The 'Building the Lowline' Anti-Gala 2015
In October 2015, for the third consecutive year, Empireproduced the Lowline Anti-Gala to help raise funds surrounding the project’sgoal to create the world’s first underground park in New York City’s historicLower East Side.
Upon its completion, the Lowline will completely transforman abandoned trolley terminal below Manhattan’s Delancey Street into a fullyfunctioning, public green space. Through next-generation solar technology, theLowline plans to redirect natural sunlight underground to enablephotosynthesis, thus creating and sustaining plant life under the bustling streetsof New York.
This year’s Anti-Gala, the organization’s annual fundraisingevent, came on the heels of the major opening of the project’s newestdevelopment; the Lowline Lab. Funded by a successful Kickstarter campaign thatraised over $200,000 from thousands of donors, the Lab operates as a workingprototype and technological showcase that is open to the public until March2016. There, guests can learn about the innovative technology that will light theLowline, and get a glimpse of what it will feel like to be within anunderground oasis.
To celebrate the Lowline Lab’s inaugural weekend, Empire workedclosely with them to conceptualize a ‘Building the Lowline’ construction theme,taking place inside the historic Angel Orensanz synagogue. This was completewith “construction workers” dressed as if on a job site, using flashlights tocheck out the area and directing guests as if on an actual construction site.The menu was handcrafted in the style of a construction worker’s diet, with guests noshing onpotato samosas, kebabs, hot dogs and even pigeon cooked “under a brick”created by Chef Gabrielle Hamilton and Neuman’s Catering. Furthermore, thecenterpieces were made out of cinderblocks and bars were constructed with herb garden-covered palettes used for specialty cocktails.
Throughout the evening, remarks were delivered by co-foundersDaniel Barasch and James Ramsey; while Lowline supporters Josh Sirefman and NewYork State Senator Daniel Squadron introduced this year’s honorees,Councilwomen Margaret Chin, and Board Chair, David Barry.
Notable attendees at this year’s gala included artist TomSachs, filmmakers Spike Jonze, Megan Ellison and actresses Laura Prepon andRose McGowan. To close out the evening, renowned DJ duo The Misshapes took tothe stage to spin a great mix of music that kept everyone around for a livelyafterglow.
Empire is proud to serve as the Lowline’s producers for theirannual event, creating a custom-themed event to reflect the organization’svision of creating the world’s first underground park.
To learn more about the Lowline, visit www.thelowline.org.
Guests received their first taste of technological innovation at registration, where they were welcomed by name on a reactive LED screen installation covering the full width of the entry wall. A large lunch café was created with a décor scheme that incorporated custom-built, ceiling-high steel LED frames draped with foliage to create smaller, intimate restaurant-style spaces that displayed both technology and nature.
A series of breakout sessions presented content targeted to attendees’ varied interests, while imagery displayed throughout the venue showcased real-life applications of how products designed to empower developers help to unleash the power of data and reimagine possibilities that will improve our world.
Every element of Microsoft Connect(); from registration, breakfast and keynote, to lunch and evening cocktails, were custom-designed to communicate exacting brand messaging and to deliver a high-touch guest experience to this important audience. The keynote and breakout sessions were livestreamed through an onsite studio built for this purpose and content was watched online by millions around the world.
Empire is proud to collaborate with Microsoft on this annual, top-tier business communication event.
To view excerpts of Connect(); 2017, please visit https://www.microsoft.com/connectevent
