Environmental Defense Fund’s 50th Anniversary Gala
Since1967, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) has worked tirelessly to solve theworld’s biggest environmental problems. To celebrate 50 years of “finding theways that work”, EDF wanted to gather longtime supporters, partners, andassociates to thank them and outline the pivotal steps on the path ahead.
Tomatch the magnitude of the accomplishment, EDF hosted an event in San Franciscoon November 29, 2017. Working with EDF from the beginning of the process,Empire helped source and secure the perfect venue and backdrop for the event, Terra Gallery.
Morethan 225 attendees enjoyed mingling during a cocktail hour, complete with afull bar, hors d’oeuvres, and a live jazz guitarist.
Gueststhen moved upstairs for the stage program and seated dinner. Following theover-arching theme of the “Four Waves” of environmentalism, host MargaretHoover (author, activist, and CNN analyst) introduced two original videosgenerated specifically for the event: the first documenting the growth of theenvironmental movement and EDF’s role in it, and the second focusing on EDF’swork harnessing the power of partnerships to achieve environmental progress.
Kathleen McLaughlin, SVP, ChiefSustainability Officer, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., sat in conversation with hostMargaret Hoover to discuss how the EDF/Walmart partnership has helped theretailer eliminate several chemicals of concern from consumer product on theirshelves, and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from their globalsupply chain had on company-wide sustainability at acorporate level.
Tofurther drive home the message of impact, EDF welcomed a rancher, farmer, andfisherman to share stories on how EDF programs have directly benefited them andtheir industries, while advancing conservation for species and ecosystems.
Thekeynote speech was provided by former Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus, who discussedthe importance of partnering with EDF during his tenure, which helped the Navyand Marine Corps substantially reduce fuel consumption and improve energysecurity.
EDFPresident, Fred Krupp, who has led the organization for the past 33 years,rounded out the night with an impactful speech. His message acknowledged thechallenges ahead, but offered hope that EDF – with the help of people in theroom and others like them – could continue to make progress on the mostpressing environmental problems facing the world.
Empireis proud to have produced this anniversary event and supports the work andmission of the EDF.
Tolearn more about the Environmental Defense Fund, please visit www.edf.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
