Earlier this month our industry suffered a great loss. Donna Earley, director of sales and marketing for the Salem Convention Center, passed away. If you attended last year’s Best of event, you no doubt saw Salem rake in award after award, and the Salem team members who were in attendance celebrated each one brilliantly. They brought so much joy to the event, and leading the way was Donna. It’s difficult to grasp that this effervescent light has been dimmed.
I was lucky enough to interview Donna on more than one occasion. She was always upbeat, warm and ready to help in any way—I felt like I was speaking with an old friend. My heart breaks for her family, friends and colleagues. How fortunate they were to have had her in their lives.
Northwest Meetings + Events’ sales director Sheri Harbour de Vos says it best: “Donna’s energy radiated out from her beautiful soul. As my mind grasps the fact that my friend and industry colleague has left us, I find solace in knowing the impact Donna had on others is a legacy that will live on.”
