First Event has paid tribute to Dawn Mitchell, its former
head of operations, following her
death.
Mitchell spent 12 years at the Leeds-based agency, where she
was a much-loved and highly respected member of the team. She headed up the
operations team for several years, shaping the company's largest department and
playing a huge role in the agency’s growth and success.
She had recently stepped back from her operations role to
spend more time with her family, moving into the role of commercial
partnerships and procurement lead.
In a statement shared on LinkedIn, First Event said it was
“heartbroken” by her passing and described Mitchell as a central figure in the
development of the company.
“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.”
Mitchell shared her expertise with W&O/Travel Management Team agency for more than 19 years before her arrival at First Event in 2013.
First Event added: "Through her journey, she became a highly respected and influential voice, renowned for her mastery in executing incentives, expos, and major conferences. Her contributions frequently extended to industry forums and prestigious award judging panels. While the sector will undeniably feel the loss of her immense professional talent, it is her characteristic warmth, infectious humor, and unwavering tenacity that will leave a void in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her."
The agency’s tribute has prompted an outpouring of
condolences from colleagues and industry contacts, reflecting the impact
Mitchell had on those she worked alongside both within First Event and across
the wider events community.
Writing on Linkedin, events consultant Graham Lord said:
“Anyone who knew Dawn will understand just how extraordinary she was. She was
the UN peacekeeper of events, the calm, reassuring voice you needed to hear
when everything felt impossible, the hand on the shoulder you needed. She had
an incredible gift for turning chaos into calm, delivering the hardest
conversations with the softness of silk but the strength of steel. Her northern
charm, quiet confidence, and unwavering kindness and positivity made even the
toughest days feel manageable.”
Mandeep Mudhar, head of Alphega Pharmacy UK, Cencora
Alliance Healthcare, said: “I am beyond shock and sadness at this awful and
tragic news. Cannot believe it.
“I had the most awesome times with Dawn and the memories are
forever. From conference recces in Japan, Borneo, Peru, South Africa. To
magnificent conferences all seamlessly organised by Dawn in Argentina, South
Africa. To wonderful experiences like a helicopter ride over the southern cape
or a wild river rafting in Borneo, Dawn not only arranged them but enjoyed the
thrill of them with us. But more than any of this, her kindness, genuine warmth
and love is what I will always remember.”
First Event’s Dan Walker said: “Dawn was in a league of her
own. Her ability to unite and bond a group instantly with her warmth, charm and
infectious personality. Combined with a boundless knowledge of our industry and
deep relationships across every continent, she was one-of-a-kind, and will be
missed sorely.”
First Event has created a memorial page for people to share all their memories of Dawn at www.celebrating-dawn.co.uk.
