Columbia Children’s Virtual Benefit
Columbia University Children’s Health celebrated its annual Children’s Benefit virtually on Tuesday, May 5, 2021. Empire was honored to produce the first-ever virtual benefit program dedicated to highlighting the accomplishments of Columbia Children’s Health.
The evening program was hosted by Emmy Award-winning television host, Daphne Oz, and commenced with remarks by Anil K. Rustgi, Interim Executive Vice President and Dean of the Faculties of Health Sciences and Medicine; Director of the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center; and Herbert and Florence Irving Professor of Medicine. Jordan S. Orange, Reuben S. Carpentier Professor and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics, emphasized the importance of technology and care at Columbia Children’s Health while Larry Neubauer, Chair of the Children’s Board at Columbia, also expressed thanks to fellow board members, partners, friends, and supporters of Columbia.
A short film about the Columbia Center for Children’s Digital Health Research (CCDHR) led by Melissa S. Stockwell, MD, MPH presented the Center’s mission and work of designing, implementing, and evaluating digital health tools and strategies that have a direct impact on child and population health. Compelling testimonials by Melissa Stockwell, doctors, nurses, and patient families highlighted the impact and reach of care for patients before and during COVID – and beyond.
The evening concluded with a fun, engaging conversation between Daphne Oz and special guest Jill Kargman, New York Times bestselling author, creator, and star of “Odd Mom Out,” on parenting and their experiences during the time of COVID.
Empire worked in close partnership with the Columbia team to direct, film, and produce the CCDHR film as well as to produce the overall virtual benefit, implement design and run of show, coordinate and record all speakers and talent, create the microsite, and oversee the technical production and livestream.
Empire is a leading producer of virtual events of every kind, and has been proud to serve leading not-for-profit organizations and initiatives for nearly three decades. We are proud to support Columbia’s Children’s Health.
To learn more and donate, please visit the Columbia Children’s Benefit giving site
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
