Career Connect Washington: Creating a Meaningful Convening for Apprenticeship Building America
Supervisor Andrew, MCA Co-Founder Cynarah Alcántara, and Manager Lynda
Career Connect Washington's Apprenticeship Building America initiative was a natural fit for MCA Marketing. As a multicultural marketing agency, we are all about helping organizations connect with underserved communities, and expanding access to economic opportunity. Because the program focuses on increasing equity, accessibility, and participation in Registered Apprenticeships among underrepresented populations, we were excited to support an effort that closely aligns with our own mission and values.
Challenge
Career Connect Washington was tasked with hosting an Apprenticeship Building America (ABA) Convening, bringing together apprentices, employers, grant recipients, and workforce development leaders to evaluate the impact of a federally funded initiative designed to expand equitable access to Registered Apprenticeships.
The event's purpose was critical: gather meaningful feedback from stakeholders, identify opportunities for improvement, and strengthen the future of apprenticeship programming across Washington State.
With less than two months before the event, the small internal team faced a difficult challenge. They needed to create a welcoming, professional experience while also remaining available to engage directly with attendees and collect valuable insights. Managing event logistics internally would have limited their ability to focus on the people and conversations that mattered most.
Approach
MCA Marketing was brought in as an extension of the Career Connect Washington team, providing end-to-end event coordination and communications support.
Our team managed venue sourcing and event logistics while developing a cohesive attendee experience from registration through event day.
Key services included:
Graphic design for nametags, signage, wayfinding materials, and presentation templates that adhered to government style and messaging restrictions
Venue identification and coordination
Catering management
Event logistics and vendor coordination
Creation of a dedicated event landing page
Email communications and attendee outreach
Development of a recognition gallery highlighting participating grant programs
Technical support and day-of-event management
Run-of-show development and coordination
Because the event focused on gathering authentic stakeholder feedback, MCA also helped create an environment where attendees felt comfortable participating. This included dedicated low-sensory spaces, lactation rooms, prayer rooms, clear wayfinding, and readily available support staff throughout the event.
The Results
Despite the compressed planning timeline, the Convening achieved its goals. The event successfully:
Gathered valuable feedback from apprentices, employers, and grant stakeholders
Created opportunities for meaningful connection across participating organizations
Fostered a sense of community and shared purpose among attendees
Highlighted the accomplishments of grant recipients through a dedicated recognition experience
Allowed Career Connect Washington staff to focus on stakeholder engagement rather than event logistics
Delivered a seamless attendee experience supported by thoughtful infrastructure and on-site coordination
Most importantly, the event generated insights that will help inform future workforce development efforts and strengthen apprenticeship opportunities for underrepresented communities.
Client Feedback
“MCA Marketing's team made our research convening not just possible, but exceptional. They created welcoming spaces for confidential research, built a thoughtful agenda with room for connection and celebration, and coordinated speakers and logistics with ease. Their handling of graphic design, wayfinding signage, tech setup, and event flow ensured everyone felt supported and comfortable throughout. We were able to walk in day of event and just go with the flow because of their excellent communication before the event and run of show the day of event. Great partners who not only planned well, but also helped us manage all the real-time contingencies with grace and ease.”
— Lynda, Strategy Manager, Washington State Employment Security Department
"MCA Marketing managed a research event for a critical federal grant and handled all marketing and logistics with exceptional professionalism. Their responsiveness and expertise allowed us to stay focused on our stakeholders while they delivered strong results. I highly recommend MCA to any organization needing reliable, high-quality marketing, outreach, branding, or event coordination."
— Andrew, Supervisor, Washington State Employment Security Department
Graphic Design
Event Materials
Inspired by the Career Connect Washington brand guidelines while adhering to government limitations and requirements, we created a cohesive look and feel to all event signage and materials.
Name tag example
Schedule Handout
Ask L&I Table Design
Presentation Template
Presenters submitted their slides to us ahead of time, and we adapted them into one presentation for ease of event flow and for a unified look.
Recognition Gallery
To stoke awareness and excitement for all grants and participants, MCA created a gallery of each program. This provided an interesting visual representation and talking points for attendees.
Landing Page
Preview of landing page
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