Trade Show Veteran Joyce McKee Passes Away
November 19, 2012
Information on a memorial fund set up in Joyce's name for an elderly woman she was helping take care of is posted below.
Joyce McKee, a well-known 25-year trade show veteran and most recently CEO of Joyce McKee & Company, passed away Nov. 19 after suffering a stroke.
Her company was a results-based marketing firm focused on direct marketing programs that created solid customer relationships and helped drive revenue goals.
“Joyce McKee was the most positive person I have ever known,” said Cathy Breden, COO for the International Association for Exhibitions & Events.
She added, “Whatever her troubles were, she always had a smile on her face and a positive attitude. She served IAEE in many capacities, and most recently has been the blogger for CEIR’s blog. She was passionate about the exhibition business and a true friend. This just reminds us all, live each day to the fullest, and be pure of heart and spirit, as Joyce was.”
McKee gained a broad perspective of the trade show industry through serving associations, for-profit shows, suppliers, etc. in a variety of client assignments.
She also was very active on social media, regularly tweeting on a variety of topics.
One of her recent projects included writing an ebook that went beyond the trade show audience – “Giving in Secret.”
The topic was on anonymous giving and its impact on the lives of the recipients.
The eBook was meant to be a collection of stories from both perspectives (the giver and the recipient) and describes the results of the secret gifts.
She also previously wrote another ebook, “The Secret to Achieving Brilliant Returns at Your Next Event: A Guide for Maximizing Your ROI and ROO.”
McKee also was a regular contributor to The International Center for Exhibitor and Event Marketing, as well as the Center for Exhibition Industry Research.
In addition, she ran her own blog – Let’s Talk Trade Shows – which covered topics across the trade show industry, with a focus on one of McKee’s passions – quantifying the return on investment of taking part in a show.
"Joyce was special and always had a ready smile for everyone,” said Mike Hatch, who heads Hatch Marketing and Consulting.
He added, “She was a friend to all, a real competitor and an avid promoter of face-to-face marketing. Our industry is really going to miss her in so many ways."
McKee also was a blog contributor, reporter and led webinars for Trade Show News Network, including "Getting More Leads & Making Them Count", in which she was joined by Skyline Exhibits’ Mike Thimmesch to discuss proven methods for trade show lead success.
McKee previously was president and CEO of Bertram, McKee & Associates and a consultant for B.R. Blackmarr & Associates.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests the following:
1) As you know, Joyce was a giving, caring person and was helping Ruth Barton with her living expenses- Joyces’ own personal charity endeavor. Ruth is 97 years old and a lover of standard poodles. If you want to donate any monies to Ruth in her name, send it to her attorney:
Irv W. Queal
8333 Douglas Avenue, Suite 1000
Dallas, Texas 75225-6306
2) Joyce at one time wanted to start a non-profit service dog organization and ever since was an advocate for service dogs. You can donate money to any service dog organization like Patriot Paws.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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