Prior Meetings & Speakers

decEMBER 2024 - paul smith, hemispheres

In December, we welcomed Paul Smith of Hemispheres.

Many globally built products struggle to connect with local audiences, whether business-to-business (B2B) or business-to-consumer (B2C). Paul delved into details of crafting value propositions that resonate across cultures and markets. Paul’s talk overviewed how global vision leads to local connection, and how businesses can create value propositions and Go-to-Market (GTM) strategies that succeed everywhere.

Paul also shared insights on securing executive buy-in for global-to-local strategies and highlight the processes and funding needed for success. Paul discussed how evolving value propositions and leveraging AI can enhance localization and drive impact across markets.

Paul Smith is a seasoned global marketing leader with over 25 years of international experience across Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and North America. He is a believer that great products require strong value propositions built on a foundation of customer needs. He has implemented GTM strategies and processes to launch 100+ B2B and B2C products throughout his career.

Paul is currently Vice President at Hemispheres and has held senior marketing roles at veterinary health leader IDEXX, as well as GE Healthcare and Philips. More recently, Paul has been consulting companies on incorporating AI into their product development and launch processes. A Pacific Northwest native, Paul attended both Western Washington University and the University of Washington and now lives in Portland, Maine, where he has a passion for all things outdoors.

NOVEMBER 2024 - CATHY SWIFT, PORT OF SEATTLE

Our November meeting featured Cathy Swift of the Port of Seattle.

On August 24, 2024, SEA—one of the busiest airports in the country—experienced a ransomware strike that brought many of its digital communications to an abrupt halt for more than two months—and the effects are still ongoing. Because the airport did not pay the ransom, every system is having to be manually rebuilt. Passenger communications have been drastically impacted and daily communication tools have been out of service for weeks and months.

Cathy presented a behind-the-scenes look at the situation, how the massive challenges it presented, what her team has been doing to side-step the effects of the attack and provide an honest analysis of lessons learned that every communicator—whether on the corporate or agency/consultant side—will want to hear and digest. Because, statistically, something similar will happen to others within our membership, and knowing what to—and what not to—do will make all the difference.

Cathy has served as Senior Manager of Content Marketing and Digital Communications for the Port of Seattle since 2018. There, she leads teams that manage content development, campaigns, social media, website management, email and text messaging, marketing collateral production, and subscription strategy for two dozen different email lists, with oversight for these functions for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Fishermen's Terminal, marinas, cruise terminals, and the Port of Seattle.

Prior to the Port, among her experiences were both marketing and communications roles for companies in the travel and software industries, and overseeing an agency team for a former division of McCann Worldwide that led global content development for Lexus automobiles.

OCTOBER 2024 - ashley laabs, composure digital

In October, Ashley Laabs of Composure Digital hosted an evening of networking and learning.

Too many communicators treat LinkedIn like a static résumé, when they should be thinking strategically. Ashley provided insight on what it means to optimize your profile, to advance both your personal and professional goals.

In today’s communications landscape, success hinges on the ability to market not only your organization’s brand, but your personal one, as well. This session taught members how to develop an authentic communication style that builds lasting relationships and creates opportunities for growth.

Ashley Laabs is the Founder of Composure Digital, a boutique agency empowering executives and entrepreneurs to become influential experts on LinkedIn. With 15 years of B2B marketing experience crafting content for industry giants like Amazon, eBay, and T-Mobile, Ashley now focuses on helping B2B leaders stand out through strategic thought leadership. Her approach builds engaged communities, accelerates sales cycles, and creates new opportunities for executives and entrepreneurs.

Ashley is also the host of The Ripple, a podcast that captures the turning points, growing pains, breakthroughs, and triumphs of executive women leaders. By sharing formative moments from their journeys, she hopes to create a ripple effect, inspiring women everywhere to show up with confidence in work and life. Ashley provided insight on what it means to optimize your profile, to advance both your personal and professional goals.

SEPTEMBER 2024 - DEB WARREN & sarah ninivaggi, quinn thomas

In September, MCEI welcomed Deb Warren and Sarah Ninivaggi from Quinn Thomas, a prominent marketing and communications firm in the Pacific Northwest.

Deb and Sarah shared their insights leading a multi-year behavioral health career recruitment campaign aimed at increasing Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) representation in Washington's statewide workforce. They delved into their work on annual statewide open enrollment marketing campaigns in both Washington and Oregon.

Attendees learned best practices for integrating equity into marketing initiatives. Deb and Sarah provided actionable insights for building trust and authentically engaging with communities, and shared best practices for all communications professionals to strengthen multicultural marketing efforts.

Sarah Ninivaggi is a Vice President at Quinn Thomas, an integrated marketing and communications firm based in the Pacific Northwest, specializing in leading strategies that build trust, change perceptions, and meet organizational goals.

Deb Warren is the Multicultural Marketing and Communications Manager for Quinn Thomas. She leads account teams across the healthcare, housing and technology sectors as well as Quinn Thomas’ DEI initiatives and multicultural communications and marketing programs.

juLY 2024 - molly moon neitzel, molly moon’s homemade ice cream

In July, we were joined by Molly Neitzel, founder of Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream.

Molly delved into the importance of embedding personal and community values into the heart of a brand and marketing strategy. Members learned how Molly built a successful, locally-loved business aligned with progressive, pro-worker policies. We were also treated with some incredible ice cream samples!

Founded in 2008, Molly set out to create a vibrant and welcoming community gathering place for all Seattleites to share and enjoy delicious ice cream. Today, Molly Moon's is a beloved local brand that's a leader in labor practices, including industry leading wages, benefits, and being a pay transparent company. Molly Moon’s gives 1% of sales each year to non-profits in the Seattle community and works hard to fight local hunger through food bank giving and Molly Moon’s own nonprofit—the Anna Banana Milk Fund.

Molly has advocated for progressive business practices and worker rights on the local, state, and national levels, helping to win minimum wage increases, paid safe and sick time, secure scheduling, and paid family and medical leave for workers in the region.

With nine shops across the Seattle area, Molly Moon's has garnered acclaim in publications like Food & Wine and Bon Appetit for its delectable offerings, all while striving to make the world a better place, one scoop at a time.

june 2024 - josh dunn, premier media group

For the June MCEI meeting, we welcomed Josh Dunn, founder and CEO of Premier Media Group.

Josh presented on the threats and opportunities of AI, and how to boldly craft human content with AI looming. Josh shared his perspective as the head of Premier Media Group, the creative leadership behind 425 Magazine, South Sound Magazine, and the newly Acquired Northwest Travel + Life!

Josh has a remarkable track record of dedication to both his work and community. Since he opened his business nearly 23 years ago, Josh and his team have been supporting more than 200,000 loyal readers monthly. He has been featured on numerous podcasts and TV shows such as Evening Magazine, Q13 Morning News, KBTC, and HGTV. Additionally, he is a recipient of “40 Under Forty” and was named one of Pierce College’s “Distinguished Alumni.” Josh serves on the boards of the University of Washington Milgard School of Business and the Association of Washington Business (State Chamber of Commerce). His company, Premier Media Group, has repeatedly been named a Top Company to work for. Josh was also recognized as the community volunteer of the year by the MBA of Pierce County.

Josh is a devoted family man, and lives with his wife Michelle and their three wonderful children in Lakewood and Arizona. In his spare time, Josh loves to golf, travel, and search for vintage antiques.

MAY 2024 - carly Andrews & JACKIE MONTSTREAM,
FRED HUTCH CANCER CENTER

In May, MCEI welcomed Carly Andrews and Jackie Montstream from the Philanthropy team at Fred Hutch Cancer Center, a leading research and care institute known to many here at home and around the world.

Carly provided insight into fundraising and engagement efforts for Obliteride, a bike ride and 5K walk / run that connects and empowers people to help cure cancer faster by raising funds for Fred Hutch Cancer Center. Obliteride—#9 in the nation's top cause-cycling events—has become a beacon of community-driven fundraising, empowering participants to advance cancer research and care through cycling, running, walking, and raising funds. This year, Obliteride aims to raise $10 million with the support of 4,500 participants; volunteers; corporate sponsors; and donors.

*Carly Andrews and Jackie Montstream, Fred Hutch Cancer Center*

Jackie discussed how—through partnerships with streaming platforms like Twitch—Fred Hutch connects content creators, gamers, and culture makers to raise critical funds for disease prevention, treatment, and care. Through innovative, peer-to-peer practices, Fred Hutch is showing how to meet today’s funders where they are. This presentation was valuable for members eager to understand the dynamics of fundraising in today’s digital age.

APRIL 2024 - HELEN MCCLENAHAN, ARCHDIOCESE OF SEATTLE

In April, MCEI featured Helen McClenahan, the Chief Communications Officer for the Archdiocese of Seattle.

Serving more than a million Catholics in western Washington, the Archdiocese of Seattle includes 174 locations and 72 schools, with over 60 ministries and more than 500 weekly Masses celebrated in eight languages. From Canada to Oregon and the Cascade Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, the archdiocese covers 24,000 miles in Washington State.

Helen shared how the local Catholic Church is transforming its communication efforts to better engage its stakeholders, including parishioners, employees, and young Catholics. From internal communications and digital evangelization to traditional media and crisis communication / issues management, the world of communication for the local Catholic Church is diverse and challenging.

Helen joined the Archdiocese of Seattle in 2019 and previously served as a director of communications at Limeade, an employee engagement and well-being company, after spending eight years at Weber Shandwick working in technology, healthcare, and clean technology. She has her Master of Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Helen lives in Greenwood, Seattle with her husband, Tyler, and four kids. When she isn’t working, she is busy in her non-paid role of chauffeuring kids to multiple sporting activities.

march 2024 - ben press, talent agent

The March MCEI meeting spotlighted Ben Press, a seasoned communications leaders specializing in talent arbitrage. Ben discussed the evolving world of celebrity endorsements and equity partnerships. The industry has seen an uptick in celebrity owner/partners like Ryan Reynolds with Mint Mobile, George Clooney with Casamigos, and the Kardashians with, well…everything! Ben dove into how those deals are struck, structured, and where they’re heading next.

As a talent agent, Ben guided the careers of an extensive roster of clients including Don Cheadle, Ariana Grande, Amanda Seyfried, Chevy Chase, Tyra Banks, Ray Liotta, Frank Langella, Elle Macpherson, Emilio Estevez, Juliette Lewis, Elizabeth Banks, Norman Reedus, William Fichtner, David Arquette and George Takei.

For three decades, Ben has been at the forefront of the entertainment industry. He is a partner at the management and production company, Primary Wave Entertainment. He’s also founder and partner of a talent agency startup, now known as Buchwald/Fortitude. As a strategic advisor, he’s sought out by entrepreneurs, content creators, and talent to identify, nurture, and secure partnerships.

In addition to his talent work, Ben has served as executive producer of the action film, “All The Devil’s Men,” starring Milo Gibson and William Fichtner; and the A&E Networks’ documentary, “The Lifeguard,” about Ronald Reagan, written and produced by Reagan’s daughter, Patti Davis. Ben has also packaged multiple television series, including mega-hit, “America’s Next Top Model,” with Tyra Banks; NBC's “Fashion Star,” with Elle Macpherson; and TBS' “King of the Nerds.”

Ben is a member of the Hollywood Reporter’s class of 2000’s, "Next Generation of Hollywood Leaders: The 35 under 30," and is a graduate of Middlebury College. He is a resident of Los Angeles, California.

FEBRUARY 2024 - bob donegan, ivar’s

February’s MCEI meeting featured Bob Donegan, CEO of Ivar’s. Bob shared the story of marketing one of Seattle’s oldest and favorite restaurant companies. Bob gave members a masterclass in harnessing the power of PR and editorial coverage in boosting a brand, and described how the iconic local brand has evolved over the years.

Ivar’s Restaurants opened on Seattle's waterfront in 1938. Over the years, Ivar's has grown into a beloved regional institution, embodying the spirit and flavors of the Pacific Northwest. The company operates full-service restaurants, fast casual dining spots, and concessions throughout the Puget Sound. Ivar's Seafood, Soup and Sauce Company markets and sells its award-winning soups, chowders, and sauces, nationally and internationally. Apart from its culinary offerings, Ivar's is also known for its unique marketing and promotional activities, often reflecting the spirit of its founder, Ivar Haglund.

As president and CEO of Ivar's, Bob Donegan has played a pivotal role in its growth and development. Under his leadership, Ivar's has expanded its operations, including the opening of new locations and the enhancement of its menu offerings.

Bob joined Ivar’s in 1997 and previously served as the company’s CFO. Prior to his time at Ivar’s, he supported Peet’s Coffee as an executive vice president and CFO. Bob and his wife Lisa live in Richmond Beach.

january 2024 - joy shigaki, friends of waterfront seattle

Seattle’s waterfront is an iconic and historic place at the heart of the Emerald City. During a time of unprecedented change, Seattle’s central shoreline continues to shine—from the newly developed Pier 62 to the upcoming Waterfront Park.

For our January meeting, Joy Shigaki, president and CEO at Friends of Waterfront Seattle, presented on the challenges of keeping the City connected and engaged through this massive project, all while balancing business needs and building a lasting vision that meets the needs of a changing city.

Joy is a national leader in funding, delivering, and revitalizing civic projects and parks. A fourth-generation Seattleite, Joy returned home after raising $98 million in a campaign for the Presidio Tunnel Tops for the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy in San Francisco.

Prior, Joy held several fundraising positions, including Director of Development for the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, Episcopal Relief & Development, and for Coro New York Leadership Center. Earlier in her career, she managed the capital campaign to create a permanent home for the Wing Luke Museum in Seattle’s Chinatown International District.

Throughout her life and career, Joy has been deeply grounded in and committed to racial and social justice and has worked to build and strengthen more equitable and inclusive organizations and systems.

december 2023 - jody brannon, washington state university

Here in Washington state and across the country, local news outlets face enormous challenges. Closures and cutbacks have devastated newsrooms, resulting in “news deserts” where communities lack access to quality coverage.

At our December meeting, Jody Brannon presented on her efforts leading the new Murrow News Fellowship at Washington State University. This innovative program connects early-career journalists with media organizations to inform communities and strengthen local news.

Jody is a nationally recognized leader in journalism innovation with a strong commitment to the news industry and journalism education. Previously, Jody served in roles with the Center for Journalism and Liberty, the Tow-Knight Center for Entrepreneurial Journalism, and the Carnegie-Knight News 21 initiative.

A pioneer in digital journalism, Jody has held senior roles at national news leaders including The Washington Post, USA Today, and the Online News Association.

NOVEMBER 2023 - JOHN COOK, GEEKWIRE

Our November meeting featured John Cook, co-founder and publisher of GeekWire. John shared his insights from building a nationally recognized technology news site and community. John discussed the challenges of being a boot-strapped media startup, GeekWire’s unique approach to profitability, and how the outlet has created a community embraced by an audience many thought was out of reach.

John started GeekWire in 2011, along with veteran journalist Todd Bishop, building on more than two decades of combined experience covering the Pacific Northwest technology community.

As co-founder and publisher, John oversees business, event and community operations, bringing the GeekWire community together in creative, informative and fun ways. A sought-after voice on startups, venture capital and the changing economics of the tech industry, John started covering the technology beat in the Seattle area in the 1990s as a tech reporter for The Eastside Journal before moving to The Seattle Post-Intelligencer and Puget Sound Business Journal.

OCTOBER 2023 - APRIL PRIDE, Of Like Minds

April Pride spoke at our October meeting—educating attendees about all things cannabis and psilocybin products. Members and guests found her engaging and fascinating.

April is a Seattle-based serial creative entrepreneur who has been developing brands and products for 20 years. In 2015, she founded Van der Pop, a cannabis lifestyle brand recognized for its design-forward style accessories and educational content that specifically spoke to women who are into weed. Or curious about it. Van der Pop was acquired by Canopy Growth, the world’s largest cannabis company, in its third year.

She serves currently as the host of the podcast The High Guide, a show all about women who are changing their lives thanks to altered states of consciousness and also serves as the creative force behind Of Like Minds, a psilocybin product brand. (Psilocybin products are derived from a subset of fungi commonly referred to as “magic mushrooms.”)

She is a dynamic and influential figure in these emerging industries—known for promoting a positive, responsible approach to cannabis and psychedelic use.

SEPTEMBER 2023 - KATIE TOWNSEND & MARI HORITA, SEATTLE KRAKEN

Our program at our 2023 Annual Meeting featured the inside story of how the Seattle Kraken turned Seattle into a hockey town.

Kraken SVP of Marketing & Communications Katie Townsend and SVP of Social Impact & Government Relations Mari Horita engaged our full room with strories, videos and insights about the marketing and community-engagement “special sauce” that have made the club one of the most successful launches in the history of professional sports.

They discussed the innovative approaches to how the club does business, how they market themselves and who they’ve put on their corporate team that’s built the club. They’ve put together one of the the most diverse and talented team of corporate staff in all of professional sports, and began embedding themselves in the community years before the first puck dropped.

JULY 2023 - brian jones, seattle seawolves

In July, we heard the exciting story of the Seattle Seawolves and what it takes to build a championship brand worthy of a championship team. Seattle Seawolves CEO Brian Jones spoke about developing the team’s brand, building a fan community, and finding ways to generate revenue. The program was entertaining, interactive and educational (we learned about rugby, including demonstrations from audience participants).

In a crowded sports landscape, rugby is gaining a growing following. What many locals might not know is that our hometown professional team is among the very best. Major League Rugby (MLR) champs their first two seasons, and in 2022, the Seattle Seawolves brought home the MLR Western Conference Championship trophy.

JUNE 2023 - ANGELA CRAGIN & A.V. EICHENBAUM, SEATTLE GAY NEWS

June’s MCEI meeting featured the fascinating inside story of the history—and future—of Seattle Gay News, a local media success story in a challenging industry landscape. Members got a behind-the-scenes look at not only the current operations of SGN, but also the personal journeys of the Publisher, Angela Cragin and Editor-in-Chief, A.V. Eichenbaum. Truly a tale of resilience, diligence, dedication, and hope as they continue to navigate the rapidly changing landscape of the newspaper industry and the unique clientele that the publication serves. The “little paper that could” has been resuscitated, restructured, and redesigned to continue to represent a strong voice in independent journalism, as it has for 50 years.

MAY 2023 - MARK TITUS, EVA’S WILD

The Power of a sTory

Mark Titus
Filmmaker & Founder
Eva’s Wild

For our May meeting, Mark Titus shared his extraordinary work to help save and place permanent protections for the most regenerative natural salmon fishery on the planet – Bristol Bay, Alaska. Through his award-winning documentary film work in The Breach, The Wild and now his final film in the Salmon trilogy – The Turn, (currently in production) – we will learn how Mark’s professional and personal journey intersect to transform an endangered region, its revered community, and himself. Concurrent with the release of The Wild, Mark founded Eva's Wild, a bCorp whose mission is to save the wild places we love – starting with Bristol Bay, Alaska.

Eva’s Wild delivers the world’s best wild salmon from the world’s most sustainable fishery directly to your door as a subscription-based, regenerative food business. They also offer a wholesale line to acclaimed restaurateurs who purchase their wild Bristol Bay sockeye salmon. Every transaction with Eva's Wild results in a direct donation to the future of Bristol Bay's proud communities and sustainable fishery. Through his storytelling, Mark carries the message that humanity has an inherent need for wildness - and to fulfill that need we have a calling to protect wild places and wild things.

MAY 2023 - panel discussion on workplace trends

April’s MCEI meeting was a high-energy discussion of the workplace trends affecting all businesses: Return to Office or stay remote, and what are the cultural and communications challenges in each? This session was moderated by our own Elizabeth Andreini, who in her current role as CEO of Child Development Inc. made her own difficult decision to bring her employees back to the office three days per week.

Featured panelists were: Jim Darragh, CFO & COO for Compendium, a 60-employee consumer-products company whose professional staff are now fully remote—and scattered across the country; Lorraine Hellum, SVP, Human Resources & Corporate Secretary, Seattle Bank—which has been fully in-office for quite some time; Joe Shea, Director of Asset Management at Heartland. Joe spoke from a building-owner/manager perspective not only what he sees as trending, but also what affect these corporate decisions to abdicate office space are having on the commercial RE market here; and Eric Blohm, Senior Managing Director, Savills, a tenant-rep commercial real estate broker. He offered insight on trending among clients that range from service firms to T-Mobile.

MArch 2023 - denise moriguchi, uwajimaya

Denise Moriguchi of Uwajimaya was our March MCEI presenter. She shared the story of Uwajimaya, how a brand update in 2023 reflects a connection to community, its founders and what lies ahead for this iconic company.

Way back in 1928, Fujimatsu and Sadako Moriguchi founded Uwajimaya in Tacoma, Washington. Today the brand is one of the largest Asian grocery retailers in the Pacific Northwest and has evolved to become the destination to experience Asian food culture. The company also plays a critical role as a major employer with locations in Bellevue, Renton, Beaverton, and its flagship location is a cornerstone of Seattle’s International District. CEO Denise Moriguchi is the third generation of leaders to steward this brand through a changing world and Puget Sound region.

february 2023 - angela dunleavy, farestart

Our February presenter was Angela Dunleavy. From 2018 to early 2023, Angela served as the CEO at FareStart, a James Beard Award-winning nonprofit organization that transforms lives, disrupts poverty, and nourishes communities through food, life skills and job training. FareStart supports students with wraparound social services as they participate in on-the-job training programs through FareStart’s social enterprise businesses, including a community meals program, a restaurant and cafes.

When the pandemic struck in March 2020, Angela revamped the organization’s job training programs and expanded its food security work, delivering over five million meals throughout the Seattle area. In early February 2023, she became CEO at Gourmondo, a Pacific Northwest food company. She shared the marketing challenges—and how her team responded—to position FareStart for future long-term success. Prior to that role, Angela was co-founder and CEO of Ethan Stowell Restaurants, a Seattle-based hospitality group.

january 2023 - chris mcgann & matt dresdner,
groundswell communications
sean daniels, muckleshoot tribal council

Muckleshoot Indian Tribal members are the direct descendants of Seattle’s first inhabitants, the Duwamish People. Through generations of prejudice, injustice, and poverty they persevered and maintained their heritage and identity. When others began seeking federal recognition in the name of Muckleshoot’s ancestors, the Tribe turned to Groundswell to set the record straight.

Our January speakers Chris McGann and Matt Desdner from Groundswell Communications, and Sean Daniels of the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe walked us through a fascinating discussion of the Tribe’s history, the issue that spawned the campaign and the creative execution itself.

Learn more about the Muckleshoot tribe and their communications campaign at: https://www.wearemuckleshoot.org/. Learn more about Groundswell at: https://www.groundswellnorthwest.com/.

december 2022 - whitney ellison, alaska airlines
& LISA ZAKRODD, MEKANISM

Alaska Airlines has always punched above its weight when it comes to memorable and creative marketing programs. At our December 2022 meeting Whitney Ellison, brand marketing manager for Alaska, and Lisa Zakroff from Alaska creative agency Mekanism detailed the unique, and highly successful campaign (launched in late 2020, in the middle of the pandemic) focused on being the airlines most focused on caring (and the safety of its passengers).

Their COVID safety focus and the marketing of it helped generate a ton of positive PR and position the airline for a faster recovery post-COVID than many of its peers. It recorded record operating revenue in the second quarter of this year as it continues to innovate—and dominate—within its key markets.

Whitney and Lisa gave a fascinating and enlightening review of their creative, and execution, decisions that guided—and continue to guide—the campaign’s success.

november 2022 - amanda hobbs & KELLY CAMPBELL,
virginia mason franciscan health

Amanda Hobbs (left) and Kelly Campbell of Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, the provider’s top local marketing team members, provided an inside, candid and behind-the-scenes look at the 2021 merger of Virginia Mason and CHI Franciscan Health.

Campbell is Division Vice President of Marketing & Communications and Hobbs is Division Director of Marketing. They provided an informative presentation and engaged MCEI members in a fascinating discussion and Q&A.

The combined Virginia Mason Franciscan Health system includes 11 hospitals and nearly 300 care sites around the state, including primary and specialty care clinics, same-day surgery centers, Benaroya Research Institute, Bailey-Boushay House and Virginia Mason Institute. The organization employs more than 18,000 team members and staff, including nearly 5,000 employed physicians and affiliated providers.

additional previous speakers

chris woodward, alliance for Pioneer square

Seattle is famous for its love of neighborhoods. How did Seattle’s original downtown neighborhood cope through a pandemic, homelessness crisis, and steep decline in city life that sustains local businesses?
Our speaker Chris Woodward leads marketing, communications, advocacy and community development for the Alliance as the Community Development Director. In his role he has led the expansion of the organization’s marketing/communications strategy, advocacy agenda, and response to the impacts of the pandemic.

Amy ANdrews, Jeri ANdrews, XOBC Cellars

Founding partners Jeri and Amy Andrews set out to create wine that is not only notable, but notably generous when they co-founded their winery, XOBC Cellars.
In partnership with their friends, 6 time Grammy winning artist Brandi Carlile and her wife Catherine, these women fused music and wine with a common goal of making a difference by donating proceeds to the Looking Out Foundation.

Kevin Colligan,VP Media + Innovation, Cascade public media

Kevin Colligan, Vice President Media & Innovation for Cascade Public Media, took MCEI behind the scenes on a very modern competition for public television streaming audiences, described as “basically the Game of Thrones, but while wearing cardigan sweaters.”
Two years ago, local public television affiliate KCTS 9 faced an existential crisis. With streaming audiences expected to surpass broadcast audiences this fall, public television stations faced a future where they no longer had to compete with six or seven channels, but now had to compete in a digital marketplace against Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, etc.

Ryan Cudney, General manager Pacific NW, Edelman

Who do you trust?

Trust defines an organization’s license to operate, lead and succeed. Trust is the foundation that allows an organization to take responsible risk, and, if it makes mistakes, to rebound from them. Lasting trust is the strongest insurance against competitive or internal disruption, the antidote to consumer indifference, and the best path to continued growth. Without trust, credibility is lost and reputation can be threatened.

Billy Thompson, Director of corporate support, C89.5

Welcome to reimagining Radio.
Have you heard that Radio is dying? Not at C89.5, your local source for a 24 hour dance party. Unlike any other radio station in our market, C89.5 is based at Nathan Hale high school and operates as an extension of Seattle Public Schools curriculum. The station has a remarkable 50 year legacy in our market.

Crystal Langhorne
Force4Change

Our April speaker is a professional sports leader on and off the court. Crystal Langhorne helped lead the Storm to two national championships before retiring in 2021. She continues blazing new trails, stepping into the first-ever Director of Community Engagement role for Force4Change, a new Seattle-based social justice platform to combat racism and support diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Dr. Jiangmeng Liu, seattle university

There is no such thing as a mindless social media scroll. Whether you use social media for work, for fun, or both, multiple psychological processes influence what you’re thinking and feeling long after the screen goes dark.

Meet Seattle University’s Dr. Jiangmeng Liu for a presentation on the psychology behind the scroll. Learn why your Facebook friends might be making you feel bad, how insecurity could be a good thing online, and the psychology behind an impactful influencer campaign.

Creative Leaders from Turnstyle & Stoke

Two years ago Seattle-Tacoma International Airport revealed the first ever unique brand identity in the airport’s modern history, backed with new brand values, mission, and visual identity.
Local strategic and creative leaders Turnstyle and Stoke led a research, positioning and brand identity program, working across consumer and governmental stakeholders, to communicate the airport’s vision as an industry leader.

Kati Erwert, Sr. Vice-President
Seattle Times

Hear from the Seattle Times senior vice president Kati Erwert to learn more about how The Seattle Times has transformed.
The Seattle Times is the longest family-owned newspaper in the country. That has been hard fought through a significant transformation over the past ten years in the ways they do business.
Innovative approaches to revenue and funding have been the backbone of that success. This includes their newsroom expansion through community-funding, significant audience growth in their audience to the largest in their history and how passing of federal legislation may be a game changer for them and the newspaper industry as a whole.
Erwert will share the communications and marketing strategies driving that engagement and what The Times has learned through these efforts.

2021 speakers

Jon Scholes, President Downtown SEattle Association

Dynamic urban centers provide economic, cultural, and community benefits. The COVID crisis particularly challenged cities, but Seattle is working to deliver a downtown experience that is even more dynamic and inclusive than before. Join us to hear from Jon Scholes, President & CEO of the Downtown Seattle Association, one of our region’s most accomplished leaders, for a discussion on what’s ahead for the recovery of downtown Seattle.

Beth knox, president, Seattle sports commission

What a year for Seattle sports! Join us to hear from Beth Knox, President of the Seattle Sports Commission. Beth will share current priorities for the Seattle Sports Commission, one of the key leaders in our region for attracting and hosting premier sporting events and providing support to all levels of local sports organizations.
Her career includes leadership roles in iconic event production, including the Special Olympics 2018 national competition, Seafair and Bumbershoot.

Tiffany Lewis, Chief Cookie Officer, Cookies with tiffany

Retail entrepreneur Tiffany Lewis will join us to share her secret recipe for branding and marketing success. Tiffany credits her background in strategic marketing and communications for guiding her journey to retail entrepreneur. She will share her experience and perspective on the most important takeaways for marketing any product, including yourself, a product or brand.

Tiffany Lewis, Chief Cookie Officer and Founder of Cookies with Tiffany, started her woman owned and operated gourmet cookie empire as a result of the pandemic. During a time where everyone was told to separate, Tiffany knew there was no better time than now to bring a little nostalgia, comfort and joy to the marketplace.

Dan Blanchard, CEO and captain of uncruise adventures

Dan will share his perspective on entrepreneurship, innovation, and connecting with customers.
Captain Dan Blanchard grew up in Washington State, living and working on boats since he was a kid. He received his ship Master's License at 18 and has gone on to live a storied-tale from owner of Blanchard Marine to Captain of sightseeing vessels to Director at Cruise West and Vice President of Operations; in 1999, he joined American Safari Cruise, he went on to acquire the company in 2008 launching Innersea Discoveries now known as UnCruise Adventures.

How can marketers and communicators thrive and meet their goals in OUR new hybrid environment?
**Karrie Sanderson: Marketing Insights and Brand**

Events will never be the same after COVID. Virtual experiences increased potential audience size and accessibility, but lost spontaneity and the joy of connecting in person. How can marketers and communicators thrive and meet their goals in the new hybrid environment? Hear from marketing expert Karrie Sanderson on the approach Smartsheet applied to both grow their audience and cultivate the value of bringing people together.

Airbnb - marketing during Covid

Airbnb faced massive market shifts in the last year. First, no one left their homes. Then, everyone wanted to book an escape. Hear how Airbnb leaned on its experience navigating global regulatory issues to guide its COVID crisis response and used marketing and communications to focus on relationships with guests and hosts.
Theo Yedinsky is the director for global policy at Airbnb. He manages policy teams operating in 50 countries across North America, EMEA, LATAM, APAC and China. An avid Philadelphia Flyers fan, Theo promises to also consider cheering for the Seattle Kraken.

Canlis - pivot and reinvention during Covid-19 Crisis

As the food industry grapples with how to stay afloat in an ever-changing landscape, Canlis has been a trailblazer for restaurants looking for alternative business models. In April, Mark Canlis will share a behind the scenes look at Canlis’ multiple pivots in 2020 and detail how their mission and vision has changed. From Canlis Community College to Yurt Villages, learn why “fine dining is not what Seattle needs right now” and will they ever go back to how things were before?
The second of three sons, Mark grew up in a restaurant family. He joined Canlis in 2003, after graduating from Cornell University and serving as a Captain in Air Force Special Operations.

keeping tourism alive and what’s ahead for 2021

In a normal year, tourism ranks as one of Washington’s greatest sources of jobs and economic activity. COVID-19 struck travel hard, costing jobs and closing businesses. Local leaders responded with creative campaigns designed to inspire you to safely explore. We catch up with two of Washington tourism’s top marketers to explore the strategies that made the greatest impact during the pandemic and what lies ahead for 2021. Please join us when Visit Seattle’s Ui Robinson and Washington Tourism Alliance’s David Blandford share this journey.

launching the region’s first Covid-19 Response Fund

In March 2020 the Seattle Foundation launched one of the region’s first COVID-19 response funds. With the support of a coalition of philanthropy, government, and business partners, the COVID-19 Response Fund so far has galvanized a total of $28.8 million to address urgent economic and health needs. Hear from Chief Strategy Officer & Chief of Staff Michele Frix and Communications Strategist Joy Portella how one of the region’s largest response Funds came to be and where they are headed for 2021.

***The Future of Seattle Arts and Entertainment: Thoughtful Pivots & New PlaybookS***
***Panelists:*** L. Patrice Bell, Guest Services & External Affairs Officer at The Northwest African American Museum
Rosemary Jones, Director of Marketing at The National Nordic Museum in Seattle

We rely on arts and culture to sustain us. More than ever, cultural institutions not only need creativity and energy, they need us to sustain themselves. This January, leaders from the Northwest African American Museum and the National Nordic Museum will share their journey tackling the challenges of 2020 and speak to what has prepared them to enter 2021 with a fresh playbook for nurturing and encouraging community.

*The Battle Against Fake News*
Jevin West, Associate Professor & Director of the Center for an Informed Public, University of Washington

During this time when some elected leaders and others point fingers at “fake news,” learn about the work of the non-partisan Center for an Informed Public – as well as insights and observances regarding fake news and the intended misinformation on society, social justice, democracy and how we receive information. Joining us to present his thoughts is the Center’s director, UW information school associate professor and co-author of the book *Calling Bullshit: The Art of Skepticism in a Data-Driven World*.

Pundits, Puffery & Predictions: A 2020 Post-Election Panel
Moderator: C.R. Douglas, Political Analyst, Q13 FOX
News
Panel Members:
Joni Balter, Journalist, Civic Cocktail Host & Professional in Residence at the Institute of Public Service
Caleb Heimlich, Chairman, Washington State Republican Party

The upcoming election is being called “the most important election of our lifetimes.” This post-election panel will lead us in a lively discussion recapping the craziness of this election season, the local and national race outcomes, communications strategies (what worked, what didn’t, what backfired – and why), and what this all means for future campaigns and candidates.

Brett Rawson,Social Media Manager, Washington State Wine Commission

Two years ago the Washington State Wine Commission brought social media in-house for the first time. At that point, they had the sixth largest social media presence in the wine world, but their tactics had always focused on growth. Hear from our speaker about how he built a program which centered around engagement, community-building, industry-wide education, and the human experience of wine through digital storytelling and social media.

Steve Wiens, Microsoft

Inside Microsoft’s Storytelling Journey

Get a behind-the-scenes look at how Microsoft learned to tell its own story through bold experiments in storytelling. An early leader in owned content, Microsoft has documented its own significant cultural and business transformation from within over the last decade. That journey began with homegrown-first forays into digital storytelling and today continues through growing network of digital channels for press, consumers and employees, including the award-winning in-house content studio Microsoft Story Labs, which produces content spanning longform editorial, animated series, virtual reality experiences, podcasts and more. Our speaker, Microsoft Story Labs Creative Director Steve Wiens will chart this storytelling journey, candidly delve into both wins and misses, and share a few things we’ve learned along the way.

Sharelle Klaus, DRY Soda,

Marketing to the Sober Curious Millennial

When DRY Soda launched 15 years ago it helped create an entirely new non-alcoholic beverage category. At first, stores literally couldn’t figure out where to place DRY. Today, the category has exploded with competition from soda’s, seltzers, mixers, N/A beers and more. As more and more people are drinking less and less, Sharelle is leading DRY down a new path to engage the growing sober-curious millennial community . Hear from Sharelle about marketing on the sober-spectrum (sober sometimes to sober serious) and engaging with some of the hardest to reach audiences.

Sue bennett & grace Chien,

leadership tomorrow,

Where do we go from here?

We stand at a watershed moment in our nation’s history. As a communicator, a leader in your organization, and an adviser, how will you help the nation overcome 400 years of racism and make Black lives matter? Our July speakers will share perspectives on their organization’s journey to embed conversations about racial equity across all their work. We will discuss recognizing our own privilege, tailoring conversations between sectors, bringing along leadership, and where to go from here.