MCEI Seattle holds a dinner meeting each month with a distinguished marketing or communications presenter. Presenters bring a behind the scenes perspective and high-level industry marketing insights. Speakers share provocative stories, ideas, positions, and concepts, including controversial topics.

See below for our current upcoming program.

November 2025

WEDNESDAY, november 12, 2025 - IVAR’S SALMON HOUSE

November’s meeting will feature Rachel Mercer, Manager and Chef at Wautoma Springs Winery and Dr. Maricela Sanchez, Prosser City Council Member.

Prosser, Washington has small-town charm and vitality, an impressive lineup of wineries and sun-soaked vineyards, and a variety of hotels, inns, restaurants, events, and activities to match every taste. It is the birthplace of Washington wine and the hidden gem of our world famous wine country. Council Member Dr. Maricela Sanchez and Wautoma Springs Winery Manager and Chef, Rachel Mercer will speak about the town’s collective efforts to promote tourism.

Rachel will discuss their marketing challenges and what they are doing to promote tourism and winery visits. Dr. Sanchez will share what the town is doing to increase quality of life for visitors and residents and her vision for the future of Prosser. Dr. Sanchez has traveled as far as Scandinavia to learn from towns there and to share knowledge about Washington wines.

Rachel Mercer is the Wautoma Springs Winery Manager and Chef. She is a second-generation wine professional and Rachel's parents planted the first grape vines in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. Rachel's been in the industry virtually her entire life, managing tasting rooms since 2005 and cooking for people professionally since 2001.

Dr. Maricela Sanchez serves as a City Council Member for her hometown of Prosser, and also as Vice-President of the Benton-Franklin Council of Governments. A physician at Kadlec Regional Medical Center, Dr. Sanchez brings a health-focused lens to community planning. Her passion for walkable neighborhoods, downtown revitalization and vibrant green spaces helps guide Prosser and the region towards a more connected and livable future. 

January 2026

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026 - IVAR’S SALMON HOUSE

Join us for the kickoff program of the New Year when we hear the story of how McKinstry transformed its business by visioning, then building, a brand that has set the bar for those in the construction and development industries, and has become a model for old-line companies to emulate. David Allen, long-time SVP of Marketing for McKinstry and today the company’s Chief Storyteller (yes, that really is his title) will share how the brand story and execution he engineered have helped fuel the growth and success of this 65-year-old company.

During his more than 40-year tenure at McKinstry, David oversaw business strategy and development, community engagement and client services. Under David’s marketing oversight the company grew from a small mechanical contractor with three Northwest offices into a North American leader in consulting, construction, energy and facility management with 22 nationwide offices and more than 2,000 employees.

David Allen is a respected thought leader, well known for his presentations on branding, business development, workforce strategies and regional economic development. He is a popular keynote speaker for industry conferences and guest lecturer at local colleges. He serves on the boards of several industry associations, trade groups, community organizations and government-business alliances.

David grew up in, and resides in Bellevue with his wife Patricia, a well-known jazz performer.

February 2026

WEDNESDAY, february 11, 2026 - IVAR’S SALMON HOUSE

In February, MCEI Seattle will welcome author Andrew McMasters.

We are trained to craft messages - but the real impact comes when we stop talking and start listening. Based on insights from Listening Without Agenda, this energizing session explores how listening—without assumptions, interruptions, or pre-planned responses—builds trust, clarity, and stronger connections with teams, clients, and audiences.

Through improv-inspired techniques and simple interactive exercises, MCEI Seattle members will:

• Recognize common listening traps that can diminish authenticity.

• Discuss presence and use practical tools for collaboration.

• Learn tricks to apply immediately in messaging, leadership, and client engagement.

This session is designed for communication leaders who want to elevate their presence, strengthen relationships, and enhance response agility.

Andrew McMasters is an actor, director, author and entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in the arts. He is a founder of a non-profit theater that he managed for 25 years. He has worked for multiple Fortune 500 companies including Amazon, Microsoft, GE, Hasbro, Google, Valve, Nike and Apple. His company provides leadership development and presentation support as well as team building trainings all over the world.

Andrew is dedicated to experiential learning, providing opportunities for self-discovery and driving innovation in our everyday lives. His book “Listening without Agenda” is available online and in books stores everywhere.