5th Annual World Connect Benefit Dinner
OnWednesday, May 15th, 2019, Empire proudly produced the 5th Annual World ConnectBenefit Dinner at Chelsea Piers’ waterfront venue, Current.
World Connect invests early-stage funding in grassroots,locally designed and led projects that drive transformative, self-sustainingdevelopment in the most under-resourced areas of the world. WorldConnect success stories were integrated throughout the event with enlarged photos and informational signageexplaining their mission connecting the attendees to opportunities to supportspecific initiatives.
A handpan performer welcomed guests into a vibrant, waterfront space where bold andcolorful activations were featured. Vinyl decal paths on the floor guidedguests from point to point, designed to tell stories of various World Connectinitiatives and their impact. Some paths led to beautiful imagery from theirsites, while others led to experiential stations where guests could purchase itemsmade by World Connect-supported businesses and sample their handmade products.
There wasalso a Portal, which was a live-stream media room for guests to interact liveand in real-time with two World Connect project leaders on site in Lagos duringthe cocktail hour. Music by the World Guitar Duo, Jason and Elysa Hochman, playedmusic while guests enjoyed cocktails overlooking gorgeous views of the HudsonRiver.
Guestentered the dinner room where tables were set with beautiful glass globecenterpieces, set amid nests of greenery and fairy lights. These weresurrounded by white, modern candles warming the room with a grounding energy.
Thethoughtful stage program featured the Executive Director, Pamela Nathenson, BoardChair, George Biddle, and Dinner Co-Chair, Christoph Becker, who shared the powerfulimpact of what World Connect can achieve with minimal funding.
The program’sfeature was an incredibleconversation between Dinner Co-Chair, Clara Bingham and honored guest, ChiefTheresa Kachindamoto, who was the first female Chief of the Dedza District inMalawi, overseeing over 900,000 people. Chief Kachindamoto has successfullyannulled over 5,000 child marriages, encouraging children to go back to school.World Connect has launched three projects in her district – a primary schoolwith $3,000, a reforestation project with $3,000, and a maternity house with$10,000.
Theevening helped World Connect raise $600,000 which will launch 135 projects acrossthe globe to catalyze locally-led development. To learn more about WorldConnect and to donate or get involved, visit https://www.worldconnect.global
EmpireEntertainment is proud to support World Connect and their global initiatives toconnect 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
