The Smile Train 25th Anniversary Gala
Empire was honored to work with Smile Train again to produce their 25th Anniversary Gala on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at Cipriani 42nd Street. Over 300 guests gathered together for a cocktail reception, seated dinner, star-studded “blue carpet” and honoree program, to celebrate this tremendous milestone of providing comprehensive cleft care around the world for more than a quarter century.
First stop was a special “Pup-Jito lounge,” sponsored by Brutus Broth, where guests took photos with cleft-affected puppies and received a signature mojito cocktail named Pup-jito, creatively tying into the theme.
With Jeannie Mai as the incredible host, she emceed a heartfelt program honoring luminaries such as Naoimi Glasses, Sister Shoba Lonappan and Kimora Lee Simmons, with remarks by Susannah Schaefer, President and CEO of Smile Train and others. Highlighting Smile Train’s inspiring work and vision for the future, she announced the organization's 2 Millionth Surgery.
Grammy nominated artist, Jordin Sparks performed “When You’re Smiling,” her hit song, “No Air,” and “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” which kicked off the afterparty led by DJ Jazzy Jeff.
Notable VIPs such as Justin Long, Kate Bosworth and Elizabeth Gillies came to celebrate the power of the smile in style. The event garnered remarkable media coverage, generating over 8 billion digital impressions and sparking widespread post-event buzz. Coverage from esteemed publications like People Magazine, Essence and The Wall Street Journal underscored the gala's significance and impact. Additionally, outlets like Good Morning America amplified the event's reach on their social media platforms. Empire worked closely with Smile Train, coupled with strategic partnerships and meticulous planning made their 25th Anniversary Gala an unforgettable and memorable affair.
Empire spearheaded the event's creative elements, secured the venue, and managed on-site talent, with seamless technical production and program execution.
Empire is grateful for the opportunity to support Smile Train’s incredible work over 25 years and beyond. To learn more and donate, visit smiletrain.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
