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.

October 2025

WEDNESDAY, October 8, 2025 - IVAR’S SALMON HOUSE

In October, we will welcome Mike Everett, Chief Meteorologist at KING 5 News.

The patterns we see in the skies often match the patterns of our lives.

This keynote links weather and climate concepts to practical life lessons that help people stay optimistic, adaptable, and grounded during change. For MCEI Seattle members, it’s a chance to gain fresh perspective on resilience and adaptability—qualities that are just as essential in marketing and communications as they are in weather forecasting.

A gifted and animated storyteller, Emmy-nominated Meteorologist Mike Everett has seen it all:

From the East Coast, where he honed his skills tracking hurricanes, tropical storms, and nor’easters, to the unpredictable landscapes of Colorado, where blizzards, wildfires, and tornadoes are as common as sunshine, Mike’s experience spans a wide range of conditions. In the Southwest, he learned to navigate the intense heat, sandstorms, and sudden flash floods of the desert.

A gifted and animated storyteller, Emmy-nominated Meteorologist Mike Everett has seen it all:

From the East Coast, where he honed his skills tracking hurricanes, tropical storms, and nor’easters, to the unpredictable landscapes of Colorado, where blizzards, wildfires, and tornadoes are as common as sunshine, Mike’s experience spans a wide range of conditions. In the Southwest, he learned to navigate the intense heat, sandstorms, and sudden flash floods of the desert.

Here in the Pacific Northwest, serving as the Chief Meteorologist for KING 5 News, Mike has become an expert in tracking atmospheric rivers, droughts, and everything in between. His ability to forecast in this ever-changing climate is a product of his first-hand experience out in it.

His academic background is as diverse as the weather he tracks: He began his studies at Eastern Florida State College, earning an A.A. before moving on to the University of Central Florida, where he earned a B.A. in Communications, specializing in Radio and Television with a minor in Writing and Rhetoric. His academic path then led him to Mississippi State University, where he earned a B.S. in Geosciences, specializing in Broadcast and Operational Meteorology.

November 2025

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

November’s meeting will feature Rachel Mercer, Manager and Chief at Wautoma Springs Winery.

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 Woman 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.

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.