2026 WMCA Fall Education Days
October 29 & 30, 2026
Hilton Garden Inn, Wenatchee, Washington
Athenian Dialogue: Thursday, October 29, 2026 (9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. )
Academy Session: Friday, October 30, 2026 (9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. )
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WMCA Clerks Gathering/ReceptionThursday, October 29, 2026More Details COming Soon! | Group walkfriday, October 30, 2026MORE DETAILS COMING SOON! |
Thursday, October 29, 2026 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (lunch is provided) Facilitated By: Kathy Linnemeyer **Attendees are required to purchase their own book and read the book prior to the dialogue.**
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Remarkably Bright Creatures is a captivating, humorous, and readable examination of friendship, and hope that follows a widow's unlikely connection with a giant Pacific octopus Following Tova Sullivan’s husband death, she began working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, mopping floors and tidying up. Being busy has always helped her cope, which she’s been doing since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, suddenly vanished on a boat in Puget Sound over thirty years ago. Tova becomes acquainted with Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine but wouldn’t dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors—until he forms a remarkable friendship with Tova. Ever the detective, Marcellus concludes what happened the night Tova’s son disappeared. And now Marcellus must use every trick his old invertebrate body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it’s too late. Shelby Van Pelt’s novel is a gentle reminder that sometimes taking a hard look at the past can help uncover a future that once felt impossible. Beyond the story’s charm and humor, it also offers a quiet reflection on leadership: the book illustrates how empathy, curiosity, and persistence can build trust, reveal hidden strengths, and inspire action in ways that transform both individuals and communities. Attendees are required to purchase their own book and read the book prior to the dialogue. The dialogue will earn you 3 CMC or 3 MMC education points for 6 hours with the satisfactory and timely completion of a learning assessment.
About Kathy Linnemeyer Kathy has worked in local government for over 24 years, earning her Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) designation in 2017 and her Master Municipal Clerk (MMC) in 2024. A Certified Public Records Officer and Paul Craig Athenian Fellow, she was inducted into the Athenian Leadership Society for her commitment to leadership and professional development. Kathy actively serves as President Elect of the Washington Municipal Clerks Association and is passionate about mentorship, continuing education, and advancing the clerk profession. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, gardening, cooking, and spending time with her family and her 8-year-old grandson.
There are only 35 spots available on a first come-first served basis. | Friday, October 10, 2025 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (lunch is provided) Presented by Michelle Ray --------------------------------------
On Friday, October 30, 2026, Michelle Ray will be facilitating a six hour session called Leading in Real Time: How to be Ready, Responsive and Relevant in a Radically Changing World. In the face of uncertainty and radical change in the way we work and live, we need to be ready, responsive, and relevant leaders. Michelle Ray's dynamic, engaging session provides solutions for clerk leaders at every level to take the lead and be the lead in all situations. You will leave this session with strategies to:
Get ready to be inspired, shift your thinking, gain new insights, and apply key leadership tools for immediate momentum and results. About Michelle Ray Born in Australia and now residing in Vancouver, Canada, Michelle Ray is an award-winning leadership business keynote speaker, author, educator and founder of the Real Time Leadership Academy. With three decades of experience researching leadership, change and workforce trends, Michelle has a deep understanding of new realities demanding the attention of leaders, and is no stranger to IIMC attendees. She has presented IIMC Annual Conferences as a main stage and session speaker on three occasions, as well as advanced academies, Athenian Dialogues, clerks institutes and many IIMC state and regional conferences. Michelle’s diverse clientele include numerous local, state and federal government groups including the FBI and the Australian Army. She is a respected thought leader, having worked with some of the world’s leading brands. Her style has been described as dynamic, fun, refreshing and uplifting with a common-sense message. Michelle was inducted into the Canadian Speaking Hall of Fame in December 2021. There are only 60 spots available on a first come-first served basis. |