Empire Produces a Latin-infused Holiday Party for Bank of Tokyo

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.