Columbia University's Crown Awards
Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (VP&S) celebrated its annual Crown Awards virtually this year. Empire was honored to produce the first-ever virtual benefit program dedicated to honoring Columbia’s front line heroes who valiantly responded to the COVID-19 pandemic: doctors, nurses, physicians, researchers, administrative and support staff.
The evening program was hosted by VP&S alumna and ABC News Chief Health and Medical Correspondent, Dr. Jennifer Ashton. It also featured remarks by Lee C. Bollinger, President of Columbia University, Dr. Steven M. Corwin, President and CEO of NewYork-Presbyterian, and included contributions from Dr. P. Roy Vagelos and Mrs. Diana Vagelos expressing thanks to the partners, friends, and supporters of Columbia.
Accepting the 2020 Crown Award was Dean Emeritus of the Faculties of Health Sciences and Medicine (VP&S) and Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology, Dr. Lee Goldman, whose leadership was transformational for the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and Columbia University Irving Medical Center. The award paying tribute to his 14-year tenure was presented by Anil K. Rustgi, Interim Executive Vice President and Dean of the Faculties of Health Sciences and Medicine; and Director of the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center (HICCC).
The program also featured musical performances by VP&S students. Brian Stokes Mitchell and his pianist, Tedd Firth, closed the night with songs such as “The Wheels of a Dream,” “Feeling Good,” and “The Quest” to highlight the evening’s uplifting theme and occasion.
Empire worked closely with the Columbia team to create the overall event, implement design and run of show, coordinate and record all speakers and talent (safely in-person and remote), and oversee the technical production and livestream.
Empire also created the microsite with elegant textures to host the livestream. The site featured a colorful, clean format with digital program and donate link above the program player window.
Empire is a leading producer of virtual awards ceremonies and fundraisers, special feature video productions, and more. We are proud to support Columbia’s COVID-19 Response Fund.
To learn more and donate, please visit ColumbiaCrownAwards.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
