Carey Mulligan and Marcus Mumford's Wassail Benefit for Children in Conflict
Carey Mulligan and Marcus Mumford's Annual Wassail Benefit for Children in Conflict supports Children in Conflict’s humanitarian efforts. The evening balanced connectivity and emotion, inspiring generous contributions that raised over $2.2 million. The fundraiser featured John Oliver as host and remarks from Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Bowen Yang and Julianne Moore. Luanda Musafiri Emmanuella, 22-year old Ugandan survivor, told her powerful story that inspired her to create Tumaini, a partner organization supporting women and girls. Star performers included Patti Smith, Brandi Carlile, Leon Bridges, Oscar Issac and of course Mumford & Sons.
Over 250 guests enjoyed a touching program focused on the cause, learning about Children in Conflict’s work in war zones and how donations directly impact children in need. Attendees included Anna Wintour, Steven Spielberg, Blake Lively and many more. Vogue, the event’s exclusive media partner, noted, “Despite the heavy-hitting lineup, none of the above felt remotely corporate, overly earnest, or organized within an inch of its life, as so many charity events are.”
The evening transitioned seamlessly from a lively reception to a seated dinner and program, ensuring a cohesive and creative concept throughout. Catered by our partner, Pinch, the New York-style menu was thoughtfully tailored to complement the event’s warm holiday atmosphere, delighting a dynamic mix of attendees.
We are honored to have brought this evening to life in collaboration with Children in Conflict and our incredible partners. To learn more, read Vogue’s exclusive feature on the night here.
Photography: Yvonne Tnt
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
