The events industry has paid tribute to First Event’s Dawn Mitchell, following news of her passing last week.
The agency, where Mitchell spent the last 12 years of her 35-year career, announced the news on LinkedIn on Thursday. The post prompted hundreds of reactions and more than 150 comments from colleagues, clients and industry friends sharing memories and reflecting on the impact she had throughout her career.
In a statement, First Event said: “We were so lucky that Dawn chose to dedicate 12 years of her 35-year career in events to us and contributed so much to making our company what it is today.
“Everyone who met Dawn loved her. She meant so much to so many people, but to us she was our anchor, the fountain of all knowledge, the calm in any storm, the office/onsite mum, an agony aunt, the life and soul of any party, a trusted friend and a huge part of First Event’s heart.
“She was a true icon and we will always miss her. We are sending our deepest love and thoughts to her family and friends during this time.”
Before joining First Event in 2013, Mitchell spent more than 19 years with W&O/Travel Management Team. Over the course of her career, she became a highly respected figure within the events industry, known for her expertise in delivering incentives, exhibitions and major conferences.
She also contributed her knowledge and experience to industry forums and awards judging panels.
While many of the tributes shared online have recognised Mitchell’s professional talent, it is her warmth, humour, kindness and tenacity that appear most often in the memories of those who knew and worked with her.
In response to the outpouring of love from across the industry, First Event has created a website dedicated to Mitchell’s memory. Colleagues and friends are invited to share photographs and personal recollections, creating a lasting collection of memories for her family and friends.
Those wishing to contribute can visit celebrating-dawn.co.uk.