, Microsoft publically released their new Windows Phone 7.5 software in a BIG way by building a six-story mobile phone in Herald Square, and activating it with a full day of interactive performances, free food, and a headline performance by Far East Movement.For this large undertaking, Empire was engaged by Microsoft to work closely with Seattle-based creative agency, Wexley School for Girls, and The Production Network to make sure that the five hour event went flawlessly. Empire worked closely with the Mayor’s Office and a variety of NYC agencies to secure the various event location permits for Broadway between 34th & 35th Streets, plus the surrounding streets for production vehicles and equipment to support the nearly week-long production. In addition to location permits Empire acquired additional permits from the Department of Buildings, Department of Transportation, Department of Health, FDNY and NYPD.Next up was talent: For a rocking lunch time concert, Empire booked and secured the Far East Movement to perform a 15-minute headline set, including their international hit, “Like a G-6”. Returning at the end of the day was the Far East Movement’s own, DJ Vermin, who spun hits for over an hour, turning Herald Square into an impromptu, outdoor dance club! Once the band was secured, it was on to securing local celebrities, actors, singers, and dancers to perform a series of vignettes created by Wexley that brought the phone applications to life throughout the day. These included: The voice of the phone, Cortana, Reporters from Accuweather, dance performances by “Zombies vs Aliens,” a “Fruit Ninja,” “Chefs,” onstage mini-makeovers, a Fitness Expert, The Humane Society, with live kittens for adoption, a real life marriage proposal, among others! Additionally, Empire secured all of the costumes and props, including Original Ray’s Pizza and popcorn, which were dispensed to the crowd. The full day event was a huge success, with locals and tourists alike, visiting the phone structure that combined huge LED displays with live stages. For more information, and a video mashup, please visit:http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=PitGqCeJF8chttp://www.bizbash.com/microsoft_debuts_new_windows_software_with_six-story_mobile_device/newyork/story/21851Empire is a leading event marketing agency that supports clients and partner companies with innovative event marketing events in New York City and around the world.

On November 15, 2011, Empire Entertainment once again served as producer of the Coalition for the Homeless’ 17th annual ARTWALK NY – New York's premier contemporary art auction event. More than 900 art collectors, art appreciators and celebrities came together in Skylight Studio for a night of festivities, including a live and silent auction.The core of ARTWALK was a silent and live auction featuring over 130 works of contemporary art donated by some of the world’s most celebrated artists from Andy Warhol, Shepard Fairey, Wade Guyton, Invader and Yoko Ono. All of the biggest names in the art world were represented and up for auction, all benefiting the Coalition’s efforts to end homelessness in New York City and beyond.The evening began with hors d’oeuvres by Canard and cocktails graciously provided by Star Vodka, Beck’s, The Odeon and Sud de France. Food was provided by several of New York’s best restaurants, including Macao Trading Company, Michael’s and Edi and the Wolf.In the live auction room, co-chairs Alec Baldwin, Carey Lowell, Richard Gere and honorary chair Coco Rocha took the stage to acknowledge the important work and various projects of the Coalition for the Homeless. When the live auction bidding began, Phillips de Pury auctioneer Aileen Agopian auctioned off a Shepard Fairey original painting as well as works by Andy Warhol, Wade Guyton, Ed Ruscha, Jenny Holzer and others.The rest of Skylight’s cavernous space served as a gallery for the silent auction. Throughout the night, guests bid on and purchased works from established artists like Yoko Ono, Leonard Rosenfeld, Olaf Breuning, and Christo. The silent auction featured works ranging from paintings and photographs to sculptures and installation pieces.The event was sponsored by FENDI and featured an exclusive FENDI Lounge where guests could relax on lounge furnishings between bidding sessions. Working closely with Coalition for the Homeless’ events team, Empire Entertainment served as overall producer of the event and was responsible for aspects ranging from event design, selected art solicitation (including the Andy Warhol piece), layout, production and logistics to décor, restaurant coordination and music.ARTWALK NY raised over $850,000 for the Coalition for the Homeless and reached the highest attendance in the event’s 17 years. Empire Entertainment is honored to have worked in collaboration with the Coalition for the Homeless and its many supporters, to make this year’s ARTWALK NY event the most successful one yet. To learn more about the Coalition for the Homeless or to get involved and donate, visit www.coalitionforthehomeless.org

The Happy Hearts Fund, an organization founded by model Petra Nemcova and dedicated to rebuilding sustainable schools in areas devastated by natural disasters, held their annual Land of Dreams event at the Metropolitan Pavilion on November 5th, 2011. This year’s event focused on Haiti and the tremendous need following the devastation of the 2010 earthquake. Empire was engaged to help produce the multi-faceted evening and to transform the Metropolitan Pavilion into an authentic environment that showcased the best of Haiti. On the evening of the event. Guests traveled over a mango carpet, past a projected departures board and were checked in for their journey to Haiti by stunning stewardesses in full uniform who handed out boarding cards and passports to all of the Haitian sites inside.Once inside festive music from a traditional Haitian band and specialty rum cocktails welcomed guests to the warmly lit reception in the expansive event space. Surrounding the room, a series of Haitian vignettes showcased highlights of Haiti. In the Iron Market Guests sampled mango, pineapple, bananas and Haitian coffee beans displayed in large wooden bowls and baskets. In the Pirate Bar, costumed bartenders served rum concoctions and Caribbean specialties in front of an authentic recreation of a pirate ship. In the Haitian School, guests read hand-drawn phrases in Creole on a blackboard and also wrote their own names on individual bricks symbolizing their individual commitment to provide the bricks needed to build new schools. In the Haitian Art station guests admired colorful paintings by Michel Brudent, a renowned Port au Prince artist. In the Urban Zen space Donna Karan’s team created a visually sumptuous display of Haitian housewares and crafts including handmade ironworks, carved wooden candelabras, papier-mâché sculptures, and horn jewelry. In the Beach Shack Haiti’s beautiful coast came to life around an aged wood structure outfitted with swaying palm trees, a projection of the water lapping Caribbean shores and a real live Macaw parrot. In the final station, Empire recreated Haiti’s iconic Citadel, where volunteers shared facts about the legendary fort and important Haitian history alongside a full size cannon, cannonballs and Haitian flags. After the cocktail reception, guests moved into the North Pavilion for the seated dinner and program. Bloomberg Television’s Margaret Brennan, the emcee of the evening, introduced the founder of the Happy Hearts Fund, the stunning Petra Nemcova and Executive Director, Phil Caputo who welcomed guests and set the tone for the evening to come. The dinner program also featured remarks by honorees Rene Haugrud and tireless Haiti relief activist Sean Penn who has lived and worked for much of the past year in Haiti. Grammy Award-winner Josh Groban and his band gave a heart-felt performance of three songs including his famous, “You Raise Me Up.” After dinner auctioneer Simon De Pury, of Phillips de Pury & Company, raised over $1 million dollars in an action packed live auction that included lots ranging from use of a Caribbean villa and an insider’s Victoria’s Secret Show experience to a custom James Bond mission and an exquisite Damien Hirst artwork entitled Mantra that sold for $100,000. For the grand finalé of the evening, Haitian musician and global sensation Wyclef Jean and delivered a high energy party performance that drew Petra Nemcova, Sean Penn and the rest of the guests out of their seats, onto the stage, and past midnight as they danced on chairs and tables in their black-tie attire. In addition to the evening events, Happy Hearts Fund hosted 300 children at the Metropolitan Pavilion earlier in the afternoon for an array of educational, interactive and kid-friendly activities all focused on Haiti. The Children learned traditional Haitian dances, painted their faces, created Haitian jewelry, learned to draw with a renown Haitian artist and even talked to the parrot.Working closely with Happy Hearts Fund, Empire served as Producer of the Land of Dreams, managing elements including décor, technical production, performing talent and stage management. To learn more about the efforts of the Happy Hearts Fund or to donate, please visit happyheartsfund.org. Empire is proud to serve charitable organizations like the Happy Hearts Fund and to help support their important work in Haiti, Indonesia, India and Peru.

On November 3, Empire Entertainment was once again proud to serve Keep a Child Alive as Producer of their 8th annual Black Ball Gala at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. Graciously sponsored by Sachin & Saurabh Foundation, this year’s event featured extraordinary performances and collaborations by Alicia Keys, Usher, will.i.am, Norah Jones, Jay Sean, Richie Sambora, Gary Clark Jr, Midival Punditz and Karsh Kale.

A star-studded guest list of over 700 came to support Keys and Keep a Child Alive, an organization providing life-saving support to children and families affected by HIV/ AIDS in Africa and India. Clive Davis, Serena Williams, Queen Latifah, Tyra Banks, Keys’ husband, producer Swizz Beatz, Russell Simmons, and Padma Lakshmi were among many others who came to show their support in the fight against the global AIDS pandemic.This year’s event focused on India, marking Keep a Child Alive's new presence there. Guests entered the venue and were immersed in a stunning decor reminiscent of an old opulent India designed by Creative Director of Keep a Child Alive, Earle Sebastian, and designer Bruce Thompson. Hanging marigold entryways, tufted fabric walls with antique framed images, and backlit bars featuring traditional Indian patterns created a majestic setting for the evening.

Following cocktails, the guests moved into the main hall of Hammerstein Ballroom into a breathtaking candlelit oasis where they enjoyed a delicious Indian-inspired dinner menu served by Creative Edge Catering. All wine and spirits for the evening were generously donated by Sherry-Lehmann Wine & Spirits. Powerful emotive graphic messages and a series of films about the work and impact of Keep a Child Alive in India were projected onto multi-leveled projection screens.Like every year, The Black Ball honors individuals whose remarkable acts of giving have helped to transform lives.

This year’s Ball honored New Yorker, Anthony Scaramucci the managing partner of SkyBridge Capital who pledged that he and SkyBridge would raise $1 million for KCA next year.This year KCA also honored the late George Harrison for his spiritual, musical and philanthropic legacy throughout the world. Olivia Harrison, George’s wife, told the audience, “Tonight we’re all here because of the compassion and courage of two people who never met,” and pledged a donation to Keep a Child Alive. Alicia went on to say that George’s love of India’s philosophy, culture and people helped raised consciousness of the world and helped give rise to music’s first large scale rock & roll benefit concert, The Concert for Bangladesh, that took place in 1971 in New York City. The spirit of the late George Harrison was felt at the event as Keys honored him for helping "people change their view of how to act as humanitarians."

After a touching program, a Sotheby’s auctioneer and KCA advocate Tyra Banks worked together onstage to auction a series of incredible once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The duo worked in unity to auction an adventure to India, private tennis lessons with Serena Williams, a dinner party for 10 with Naomi Watts and Ed Norton, an America’s Top Model makeover experience with Tyra Banks and Fred Leighton bracelets worn by Ms. Keys herself. The auction raised over $300,000.

The concert program for which the Black Ball is renowned began led by Alicia Keys and her incredible band. Keys orchestrated an evening of tributes where all artists covered one of Harrison’s most remembered songs as well as their own material. Indian fusion musicians Midival Punditz and electronic composer Karsh Kale opened the set with “Within You Without You,” followed by Jay Sean and Keys sultry R&B duet of hit ballad “Something.” It was then blues–rock guitarist Gary Clark Jr.’s turn who jammed with Alicia on “My Guitar Gently Weeps” and brought the audience to their feet. Norah Jones then came onstage to deliver a sweet solo rendition of “Don’t Know Why” and a duet of “Isn’t a Pity” with Alicia Keys. Usher again brought the audience to their feet with his high energy “OMG,” later joined by Bon Jovi Guitarist Richie Sambora.

The evening concluded with a pop performance of Black Eyed Peas member will.i.am, singing “Where is the Love,” into Harrison’s “Got my Mind Set on You,” and a crowd pumping version of “I Got a Feeling.” All told, the 2011 Black Ball raised over $3 million for AIDS affected children and families in Africa and India.Once again,

Empire Entertainment served as overall event producer for the Black Ball and managed aspects of the event including site selection and contracting, logistics, catering, décor, talent coordination, technical production, security and onsite management. Empire Entertainment is proud to serve as partner of Keep a Child Alive in saving lives and raising awareness in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa and India.

On October 27th and 28th 2011, Empire Entertainment produced the first Russian Business and Investment Summit at the New York Stock Exchange. This summit was created to jumpstart American and foreign participation in Russia’s economic growth and to boost activity of listings and trading on the NYSE Euronext. In addition to production management, Empire created outreach materials that activated powerful sponsorships such as Ernst & Young, Russian Standard Vodka and Terex Corporation.CEOs of major Russian corporations, American investors and government officials were invited to meetings and panel discussions to impart valuable perspectives on the current state of Russia’s business and economy. Topics included a broad range, from policy-making trends to environmental regulations. Key speakers included Stuart Lawson, Executive Director and Senior Adviser at Ernst & Young, Congressman Bob Turner and esteemed officials, Deputy Minister Stanislav Voskresenskiy of the Russian Federation’s Ministry of Economic Development and James D. Wolfensohn, Former President of the World Bank.For the first day of the summit, Empire helped to bring together major players of Russian business by organizing one on one meetings between public and private Russian companies and investment funds at the Flatotel in midtown Manhattan. Attendees were provided with private meeting rooms to discuss valuable opportunities in their future relationships and to provide in-depth insight into the state of their businesses. After a day of business meetings, participants were invited to an Opening Gala reception that evening at the Ana Tzarev Gallery. Empire coordinated the cocktail reception complete with a fashion presentation of Russian couture fashion. Guests indulged in drinks sponsored by Russian Standard Vodka, Dozortsev & Sons, and Zhiguli Beer and lavished over Russian influenced hors d’oeuvres provided by Tatiana Restaurant. Roaming models showcased fashions designed by Oksana Remi Couture, Alex Teih, Helen Yarmak and accessories by Alex Soldier Jewelry and M.Y. Accessories. Meanwhile, guests enjoyed each other’s company against the backdrop of Ana Tzarev’s vibrant and richly colored paintings.The second day of the summit took place at the New York Stock Exchange where Empire produced a series of panel discussions concerning the full breadth of the Russian market. Panels included speakers from key Russian companies in telecommunication, pharmaceuticals, energy, and more. That afternoon, VIP participants were invited to ring the closing bell of the New York Stock Exchange. The summit was closed with evening drinks and reception at the New York Stock exchange’s illustrious boardroom.The two-day summit was a great success for businesses and investors alike. A leading organizer of corporate meetings, Empire set the stage for valuable business connections and truly meaningful networking.

On Monday, October 24, Lincoln Center recognized Ralph Lauren’s indelible mark on the cultural landscape and his leadership in the fight against cancer with an unprecedented evening which jointly benefitted the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.

This one night only evening with Ralph Lauren was hosted by Oprah Winfrey, who led a personal and intimate on-stage conversation with Mr. Lauren offering a rare look into the life of an intriguing public, yet very private, cultural icon.

At the conclusion of the discussion, which featured visual projections and multimedia elements presented within a uniquely Ralph Lauren set, the screens flew out to reveal a huge stage set and an unexpected reprise of Ralph Lauren's Spring Runway show with dozens of models in his most luxurious creations.

The multi media on stage conversation was preceded by a champagne reception in Alice Tully Hall and followed by a gala dinner in the David H. Koch Theater produced by KCD.

This landmark event was the most successful fundraising event in the history of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, raising over $7 million.

For this singular fashion event celebrating this true fashion icon, Empire Entertainment was proud to Co-Produce the evening’s stage presentation in collaboration with Producer Darren Bagert.

Empire is a leading producer of noteworthy events for the fashion world.

Partnering with Children Affected by Aids Foundation (CAAF) and Keep A Child Alive (KCA), Empire Entertainment produced Dream Halloween Los Angeles on October 29th. Now in its 18th year, the annual kids-oriented fundraising event attracts over 1500 guests from all over Los Angeles. Proceeds from the event benefits children and families affected by HIV/AIDS.Taking place in the historic Barker Hangar at the Santa Monica Airport, guests drove onto the taxiway and walked a 300’ red carpet to enter the space. The evening’s host, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Ribbon of Dreams Award recipient, Josh Duhamel, were among the attending celebrities.Earle Sebastian, Creative Director and Richard LaSalle, Production Designer had guests entering through a haunted forest. Waiting behind every bend were costumed forest dwellers ready to frighten unsuspecting trespassers. In keeping with the tradition of Dream Halloween, children trick or treated for toys instead of candy, made possible by custom windows built into the forest for distribution. Leaving the narrow, winding forest, guests walked into the transformed cavernous hangar. The main stage was packed with children’s entertainment all night with acts ranging from Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Japanese Drummers to the child performers of Le PeTiT CiRqUe. No Halloween party would be complete without a 20-person rendition of Michael Jackson’s thriller, which was later taught step by step to any eager attendee. Other features of the event included Ghost City, a maze of black light drawn walls further enhanced by the 3D glasses given out.There was never a dull moment as kids enjoyed arts and crafts and face painting by MAC artists. Walk around characters treated guests to photo- ops throughout the evening. Outside the hangar, a teen tent pumped music all night courtesy of Nickelodeon’s own, DJ J Boogie.The fun filled night culminated in a live auction of a one-of a kind Barbie doll made in the likeness of Alicia Keys made by the Mattel design team that was won by one lucky guest and a performance by Disney Channel’s Roshon Fegan from Camp Rock and Shake It Up.Working closely with CAAF and KCA, Empire Entertainment served as overall producer of the event.To learn more about Dream Halloween visit www.dreamhalloween.org or to make a donation to the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation, please visit, www.caaf.org.To learn more about Keep A Child Alive or to donate, please visit, keepachildalive.org.

BizBash, the leading trade magazine for the event industry, announced the winners of the 2011 Reader's Choice awards during the 2011 BizBash New York Expo. Empire's President & CEO, J.B. Miller was honored to win the award for Event Producer of the Year.This prestigious award recognizes an individual event producer who has demonstrated an exceptional ability to execute all aspects of technical and creative corporate event production. With an unprecedented catalog already under his belt for 2011, J.B. is honored to be recognized for his dedication to creating and producing exceptional events in NYC and around the world.J.B. and his team at Empire Entertainment are hard at work on an impressive roster events for this Fall and Winter, continuing to produce the exceptional content that has been recognized by industry curator, BizBash. About our President:J.B. Miller, president and C.E.O. of Empire Entertainment, is an Emmy Award-winning producer with more than 25 years of experience as a producer in the entertainment industry. Born and raised in New York, Miller began making movies with his brothers Bennett and Teddy in his early teens and has continued producing ever since. Over the years, Miller’s career has included work in concerts, comedy, theater, radio, festivals, television, and motion pictures, as well as event production. For the past two decades, his New York City- and Tokyo-based company, Empire Entertainment, has provided the platform, team, and resources to marry his passion for producing events and managing creative enterprises with his widely diverse interests. The result is a prodigious track record of producing thousands of events in more than 65 countries for clients ranging from the White House, Microsoft, and Google to the XIV Dalai Lama and Keep a Child Alive. Miller believes he has the greatest job on earth and is honored to bethe winner of BizBash's Event Producer of the Year.

On the evening of September 20th, 2011, over 250 guests, including Academy Award winning director, Fisher Stevens, along with Emily Mortimer, John Leguizamo, Steve Buscemi, comedian Reggie Watts and others, arrived at the Prince George Ballroom to support Reel Works Teen Filmmaking’s 10th Anniversary Gala. Empire’s President and C.E.O, J.B. Miller, co-chaired the gala, Precious producer, Lisa Cortés.Reel Works is a youth filmmaking program based in New York City that matches students with film and television professionals who serve as mentors.The gala began with elegant cocktails and hors d’oeuvres passed while Reel Works teens conducted interviews on the star-studded red carpet. Attendees mingled and perused over 30 silent auction items ranging from backstage passes to The Daily Show With Jon Stewart to a signed photo of the cast of NBC’s The Office. The gallery of the Prince George Ballroom was decorated with custom movie posters featuring the movies of the six teens that were nominated by their peers for the night’s top award.Inside the grand ballroom, Thomas Preti catered a phenomenal three-course meal, which was followed by stage program. Comedy Central’s Hannibal Buress emceed, and the program, featured remarks by Reel Works founders, John and Stephanie Williams. Steve Buscemi and his wife, Jo Andres and others. Buscemi introduced the teen’s nominated movies and, to the applause and standing-ovation of the audience, Reel Works teen, Marco Teapox won the John F. Outcalt Award for his movie Sin Marchas Atra. Miguel M. Salinas, Program Director of Adobe Youth Voices, accepted the Corporate Leadership Award on his company’s behalf. In a heartfelt highlight, John Leguizamo presented his longtime friend, actor and director Fisher Stevens with The Visionary Filmmaker Award. The evening concluded with an outstanding performance by comedian and musician, Reggie Watts.As guests left the ballroom a mash-up video of highlights from the evening that the students had edited together that evening played on the big screen. The video can be watched at:http://www.reelworks.org/rw/Support/galabenefit2011/Event sponsors included Viacom, C2 Media, Digitas, Moet & Chandon, Akvinta Vodka, Six Point, and HBO among others. Working closely with the Reel Works’ team, Empire Entertainment served as sponsor and overall producer of the event. Empire successfully solicited sponsorships and in-kind donations. Empire was also responsible for aspects ranging from event design, layout, technical production and logistics to décor and music. To learn more about Reel Works or to donate, please visit, ReelWorks.org.

When a leading insurance company wanted top-quality entertainment to perform for approximately 700 of senior employees and their families, at The Broadmoor, they turned to Empire Entertainment to deliver a one of the most renowned music acts of the past five decades - The Temptations.On the final night of the week-long meeting, the attendees entered the ballroom with excitement, awaiting the performance of the three-time Grammy winning group. After remarks and an introduction by a company executive, The Temptations, featuring original member, Otis Williams took the stage to begin their 75-minute, high energy set. From the very beginning of their greatest hits concert, nearly the entire audience were on the dance floor, dancing and cheering as the band performed their hits including, "Ain’t Too Proud to Beg," "Papa was a Rollin’ Stone," “I Can’t Get Next to You,” “All I Need,” “Just My Imagination,” “Get Ready," and many more. 

The Temptations’ interacted with the audience throughout the night, bringing two male employees onstage to sing “The Girl’s Alright With Me” to their spouses, who were in the audience. At the end of their performance, the band closed with an all-out performance of their #1 hit “My Girl."Empire was responsible for proposing, contracting and arranging travel and accommodations for The Temptations, as well as coordinating and managing all schedules, logistical and technical aspects of the band's performance.Empire Entertainment is a leading producer of private and corporate events in the U.S. and around the world and is proud to provide world class entertainment for this corporate client whom we have served for almost two decades.

Aiming to increase their brand exposure within the tech community, a major global financial institution turned to Empire Entertainment to help them create and develop a unique, branded exhibit space for TechCrunch’s Disrupt San Francisco 2011 event. The space would need to convey the company's unique corporate culture and create a hands-on atmosphere for top-tier programmers, while simultaneously setting the activation space apart from the other event sponsors both visually and experientially.Empire worked with the client to design a custom, tech forward construction that promoted attendee engagement through an event-specific, live-data marketing trading game. The build included 4 plasma screens displaying game statistics and company content, as well as iPad and computer terminals where guests could learn more about the sponsor, compete in the game, or simply show off their programming skills. Comfortable lounge furniture surrounded the area allowing company representatives to engage with prospective employees and other attendees who were eager to rest their feet during the week’s events.As part of its 2011 TechCrunch Disrupt sponsorship, the client also hosted the Disrupt Opening Party where they worked with Empire to create a dynamic, energetic and unforgettable party experience. To supplement the activities inside the 1015 Folsom nightclub, Empire brought in retro arcade games and an arcade-themed photo. As for live entertainment, Empire identified and secured headline DJs Peanut Butter Wolf and The Knocks for a special live performance and DJ set featuring multiple stages and custom video projection.Empire oversaw the client’s entire TechCrunch Disrupt sponsorship activation from conception to completion, designing, building, managing and producing all of the various elements from load-in to load-out.TechCrunch Disrupt has become the frontline of technological innovation; providing insider access to start-ups and many different technologically savvy companies. The conference brings together entrepreneurs, programmers, investors, and venture capitalists to showcase dozens of start-ups and presents engaging panels and keynote speeches that provide insight into the ever-changing industry and market.Empire is proud to produce corporate events and sponsorships, assisting with everything from branding to implementation.

Nothing makes a wedding more special or memorable than the perfect entertainment. And in some cases, when the client wants to create the event of a lifetime, the entertainment required includes some of the bride and groom's fondest memories. This was the case when a client from North Carolina wanted the R&B hit makers Jagged Edge to perform at her wedding at the serene Umstead Spa in Cary, NC.Empire was able to quickly book Jagged Edge and worked closely with their road and production management to create a production scenario that could be achieved in the intimate outdoor space for the ceremony as well as an indoor performance for the reception. The group sang the bride down the aisle to their ballad “I Gotta Be” and then got the crowd partying with a 40 minute set of their greatest hits. 
The guests stood and danced throughout the performance. The client and their guest were ecstatic. Empire handled all booking and logistics, of the project working closely with wedding planners at David Tutera to ensure a smooth experience from load-in to load-out.Empire is a leading talent procurement agency.

Every year, the President and First Lady of the United States host a reception in connection with the United Nations General Assembly in New York City. The event is attended by heads of state from around the world and is a keystone annual event in American diplomacy. This year, the event was held in the iconic New York Public Library.The distinguished guest list, necessity to observe diplomatic protocol in every detail, and extraordinary security precautions imposed by a host of agencies make the project one with many unique challenges. On the night of the event, heads of state, foreign ministers and other high profile guests arrived at the Library in a tightly-choreographed ballet of over 100 individual motorcades. Guests were met at Library entrances by an Honor Cordon representing all of the United States Armed Forces. Once inside, guests moved into a cocktail reception in the McGraw Rotunda and Edna Barnes Salomon Room where their conversations were accompanied by the United States Marine Band’s string ensemble.

President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama met the world leaders and distinguished guests in a receiving line, spending one on one time with each of them.Following the receiving line, guests made their way into the grand Astor Hall where, following, a rousing performance by the Bergen County Cadets marching band, and the standard ruffles & flourishes and “Hail to the Chief” the President and First Lady took the stage in front of a backdrop of American Flags to deliver remarks. Following remarks the President greeted more guests along a rope line and then departed while attendees remained to enjoy dessert and more musical accompaniment by the Marine Band Jazz Ensemble.The event was followed by an after-party for heads of Protocol from many nations featuring music by the Todd Londagin Trio.

Empire Entertainment was proud and honored to serve the United States and our President as producer and production company for this singular event. Photos courtesy of Paul L. Mertikas.

Hosting an event in New York City for 1,500 of your top clients is no easy task. But in September 2011, a prominent NYC-based investment bank did just that, at the beautiful and iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art. Empire Entertainment was engaged to work in collaboration with event designer Thomas Noel of EDI to manage the highlight of the evening - a spectacular performance by nine-time Grammy Award winner, Mary J. Blige.Guests enjoyed cocktails in the Great Hall of the Met, before heading off to various areas of the Museum, such as the majestic Temple of Dendur for dinner. While most attendees toured the two million artworks housedin the Museum’s permanent collection, Empire escorted Mary J. Blige to a beautiful balcony above the Great Hall, where she took time to greet and take photos with a select few of the client’s VIP’s.As Blige prepared for her show, attendees in the Great Hall listened to remarks by General Wesley Clark and then bid in a live auction which benefitted The McCarton Foundation, a charity dedicated to increasing educational opportunities for children with autism and developmental disabilities.Empire then escorted Mary J. Blige to the stage for the evening’s grand finalé, and the multi-platinum selling Bronx native did not disappoint. She performed a high-energy set filled with hits including “Family Affair”, “RealLove”, and a gorgeous cover version of U2’s “One.” After the show attendees roared cheers for her incredible performance as Empire ushered the soul-singer straight from the stage to her waiting car.Empire is a preeminent provider of headline entertainment for events worldwide, and is proud to be called upon by end clients and production companies alike for our expertise in producing live performances by the world’s biggest stars.

The Microsoft Imagine Cup is the world's premier technology competition. This annual global competition challenges young innovators to stretch the limits of what technology can do to discover out-of-the-box solutions to the world’s most difficult problems. Previously held in Spain, Brazil, Japan, India, South Korea, France, Egypt and Poland, this year the Imagine Cup made its debut in the United States in New York City and Microsoft called on Empire to serve as a key local production partner. The 9th annual Imagine Cup encompassed participation by 358,000 students representing 183 countries and regions who registered for this year’s competition. Tasked with applying their imagination and passion to the creation of technology solutions to help change the world, the competitors took on global issues ranging from combating diseases, improving education, fighting world hunger, and ensuring environmental sustainability, to creating disaster communication systems, helping children read and write, creating innovations for people with disabilities, and reducing child mortality. After a year of competition in their home countries, finalists and mentors from 70 countries converged in New York City to compete for the top honors. Microsoft partnered with Empire Entertainment to provide key logistical support in order to deliver a dynamic multi-day program for the competitors that covered several venues and the entire city.

Against the majestic backdrop of the Manhattan skyline, Empire organized a sumptuous BBQ on Ellis Island for the Imagine Cup participants. As the culminating event to the program’s ‘Cultural Day,’ where a vast majority of students were experiencing New York City and the USA for the first time, over 1,000 competitors and sponsors were invited to tour the nation’s historical and cultural gateway. Launching from Battery Park, state of the art ferries offered guests the opportunity to tour Liberty Island with close up views of the Lady Liberty herself before continuing on to the main event on Ellis Island. With the sun setting over the NYC horizon, students dined on a full buffet of traditional summer fare and enjoyed the creative, international spins of a live DJ. A kaleidoscope of cultures, languages and people, students and mentors were invited to the prestigious David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center for the final day of this weeklong program for the World Festival and Awards Ceremony, which featured noteworthy presenters like New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and philanthropist, actor and activist Eva Longoria. With over 1,300 attendees, comprised of competitors, sponsors, judges, speakers and guests, key logistical support from Empire made it possible for all attendees to be seated with only 15 minutes between final presentations and the start of the dynamic closing ceremony. The projects developed by this year’s competitors raised the bar for technological innovation. From software created to keep cars from crashing to GPS technology for disaster relief to phone applications used to detect signs of malaria in the blood, students presented a broad spectrum of ingenious projects- many of which will have a substantial impact on our civilization's future. Empire Entertainment served as the local New York City logistics, venue and production partner. Empire's roles on the project included supporting site selection and acquisition, logistics, supplying key personnel to oversee various events, working with the client’s key vendors and providing onsite management for event flow for its 1,000+ participants.

Empire Entertainment was proud to partner with Microsoft on the 9th annual Imagine Cup and to play a role in helping the brightest minds of tomorrow solve challenges to make a difference in the world.

Kid Witness News, (KWN) is a global video education program supported by Panasonic. The program uses video production experiences to boost creativity, communication skills, and to foster teamwork in children from elementary to secondary school levels.This year for the first time, the global awards ceremony was held outside of Japan, at the Globe Theatre in Universal Studios Hollywood. To ensure a smooth and successful program, Panasonic and their agency Dentsu chose Empire Japan to serve as executive producer for the project. Empire's role would include selecting the venue, working with local PR and production vendors, and managing the overall look and production of the awards ceremony.For this year's global awards, there were six finalist schools participating from six different countries including Japan, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, and United States. The students involved in the video production from each school were invited to Hollywood, CA to participate in "Winner's week" and the Awards Ceremony.After spending two days experiencing Hollywood, the main event would be the awards ceremony. The ceremony started off with the students walking a red carpet, where hired paparazzi were placed to photograph the surprised student celebrities.Next the students participated in interviews, which were distributed to PR companies in each of their home countries. The awards program began with an Olympic style parade of the nations, with a voice of god introducing each of the countries as they entered the theatre and took their seats.The ceremony began with an introduction video, then a viewing of each of the school's nominated video works. The awards ceremony included seven different awards, and Panasonic had invited special guests and judges from the U.S. and other countries to present each of them. Chairman & CEO of Panasonic Corporation of North America, Joseph M. Taylor served as the award presented for the Grand Prize.The day's Grand Prize went to Val Verde High School in the United States for their work "Without Me."After a 15 minute intermission, the students returned to the Globe Theatre to enjoy the special performance by "Everybody Dance!" from Gabriella Charter School. After the great performance, all of the guests enjoyed the dinner with each participant feeling like a Hollywood celebrity.Between the ceremony and the reception, members of the U.S. and foreign media interviewed the students, which resulted in excellent exposure and very successful PR for Panasonic. The ceremony also garnered substantial media coverage with students and teachers appearing on a live interview for KCAL channel 9, and numerous Internet news hits including the group picture front of the Globe Theatre being chose as the "Picture of the Day" in Yahoo News.Empire Japan was thrilled to take on the many challenges of helping this honored client, helping them take this event overseas for the first time. With the success in Hollywood, Empire Japan has already been engaged to produce the 2012 KWN Global Wards Ceremony.For more information please watch the YouTube video, that explains this 2011 KWN Global Awrads Ceremony.Empire Japan is among the most extablished, world-class event companies in Asia and, in partnership with Empire Entertainment, Inc. is a leading producer of innovative event programs throughout the world.

One of the toughest challenges when selecting a business speaker is finding someone with truly global appeal. Empire was presented with one such challenge by a global technology company seeking to present a speaker that would appeal to an audience representing 140 countries. Having established one of the world's most recognized and respected brands, Empire recommended entrepreneur, adventurer, philanthropist and founder of the Virgin Group, Sir Richard Branson. With over 300 companies in 30 countries, Virgin expanded from its beginnings in the music industry into air and rail travel, hospitality and leisure, telecommunications, health and wellness, and clean energy. A leader in product innovation and customer service, Branson was knighted in 1998 for his “services to entrepreneurship.” He remains one of the few business speakers in the world who is universally respected for his ingenuity, vision and foresight.Sir Richard Branson was introduced to an audience of over 12,000 at the Los Angeles Staples Center with a brief video that summarized his philosophy and achievements and the exciting exploits of Virgin brand businesses worldwide. Entering to great applause, Branson engaged in a lively moderated question & answer session with the corporate host that covered topics ranging from risk taking and customer service to his philanthropic work and views on the future of global brands. One of many highlights of the discussion was his response to a question about his forthcoming space travel venture - Virgin Galactic. Murmurs of anticipation spread through the arena as Richard told the audience that within a few years he plans to bring the cost of space travel down enough so that most of the people in the room would soon themselves have a chance to travel into space. This entertaining and inspiring discussion was the perfect way to add attendee value to this already extraordinary conference while also helping to underscore and reinforce many of the messages delivered earlier by the host company’s own executives. The full content of the discussion may be viewed by clicking here.Prior to his presentation, Sir Richard Branson participated in a meet & greet session with VIP guests and client senior management. Empire handled the negotiation and contracting of Sir Richard Branson’s services, coordination of all logistics, including precision arrival and departure planning between two other international engagements, as well as all onsite management.Empire is proud to present many of the world’s leading speakers and is a leading source for keynote speakers of global stature.