Scott McKinstry – Auctioneer, Emcee & Live Event Host
Overview
I’m a live event auctioneer and emcee who helps create engaging, high-energy experiences—especially for fundraisers, galas, and mission-driven events.
My focus is simple: read the room, keep things moving, and bring out the best in the audience so your event feels lively, seamless, and successful.
Recent experience includes serving as auctioneer for a successful charity gala supporting arts education, along with live speaking, hosting, and performance work across a range of events.
If you’re planning an event and want someone who can connect with your audience, adapt in the moment, and help everything run smoothly, I’d love to connect.
Reviews
3 reviews
Desiree B.
April 7, 2026Gala auctioneer
We had an outstanding experience with Scott at our recent gala. He was incredibly engaging and brought a wonderful sense of humor that kept the audience energized and entertained throughout the evening. What truly set him apart was his ability to read the room—he adjusted his pace and tone seamlessly to match the energy, which made a noticeable difference in participation and overall excitement.
We would absolutely recommend him to others and look forward to working with him again at future events.
Hired as: Auctioneer
Scott McKinstry – Auctioneer, Emcee & Live Event Host
Thank you so much, Desiree—I really appreciate the kind words.
It was a genuine pleasure to be part of the evening and to support such a meaningful mission. You and your team created a glam-tastic event, and it made it easy (and fun) to step in and connect with the room.
I’m especially glad to hear the pacing and energy felt right—that’s always the goal, to meet the moment and help bring out the best in the audience.
Thanks again for having me, and I’d be delighted to work together again in the future.
Logan M.
April 27, 2026Great energy
Scott did a fantastic job at a charity fundraiser I worked with him. He had the whole room engaged and laughing and brought great energy to the event! He helped keep the flow of the event moving and everything ran very smoothly with his help!
Hired as: Auctioneer, Emcee
Scott McKinstry – Auctioneer, Emcee & Live Event Host
Thanks, Logan—I really appreciate it!
You did a great job putting everything together, which made it easy for me to step in and keep the energy going. Would love to work together again.
Tanya S.
February 17, 2026Heart, Humor, and a True Partner in Our Fundraising Success
Scott brought heart, humor, and professionalism to every moment of our event. As auctioneer and emcee, he not only kept the evening flowing with ease and energy, but also grounded the experience in something deeper—reminding us of the power of the arts to shape lives. His personal reflection about how creativity influenced his own family made a lasting impression on the room, and his spirited live auction skills helped us exceed our fundraising goals. He was a true partner in making the night a success." -- Tanya Sharp, Founder, Spark! Creativity
Hired as: Auctioneer
Scott McKinstry – Auctioneer, Emcee & Live Event Host
Tanya, thank you so much for your generous words. It was truly an honor to partner with Spark! Creativity and to be part of an evening that celebrates the transformative power of the arts.
The energy in the room and the commitment of your community made it easy to stay inspired — and I’m thrilled we were able to exceed the fundraising goals together. I’m grateful for the opportunity and am looking forward to supporting Spark! again in the future.
Booking information
Price range: Contact for rates
Languages: English
Gig length: 60 - 240 minutes
What to expect
When you hire Scott as your emcee or presenter, you can expect a calm, confident presence that helps your event feel organized, engaging, and professionally run from beginning to end.
Scott works closely with event organizers in advance to understand the purpose, tone, and schedule of the event. During the program, he provides clear introductions, smooth transitions between segments, and thoughtful pacing to keep the audience attentive and the event moving naturally.
His style is warm, articulate, and adaptable. Whether the setting calls for formal professionalism, light humor, or heartfelt connection, Scott helps create an atmosphere that supports the event’s goals and keeps guests engaged.
For fundraising events, Scott understands how to build momentum, highlight the importance of the mission, and support successful audience participation while maintaining an authentic and respectful tone.
Above all, clients can expect reliability, preparation, and a strong sense of presence that allows them to focus on their event with confidence.
About
Scott McKinstry serves as an emcee and presenter who brings warmth, clarity, and steady presence to live events. His goal is to help audiences stay engaged while ensuring programs flow smoothly and naturally.
He has served as emcee and auctioneer for nonprofit fundraising events, helping organizations exceed their goals while creating an atmosphere that is both professional and personally meaningful. His approach combines thoughtful storytelling, natural humor, and a strong sense of timing developed through years of acting and live speaking experience.
Scott is comfortable adapting to a wide range of audiences and event formats, from formal programs and fundraisers to community events and presentations. He works closely with event organizers to support their goals and help create an experience that feels cohesive and engaging from beginning to end.
Based in the Seattle area, Scott is available for nonprofit, corporate, and community events.
Additional booking notes
Scott requires a working microphone and sound system appropriate for the venue and audience size. A wireless handheld or lavalier microphone is preferred when available.
For best results, Scott requests access to the event run-of-show or program schedule in advance, along with the correct pronunciation of names, titles, and any important announcements.
Scott typically arrives early to coordinate with event staff, review the space, and ensure smooth transitions throughout the program. He is adaptable to a wide range of venues, including banquet halls, conference spaces, theaters, and community settings.
Scott is comfortable working alongside event coordinators, AV teams, and production staff to help ensure the event runs smoothly and professionally.
Services offered
Setup requirements
Microphone and sound system appropriate for the venue and audience size (for smaller rooms, amplification may not be necessary)