First Fast Forward 15 Awards 2025: The True Importance of Mentorship

The first 15 First Forward 15 awards were held at Mermaid London on Thursday, April 24th, overlooking the River Thames, bringing together mentors, mentees and supporters to celebrate the incredible individuals who will shape the future of mentorship, innovation, events and hospitality.

The evening was nothing but inspirational and shining light on others, mentees who are driving meaningful change, and mentors who empower the rising stars who are already making their mark in our industry.

The evening was hosted by FF15 founders Fay Sharpe Obe and Shonali Devereaux.

Sharp said: “We work very hard in the events industry and often celebrate achievements through the events themselves, but these awards were different. They recognized people and organizations because they believe in investing in others, not for profit or personal gain.”

She added: “We are confident that this will go from strength to strength, and we will continue to carry on impactful work at FF15, including University Challenge, an exciting new initiative that supports event students and the next generation of event professionals.”

Abby Sammons, marketing and partnership manager for Wise Productions and current FF15 Mentees, said: Abby Sammons, one of the teams organizing the awards.

After the award was awarded and the night approached the end, the event organizer Sharp surprised the audience with one final surprise award.

Additionally, the event raised £14,000 in its Fast Forward 15 program and university challenges.

Here are some highly regarded winners:

Company Winners:

Agency Winner:

Mentor of the Year:

Richard Bridge – Win Andrew Mosley – Admired Katherine Williams – Admired

New Star

Mia Breading – Ashley Ashley – Win

Diversity and Inclusion

Strengthen the Global – Girls’ Winning Festival – Praise

This year’s allies

Diversity Alliance – Favored Felicia and Covent – Beat Hailey Nichols – Praise

Event Student

Maggie Mitchell – Appreciated Annie Hart – Win

community

Nowie – Candice Candice Kass – Win

Mentor & Me

Caroline & Mike – praise Katherine & Emma – Award Sammy & Sophie – praise

Coaching Champion

Nel Flint – Win Cally Willoughby-Ward – Praise

Community Coaching Initiative

Curb + (Nadia Gasper, Lisa Donohue)

Sharp concluded: “It was a great night. It was filled with an electric atmosphere and goodwill.

FF15 thank everyone who contributed to the night’s overwhelming success, including event sponsors.

Mermaid London, Veteran, Rockit Event Production, ABPCO, Welimplement EMC3, CVENT, MIA, ELEMATE, TOP BANANA, OFF LIMITS, NEDI, PRINTHUB GLOBAL, OASIS GRAPHIC CO, JUST ENTERTAINAL, THE CORRIGAN COLLECTION, KEVIN MORAN PHOTOGRAPHY, MASH MEDIA.