The Wedding Biz – 529 DAWSON HAYNES MITCHELL: Easton Events’ Executive Director
Andy is excited to share this interview with Dawson Haynes Mitchell, executive director of Easton Events. Dawson pulls back the curtain on what it means to be the right hand of one of the industry’s most respected planners, Lynn Easton. She discusses how luxury event planning is all about seamless execution and stunning experiences and, behind the scenes, it’s really a high-pressure world demanding adaptability, sharp problem-solving, and in-depth attention to detail.
Listen in as Dawson shares how she rose from intern to a leadership role over the course of ten years, managing everything from budgets and timelines to client interactions. She offers us a look at the intense problem-solving that comes with the job, from last-minute challenges to the constant push for perfection. Dawson also discusses her close working relationship with Lynn and how mentorship has helped shape her approach to leadership.
Dawson introduces eventPERCH, Easton Events’ software designed to bring order to the chaos of event planning and to offer planners a better, and more efficient way of handling budgets, schedules, and payments. Looking ahead, she reflects on the possibility of one day stepping into Lynn’s shoes and what it would mean to carry forward Easton’s legacy.
Andy had such a great time chatting with Dawson for this episode and hopes that listeners enjoy listening. If so, then please share this episode with at least three people you feel will also enjoy it and subscribe to the podcast, if you aren’t already, so that you never miss a new episode! Be sure to also leave a top review wherever you listen to podcasts because that really helps the show out!
Have you heard about Stop and Smell the Roses with Preston Bailey on The Wedding Biz Network? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. Also, don’t forget about Sean Low’s podcast The Business of Being Creative, where Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more. You can find both shows on The Wedding Biz Network.
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Time Stamps
[0:35] – Today’s episode is with Dawson Haynes Mitchell of Easton Events.
[2:04] Dawson reveals that she landed her first real job at Easton after an internship during her senior year.
[4:11] Initially rejected for an internship at Easton, Dawson reapplied with experience and was then accepted.
[6:57] Easton operates transparently, with Lynn handling high-level decisions while others manage finer details.
[8:25] Easton blends planning and design, collaborating with clients and partners to refine event aesthetics.
[10:37] Dawson shares that success at Easton requires resilience, adaptability, and maintaining composure under pressure.
[13:36] Dawson ensures that small issues don’t escalate by having proper paperwork and anticipating client needs.
[16:48] – Dawson discusses overcoming her fear of delegation and learning to manage tasks more effectively.
[18:55] – Dawson describes her close, open communication with Lynn Easton.
[21:42] – Dawson shares her love for traveling with Lynn, both enjoying site visits together even though they have varying schedules.
[23:43] – Dawson discusses the challenges of frequent travel, balancing the perks with personal life struggles.
[25:35] – Hear how Easton Events unintentionally began developing a tech startup to improve event planning software.
[27:52] – Dawson discusses Easton’s soft launch of eventPERCH, gathering feedback and aiming for a full release by summer.
[29:22] – Dawson reflects on Lynn’s impact, feeling empowered and valued as her “number two.”
[32:34] – Andy reveals where Dawson can be found online.
RESOURCES
Lynn Easton’s Guest Spots on The Wedding Biz
Find Dawson:
Easton Events – Instagram Page
