The exhibition industry and the IAEE family lost a dear friend and champion this week with the passing of Joyce McKee. Joyce was one of the first NAEM members whom I met in 1991 when she and her sister Jane Stidham were principals of a very successful media marketing company. Through the years Joyce transitioned almost entirely into the events and exhibition space as she came to realize what a dynamic and powerful media it is. She became a passionate spokes person for CEIR and the International Center for Exhibitor and Event Marketing.
The fact is that through the years Joyce and I spent as much time talking about our succession of poodles, standards for her, minis for us, exchanging stories and photos and becoming great friends as a result.
Not only will Joyce's presence in the industry be missed but those of us who knew her well will think of her often and the awful loss that her premature death has created. No doubt, Joyce is now at the Rainbow Bridge rounding up all of her treasured pets and spoiling them with treats and love.