I realized life was too short to spend my time making money for other people and doing nothing to better the world. I now have the freedom to choose the industry I want to operate in, as well as the services I want to offer, give my time to who I want to, and well “Do It My Way”. I was not driven by money I never have been but rather by a desire to create a better world for those who need help, and the money I now make helps support that. Supporting community, non-profits, and other social efforts by giving back to my community has changed my life.
Giving gets under your skin in the best possible way …I like to dedicate time to helping those less fortunate who need our help and resources. The event industry is generous and with our connections and reach the rewards I’ve gained from helping others have made my success all that much sweeter. You know that feeling – the warm, fuzzy one you get when you give a gift? Turns out, it’s good for your health and your heart. A growing body of research shows that giving a gift, as well as volunteering or donating to charities, has a positive impact on your physical and mental health and can contribute to a longer life. Cheers to a longer life!

I now have the flexibility to determine when and how I work. I can inaugurate systems and schedules that are adapted to my preferences and are most effective for me. Ultimately, building my own company allowed me to pursue my passions and ideals with greater independence and control. With this flexibility, I have been able to help, give back, and contribute to my passions of working with Seniors, Helping our Veterans, Human Trafficking, and my 1st love Animal Rescue.

Working with such groups as:
Forever Loved Animal Rescue, Arizona Small Animal Rescue Maricopa Animal Control, National Mill Dog Rescue
The Foundation for Senior Living this year alone adopted 90 Seniors and is providing their Christmas.
We ran an entire event to help get a WWll Memorial built
Made a few final wishes come true for two WWll Veterans before they passed
Scottsdale Beat the Heat water program for Seniors
We as a team volunteer every year at St Mary’s Food Bank for Thanksgiving
And we rescue every dog we can and find them their fur-ever homes

Creator of Luxury Events

Karen a native of Arizona, discovered as a teenager an enthusiastic interest in events. My first love is my six rescues then any blank slate I can make into a killer event venue. We provide catering, audiovisual, décor, rental, transportation, logistics, and consultation services to round out their full-service event planning and production support, providing relief to event planners who often source these services from multiple providers when renting traditional offsite venues. About Our Event Professionals

Duct Tape is a girl’s best friend

Working with some well-established events has been a fantastic experience, but I knew I wanted to work somewhere I could have more creative control. I introduced Scottsdale Private Event Venues and Scottsdale Hangar Parties in 2017 after becoming bored stiff working in Ballrooms. I am incredibly proud of my dream to be able to offer a blank canvas or the full package, as many of our clients alter the space to meet their needs.

Ever used chewing gum to hold a hem? 

As corporations want to engage their audiences with breathtaking or branded events, the Scottsdale Private Event Venues team provides concept-to-execution consultation and production, managing every detail of the guest’s experience.  Scottsdale Private Events is led by May, recipient of many industry recognitions such as 2016 Trendsetter for Smart Meeting Today Magazine, Meeting Planner International’s “Meeting Planner of the Month” and “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International, Arizona Chapter.  May maintains membership in the local chapters of MPI, ADME, SITE, HIP, ISES, PCMA, ESCA, and AZSAE, and is the current Job Bank Chair and Past President of the Arizona chapter of HSMAI. About Our Event Professionals

Super Glue worked until 5 minutes after the event ended. What’s your point?

It starts with the customer understanding them, their goals, personality, humor, vibe, and background; then, it is about the result. Admittedly 75% of my clients are unsure of what they want. So I get to be very creative, which is one of my favorite things about what we do – I am very involved in the design, decor, and overall look of the events that I organize. During the season, it’s nonstop, and never a dull moment! It’s also the time when you get to see all of your hard work come to life and my client’s dreams come to reality, which is always the most incredible feeling. Every day is entirely different, which is why this job is so much fun. About Our Event Professionals

You can’t fix crazy all you can do is document it

We are the perfect fit for 100 -1000, depending on setup. SPEV was created to be a premier event venue provider that only operates in its own unique private event venues. We can be a One-Stop-Shop, a Clean Canvas, or Dry Rental. We are based in Scottsdale, AZ; we offer access to privately owned airplane hangars, Jet Hangars, Helicopter Hangars, one very luxury high-end car vault, and a multi-million-dollar man-cave. About Our Event Professionals

Let’s have a meeting about a meeting …shoot me

Karen says having killer venues can be the savior of any event, so the hard work starts once the venue is selected. So I say Don’t be fearful of pushing your inspired boundaries; it’s electrifying to experiment. About Our Event Professionals

You see a big substantial blank slate Karen sees possibilities

We play host to a variety of guests to astound all who come through the door. To ensure we provide the best experience, we only work with the best in the business. Our team has the ability to take a blank slate ( a HANGAR)  and make it something extraordinary, unique, and memorable. We are seeing more events take giant steps into progressive locations, and it is working like a charm to engage and amuse guests. About Our Event Professionals

Who has not made a repair in a ballgown?

We know not being in a ballroom inspires people; we know when the meeting is over, you can connect, laugh, share, and collaborate.  Hard to do when you are sitting at a schoolie table 50’ deep looking at a 25’ screen. We pride ourselves on our commitment to helping our clients achieve their vision. Don’t get fearful of this “inspired control” because that’s what our team will help you with! Create a space that reveals your distinctive style and taste by collaborating with a staff that will direct you along the way to bring your concept to life.

Of course, I know where the off valve is, do you?

To get her creative juices flowing, Karen enjoys spending time with her six rescue dogs, friends, and family. With her two loyal sidekicks, Android and caffeine, no deadline feels hopeless. Karen currently owns Scottsdale Private Event Venues & Scottsdale Hangar Parties, connecting unique event spaces with professional event planning and designing robust and awe-inspiring event experiences that mesmerize the audience with measurable results.

If you think hiring a professional to do the job is expensive, wait until you hire an amateur. Red Adair was the Coolest man I have ever met and had the best stories ever, and was a very famous Texan!

I’m inspired by…Creative Thinkers and My work inspiration have no division from my own inspiration, those who will not take no in positively impacting people’s lives.

The most insane thing that happened at an event I produced…We had to drain a 5-star resort pool to find a lost Diamond Ring!

The most remarkable thing that happened at an event…I was able to attend the laying of the wreath at Arlington National Cemetery with  The Security Traders Association—a life-changing moment.

The one person who motivates me is…was always my father; he has been gone for 20 years, but we talk every day!

If I could change anything in the world, it would be…Dare I say “World Peace” I love Sandra Bullock.

The perfect day would be…a day on a beach with an ice-cold margarita in my hand and no phone.

I believe anything can be achieved through hard work and dedication. I believe in creating my own path. I believe my life is an incredible gift. I believe in always trusting your gut. It is the best guide and wisest advisor. I believe our flag is more than a cloth. That which has not killed me has made me stronger. People may disagree with me, and that is fine. But I have a right to my own opinion and feelings. And I have a right to express them when and where I want to. I used to think it was necessary to conform to what other people thought about me. The day I realized it wasn’t was the day I became free.