Registration
Who can attend The Art of the Face Event?
The event is curated for aesthetic practice owners and senior practitioners — physicians, plastic and cosmetic surgeons, dermatologists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants — as well as registered nurses and clinicians exploring medical aesthetics for the first time. Whether you run an established practice or you’re an RN just entering the field, the evening is one of the best ways to see what’s happening in the space and where aesthetic medicine is headed. Industry partners and Empire-invited guests round out the room.
How do I RSVP?
Visit the Registration page and select the seating option that fits — single seat, +1, or a Practice Table of six. An email opens pre-filled with everything our events team needs. We confirm within 48 hours.
Is there a cost to attend?
Yes. Empire holds the event as a hosted evening with a per-seat contribution that covers cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, the live demonstration programming, and concierge service. Early-bird seats are $299 for Non-Members (regularly $499) and $499 for Empire Members (regularly $699, and include a free $1,699 Peptide Therapy Training Course). See the Pricing page for the full breakdown.
Are there group discounts for bringing my team?
Yes. Add a 2nd ticket and save 15% per seat. Reserve 3 or more seats and save 20% per seat. The discount applies to both Member and Non-Member tickets. Email [email protected] with your headcount and we’ll send a group invoice.
When does RSVP close?
The room is capped at a deliberately small number of seats. Most years we close confirmations in late October. Early requests are strongly recommended.
Can I bring my spouse, partner, or business associate?
Yes — the "Practice Owner + Guest" option is built for exactly this. Both attendees share the room for the full evening of cocktails, live demonstrations, and open networking.
Program
What does the evening cover?
A welcome and industry briefing, three live procedural demonstrations performed on a model by master injectors (lip enhancement & facial balancing, cheek & jawline contouring, biostimulators & regenerative combination therapies), open Q&A with the demonstrators, and the open networking hour that makes the room valuable. See the full agenda for timing.
Is this an educational event with CE credit?
The event itself is a networking and recognition evening, not a CE-accredited workshop. Many attendees pair the event with an Empire workshop in NYC or nearby cities to make it a full continuing-education experience.
Will there be live demonstrations?
Yes. The evening features three live, hands-on procedural demonstrations performed on a model by our demonstrating physicians — Gamil Makar, MD and Maritza Mejia, FNP — covering lip enhancement & facial balancing, cheek & jawline contouring, and biostimulators & regenerative combination therapies. If you’d like to put the techniques in your own hands, pair the event with one of Empire’s hands-on workshops the same weekend.
Who are the demonstrators?
The 2026 event’s live procedural demonstrations are led by Gamil Makar, MD (Empire Senior Lead Instructor, board-certified in family and aesthetic medicine, with two practices in New Jersey) and Maritza Mejia, FNP (Empire Faculty Proctor, founder of LIBB by Maritza in Smithtown, NY). Both are among Empire’s most-booked workshop instructors. Full bios on the Demonstrators page.
Event Logistics
Where is the event held?
The Art of the Face Event is held at the Hyatt Centric Wall Street in Lower Manhattan — the same venue as Empire’s December training weekend, so attendees taking workshops are already on-site. Exact arrival instructions are shared on RSVP confirmation. Valet parking and concierge transportation are available.
When does the evening start and end?
The cocktail reception begins at 5:30 PM. The programmed portion of the evening runs through the industry briefing, three live procedural demonstrations, and open Q&A, with the evening closing at 9:30 PM. Concierge cars are on standby for departures.
What is the dress code?
Black tie optional. Gowns, cocktail dresses, and dark suits are all appropriate. We encourage attendees to lean into the occasion.
Is food included?
Yes — curated hors d’oeuvres served throughout the evening, signature cocktails, and the open networking bar are all included with your seat. The event is a cocktail-and-hors-d’oeuvres format, not a seated dinner.
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes. Please note any dietary preferences when you RSVP — vegan, kosher, gluten-free, allergen-specific, and other requests are accommodated.
Is parking available?
Yes. Valet parking is provided. We also recommend rideshare or our concierge transportation arrangements.
I'm traveling in for the event — where should I stay?
See Planning Your Visit for recommended hotels, ground transportation, and ideas for making the most of NYC in December.
Sponsors & Industry Partners
How do I become an event sponsor?
Empire offers a small number of sponsorship positions for industry partners. Visit the Sponsors page for available packages and benefits, or email [email protected].
Will industry exhibitors be on site?
No — the event is intentionally not an exhibit-floor event. Sponsors receive in-room presence through programmatic recognition rather than booth space. The format is intimate and exhibitor-free.
Can my company purchase a Practice Table for our customers?
Yes — partner-hosted Practice Tables are available. Email [email protected] to discuss.