Yvonne McNair is the visionary founder of Captivate Productions, an acclaimed Certified Entertainment Marketing Professional and two-time Emmy-nominated Event Producer. With over 20 years of experience in orchestrating both small and large-scale events, Yvonne is a master at creating impactful marketing campaigns and events that drive business growth, enhance brand visibility, and deliver measurable results. Yvonne has built a reputation for curating one-of-a-kind, historic shows and has worked at some of the most prestigious venues around the world.
Known as a behind-the-scenes powerhouse, Yvonne excels at negotiating high-stakes deals and shaping unforgettable entertainment experiences. Her diverse expertise spans grassroots organizations, Fortune 500 companies, and A-list artists, positioning her as a key figure in the entertainment industry.
Yvonne’s career began under the mentorship of Esther Gordy Edwards, sister of Berry Gordy and founder of the Motown Museum. By the age of 22, she was featured on the cover of Crain’s Magazine as “Someone to Watch in the Industry.” This mentorship laid the foundation for Yvonne’s strategic thinking and relentless pursuit of exceeding client expectations.
Her extensive background in brand management across both corporate and entertainment sectors enables Yvonne to design exceptional events and marketing programs that significantly boost ROI for her clients. With an impressive portfolio that includes collaborations with top-tier brands and media companies such as The Sundance Film Festival, VH1, NBC, BET Networks, Apple Music, MTV, Google, and more, Yvonne is highly regarded for her ability to create groundbreaking marketing campaigns without relying on traditional methods like radio airplay or label support.
Among her many accolades, Yvonne is celebrated for her Emmy-nominated work on the Chicago Urban League’s Emmy-winning urban lifestyle program and for producing WVON’s 50th Anniversary Historical Documentary. She also earned a second Emmy nomination for her production of the ADCOLOR at the Apollo featuring Wyclef Jean, which marked the reopening of the Apollo Theater after its first closure in 86 years due to COVID-19.
In 2023, Yvonne produced the highly successful Michael Bivins docufilm, The Hustle of
@617MikeBiv, which dominated streaming platforms. Her creative reputation extends beyond industry awards—her contributions to Prince’s legacy are legendary. Yvonne produced Prince’s secret shows at City Winery in New York, celebrated as the 39th reason to love NYC by New York Magazine, and also directed his record-breaking performance at the ESSENCE Festival in 2014, turning the Mercedes-Benz Superdome purple to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of Purple Rain. Additionally, she produced Prince’s memorial tribute at the ESSENCE Music Festival and the ESSENCE Festival’s 25th Anniversary tribute, which included exclusive footage licensed from Prince’s estate.
Yvonne’s history of delivering groundbreaking events includes the iconic 30th Anniversary New Jack Swing show at the ESSENCE Festival, featuring stars like Teddy Riley, Keith Sweat, Guy, and DJ D-Nice. She also brought together Teddy Riley, Pharrell, and Timbaland for a once-in-alifetime show, while securing a Hollywood Walk of Fame star for Teddy Riley. Yvonne also produced the inaugural BET Her Awards, presented by Bumble, which launched the BET Experience weekend in Los Angeles.
Yvonne McNair continues to leave an indelible mark on the industry with her unparalleled expertise, creativity, and unwavering commitment to excellence.