Shell Global Smiling Stars 2016
On May 18th and 19th, Empire Japan presented 5 entertainment acts for Shell Global’s 2016 Smiling Stars incentive, an annual event that rewards its retailers around the world for exceptional performance.
May 18 - As the welcome entertainment, a duo of guitar and koto harp serenaded guests in the garden with their arrangements of Japanese and western music. Following the music in the garden, violin trio Grand Noir provided acoustic ambience during dinner before returning to electrify the stage with a plugged-in performance in advance of award presentations.
May 19 - As the first act of the evening, traditional Eisa and lion dances from Okinawa energized and interacted with guests from all over the world out on the terrace. Following the Okinawan dance, guests moved inside and the juggling sensations Kikyo Brothers used their trademark light-up programmed batons in an exhilarating juggling routine. Finally, as a capstone for Empire’s portion of the program, world-champion diabolo performer Yusaku Mochizuki also of Empire Artists-managed group enra lit up the stage with his unique performance of his original piece “GRAVITY” in a high-octane routine combining the diabolo with tap dance.
Empire was responsible for proposing, negotiating, contracting, and advancing logistical elements for all 5 acts. Empire Entertainment is a leading provider of talent for corporate events and celebrations around the world.
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
