Bio

Gary Kayye has worked in technology branding and marketing for more than 25 years. In 1998 started Kayye Consulting, a technology marketing services consulting company; in 2003 he launched rAVe [Publications], the global leader in AV (audiovisual) news; and, in 2017 he co-founded THE rAVe Agency – a creative agency focused on branding, social and experiential marketing and content strategy for tech companies. Prior to that, he served as the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Extron and as Executive VP at AMX Corporation.

Gary’s been the keynote speaker at over 300 technology shows and events because of his extensive marketing and branding expertise as well as his entertaining and approachable speaking style. He has either assisted or helped create a number of branding campaigns for dozens of tech companies (including brands like Cisco, NEC, HP, InFocus, Sony and even the University of North Carolina) and has even served as an expert witness in branding court cases. In addition, he also teaches classes, leads workshops and writes about technology and the future of adverting, marketing and public relations. Gary is recognized as a social media and new media technology expert, especially in the B2B markets.

Gary is a lively and engaging speaker and does not stand behind a podium when speaking. He thrives on being challenged by attendees while he speaks and loves answering questions throughout his presentations. The audience energizes Gary.

In 2004, Gary was recognized as InfoComm’s Educator of the Year and in 2007 he was given the NSCA Instructor of the Year award. And, in 2014, Gary was named to the list of the Top 100 People in the Triangle You Should Connect With. A graduate of the UNC School of Media and Journalism Gary teaches as an adjunct professor at his alma mater – a class addressing new media and its impact on the future of advertising, marketing and PR as well as a personal and professional branding class.

Aside from his success professionally, Gary is most proud of his creation of the Swim for Smiles Foundation. The Swim for Smiles Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Chapel Hill, N.C. that hosts athletic events for local children to raise money for the UNC and Duke Children’s Hospital. Since its inception in 2005, the Swim for Smiles Foundation has raised over $400,000 for local children’s hospitals and in 2011 it was the largest youth triathlon in the USA.

Gary has two amazing daughters – both are in college. He spends his free time volunteering as well as competing in the sport of triathlon. He has raced in over 60 triathlons including the infamous Escape from Alcatraz in San Francisco, California four times.