Yvonne E. McNair
ACCREDITATION, Awards & Affiliations
MBA
Certified Special Events Producer (CSEP)
Certified in Technical Event Production
Digital Event Strategist (DES)
Eventex, 100 Most Influential People in the Events Industry 2023
Eventex, The 50 Most Influential Event Professionals 2023
Eventex, The 50 Most Influential People in the Events Industry in the US and Canada 2023
Top Event Experience Leaders, Bizzaboo 2022
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 Productions is spearheaded by Yvonne McNair, a highly creative Certified Entertainment Marketing Professional and two-time Emmy-nominated Event Producer. With a proven track record in conceptualizing and orchestrating both small and large-scale events, Yvonne excels in crafting impactful marketing campaigns and programs that drive business development and revenue growth.
Known as a powerhouse behind the scenes, Yvonne masterfully negotiates deals and shapes unforgettable entertainment experiences. Her extensive experience spans grassroots organizations, Fortune 500 companies, and A-list artists, making her a key player in the entertainment industry.
Yvonne McNair began her career in the music industry under the mentorship of Esther Gordy Edwards, the sister of Berry Gordy and founder of the Motown Museum. By the age of 22, Yvonne was featured on the cover of Crain’s magazine as "Someone to Watch in the Industry." The guidance from Ms. Gordy-Edwards provided a crucial foundation for her career, enabling Yvonne to develop into a strategic thinker with a relentless drive to exceed client expectations.
Her extensive expertise in brand management, both within corporate environments and the entertainment industry, allows Yvonne to deliver exceptional events and marketing programs that significantly enhance ROI for her clients.
Yvonne’s extensive experience has empowered her to create groundbreaking marketing campaigns and manage events for top brands and leading media and entertainment companies. Her impressive portfolio includes work with prestigious organizations such as The Sundance Film Festival, VH1, NBC, BET Networks, Apple Music, MTV, ADCOLOR, City of New York, EBONY Media Group, Essence, MusicCares Ad Council, Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, NATIVE SON, Google, and Culture Creators. Yvonne's work is highly esteemed by industry executives for her ability to break artists and create impactful experiences without relying on traditional marketing dollars, radio airplay, or label support.
Yvonne is also renowned for her role in designing the marketing campaign for the Chicago Urban League’s Emmy-winning urban lifestyle television program, earning her an Emmy nomination as Event Producer. Additionally, she received an Emmy nomination for her work on WVON’s 50th Anniversary Historical Documentary. Yvonne received her second Emmy nomination for producing the ADCOLOR at the Apollo show, featuring Wyclef Jean. This show was notable for reopening the Apollo Theater after its first closure in 86 years due to COVID-19. In 2023, Yvonne produced the Michael Bivins, Docufilm “The Hustle of @617MikeBiv which spent weeks at number one on all streaming platforms.
Yvonne’s creative reputation and work ethic have left a lasting impression, particularly evident in her work with Prince. She orchestrated the Prince residency secret shows at City Winery in New York, which were celebrated as the 39th reason to love NYC by New York Magazine in 2013.
Yvonne also produced Prince’s record-breaking performance at the ESSENCE Festival in 2014, famously turning the Mercedes-Benz Superdome purple to mark the 30th Anniversary of Purple Rain. Her dedication continued with the production of Prince’s memorial tribute at the ESSENCE Music Festival following his untimely passing. Notably, she also produced the ESSENCE Festival's 25th Anniversary tribute, featuring exclusive footage licensed from Prince’s estate—an unprecedented use of the footage outside of the estate itself.
Yvonne has consistently delivered historic events, including the notable 30th Anniversary New Jack Swing show at the ESSENCE Music Festival. This landmark event featured Teddy Riley, along with performances by Keith Sweat, Guy, Blackstreet featuring Dave Hollister, Doug E. Fresh, MC Lyte, Kool Moe Dee, SWV, and DJ D-Nice.
She also produced a once-in-a-lifetime show that brought Teddy Riley, Pharrell, and Timbaland together on the same stage, and secured a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Teddy Riley. Additionally, Yvonne was behind the first annual BET Her Awards presented by Bumble, which launched the annual BET Experience weekend in Los Angeles
Accolades to date:
2023: Named among the 100 Most Influential People in the Events Industry by EventX, and recognized in both The 50 Most Influential Event Professionals and The 50 Most Influential People in the Events Industry in the US and Canada.
2021: Received a second Emmy nomination for producing a show at the historic Apollo Theater with Wyclef Jean.
2020: Named one of the Most Influential Event Professionals in the U.S. by BizBash.
2019: Recognized by BizBash as one of the Top Event Producers in the U.S.
2010: Honored by Black Enterprise/WVON as one of the “40 Game Changers.”
2011: Finalist for Social Event Planner of the Year by BizBash.
2012: Named Event Producer of the Year by BizBash.
2013: Nominated for an Emmy for her work on a historical documentary.
Yvonne resides in New York City and is a member of the International Special Events Society, Women in Music, and the Recording Academy. She holds a B.A. in Management and an M.B.A. in Marketing and is a Certified Special Events Producer, Digital Event Strategist, and Certified in Technical Event Production.