Yvonne E. McNair

ACCREDITATION, Awards & Affiliations

  • MBA

  • Certified Special Events Producer (CSEP)

  • Certified in Technical Event Production

  • Digital Event Strategist (DES)

  • EMMY nominee, ADCOLOR at the Apollo featuring Wyclef Jean, 2021

  • Named by BizBash as one of the most influential event professionals in the US, 2020

  • Named by BizBash as one of the top Event Producers in the U.S., 2019

  • Named as one of Black Enterprise’s, 40 Game Changers, 2010

  • BizBash Finalist for Event Producer of the Year, 2010

  • BizBash Finalist for Social Planner of the Year, 2011

  • EMMY Nominee, Outstanding Historical Documentary, 2013

  • Member of International Special Events Society

  • Member of Women in Music

  • Member of Recording Academy

  • Member of Sigma Gamma Rho

 

Captivate Marketing Group is led by, Yvonne McNair, the highly creative certified Entertainment Marketing Professional and Emmy Nominated Event Producer. Yvonne has a proven track record of conceptualizing and orchestrating small and large production events, marketing campaigns and programs to effectively create business development opportunities, and increase revenue and growth. Yvonne is known as a powerhouse behind the scene closing deals, sculpting entertainment, one exquisite experience at a time.   She has worked with some of the biggest names and brands in the entertainment industry from grassroots organizations, Fortune 500 companies, and A-List artists.

Yvonne started her career early in the music industry, under the mentorship of Esther Gordy Edwards, sister of Berry Gordy and creator of the Motown Museum.  At the age of 22, Yvonne was featured on the cover of Crain’s magazine as "Someone to Watch in the Industry". The tutelage from Ms. Gordy-Edwards proved as an on-ramp for her career. Yvonne has used those valuable lessons throughout her career, establishing herself as a strategic thinker with the tenacity to over deliver for her clients. Her wealth of brand management expertise in both the branded corporate environment and entertainment industry, allows her to execute events and marketing programs that have increased ROI for her many clients.

Yvonne’s experience has given her the latitude to create innovative marketing campaigns and event management for top brands and numerous media and entertainment companies over the years. The Sundance Film Festival, VH1, NBC, BET Networks, Apple Music, and MTV, ADCOLOR, City of New York, EBONY Media Group, Ad Council, Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, NATIVE SON, Google, and Culture Creators are among many other top global brands. She is also known for her work designing the marketing campaign for the Chicago Urban League’s Emmy award-winning urban lifestyle television program, that garnered her the Emmy Nomination as Event Producer. She was also nominated for an Emmy for her work on WVON’s 50th Anniversary Historical Documentary.

Yvonne’s creative reputation and work ethic have far-reaching effects that will stay with many of us for years to come. Notably so, her work with Prince. Yvonne was responsible for the Prince residency secret shows at City Winery in New York.  In 2013, the shows were named as the 39th reason to love NY in New York Magazine.  Yvonne was also responsible for producing Prince’s record-breaking performance at the ESSENCE Festival in 2014, along with turning the Mercedes Benz Super Dome purple to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of Purple Rain.  Yvonne later went on to produce Prince’s memorial tribute at ESSENCE Music Festival after his untimely passing. In addition to producing the ESSENCE Festival 25th Anniversary tribute which included exclusive footage licensed from Prince’s estate. This was the only time the footage was used by any other entity outside of the estate.

Most recently Yvonne has continued her mission of creating historic events.  In 2018, Yvonne produced the notable 30th Anniversary show of New Jack Swing at the ESSENCE Music Festival and two historic shows at the legendary Apollo Theater. The show was led by the King of New Jack Swing, Teddy Riley and featured appearances by Keith Sweat, Guy, Blackstreet featuring Dave Hollister, Doug E. Fresh, Mc Lyte, Kool Moe Dee, SWV and DJ D-Nice.   She then produced a once in a lifetime show that included bringing Teddy Riley, Pharrell and Timbaland together on the same stage. In addition, to securing a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Teddy Riley. Yvonne also produced the first annual BET Her Awards presented by Bumble, which kicked off the annual BET Experience weekend in Los Angeles.  Yvonne’s work is highly respected by top industry executives as she has been able to break artists without marketing dollars, radio airplay or label support.

Accolades to date:

In 2020, she was named by BizBash as one of the most influential event professionals in the U.S. In 2019, she was named by BizBash as one of the top Event Producers in the U.S. In 2010, Black Enterprise/WVON recognized Yvonne as one of the elite “40 Game Changers”.  She was also recognized by BizBash as a 2011 finalist for Social Event Planner of the Year and in 2012 as Event Producer of the Year. In 2013, Yvonne was nominated for an Emmy as a producer for a historical documentary that she created. Yvonne currently resides in New York City and is a current member of International Special Events Society, Women in Music and the Recording Academy. Yvonne holds a B.A. in Management and M.B.A. in Marketing. She is also a Certified Special Events Producer, Digital Event Strategist and Certified in Technical Event Production.