event planner

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Spring is the perfect time for a picnic!

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Who is Karen Gould

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INSIDE BUSINESS

When the pandemic hindered large events, this Virginia Beach planner turned to picnics

By Sandra J. Pennecke

Jul 28, 2022 at 10:54 am

When the COVID-19 pandemic halted social gatherings, event planner Karen Gould had to get creative and adapted to demand for smaller outdoor get-togethers.

Virginia Beach — For years, Karen Gould planned large-scale corporate events and parties.

Nowadays, she prefers to plan smaller and more intimate gatherings for her business, Main Stream Events and PR Firm.

A Southern California native, she relocated to Hampton Roads 30 years ago and has called Chic’s Beach in Virginia Beach home ever since. Her career path took her to USAA and after 10 years in human resources, Gould became the executive assistant for the financial service company’s vice president and general manager.

“Eighty-five percent of that job was to plan all their company events,” she said.

Gould was in her glory as she designed, organized and arranged every detail for more than 20 events each year for more than 1,100 employees at USAA. Events included holiday parties, festivals, recognitions, United Way campaigns, corporate communications, fundraising activities and volunteer projects.

“But in 2009, the economy crashed, they consolidated and my position was eliminated,” Gould said.

Already armed with an associate degree in business management from Tidewater Community College — proudly earned while she worked full-time and raised her two daughters, Gould then pursued a bachelor’s degree in technical management with a concentration in hospitality from DeVry University.

“Event planning has always been part of my life — growing up and as a Girl Scout leader for 15 years for both my girls,” she said.

Established in her niche, Gould couldn’t find a job to use her skills, so in 2010 she set out to start her small business. Familiar with the corporate world, Gould threw herself into the arena, helping with holiday parties and nonprofit galas.

“The Salvation Army was one of my biggest clients; I worked with them for six years planning their Hope Gala, an annual fundraiser for the Kroc Center,” she said. “I love that transformation from an empty space to a black-tie gala.”

Over the past two years, Gould planned both of her daughters’ weddings. One was an enchanted forest theme for 135 people in Virginia Beach and the other was a pop-up for 16 guests on the side of a cliff in San Diego.

At the start of 2020, the pandemic brought a screeching halt to events and Gould had to rethink her business. She got certified in virtual events and held several for corporations, family and friends. But, Gould still found herself hankering to use her creativity to plan live events.

“That’s when I started the picnics on the beach,” Gould said. “And it started taking off.”

Clients choose a type of location like beach, park, porch, field, lake or backyard and a theme then Gould designs the perfect customized picnic — handling everything from setup to cleanup. Prices start at $175.

Ron Dinoso thought a romantic beach picnic would be the perfect surprise for his girlfriend, Flavia Neto.

“I want to keep things interesting with my girlfriend and I,” Dinoso said.

The “just because” picnic included pillows, a charcuterie board and dessert. And, with Gould’s help, it was a big surprise.

“It was amazing and I’ll never forget the look on Flavia’s face,” he said.

Sandra J. Pennecke, 757-652-5836, sandra.pennecke@insidebiz.com

https://www.pilotonline.com/inside-business/vp-ib-mainstream-events-0801-20220728-aaewpdon7jei7dvvbzvy3f3tqq-story.html


Karen Gould Main Stream Events and PR Firm 757-204-1416

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A Mission to Bring Joy and Happiness

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I'm on a mission to spread joy and happiness. And today I did just that at The Talbot On Granby .They are gearing up for their own Kentucky Derby. The residents were so sweet and they needed help with ideas and using the hot glue guns. They put their creative hats (literally speaking) and created unique masterpieces with feathers, flowers, ribbons and just put smiles on their faces. I could tell they were smiling through their masks and they all thanked me personally. I felt like a million bucks today bringing so much joy to them. They will be having their Kentucky Derby Races and they have the perfect hat now. 16 residents joined us today (12 ladies and 4 men will be wearing their hats proudly).

I keep looking at these pictures and the smiles on their faces. I just can’t tell you how warm and fuzzy that makes me feel to bring joy to these beautiful people. I can’t wait for more projects like this.

I will be at New Realm Brewing Co. - Virginia Beach and Derby Hat Day at New Realm Brewing for their Kentucky Derby Day on Saturday, May 7 from 12-4pm. Please stop by and put your creativity to work. Look for me in the tent in the back.

Pre-register or buy your hat that day: https://derbyhat.eventbrite.com

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Certified Virtual Events Producer (CVEP)

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Karen has been working hard on becoming certified in Virtual Events and now completed a Certified Virtual Events Producer (CVEP) program.

Virtual Events have become the new normal and we can customize your company or private event and bring some fun entertainment or learning to your audience where you don’t have to leave your house. We can ship your guests swag bags/party gifts/food/beverages and we can customize with your theme. We also create and manage invitations. So literally, you just show up on Zoom and let us manage everything.

  • Bingo/Trivia/Game Nights

  • Escape Rooms

  • Mixology Classes

  • Cooking Classes

  • Magic Shows

  • Spa Parties

  • The list is endless….. HOW we can help you??

Karen Gould   Main Stream Events and PR Firm   (757) 204-1416   www.yourmainstream.com

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Virtual Valentines Party - Create some fun over the Internet

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Everyone loves a party, so why not do a virtual party with family and friends?

We created a Virtual Valentines Party/Family Reunion - and created some fun

We played Bingo, had a scavenger hunt, happy hour and caught up with family and friends. (Even Annie joined us)

Karen Gould   Main Stream Events and PR Firm   (757) 204-1416   www.yourmainstream.com

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Gifts and more By Main Stream Treasures

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I have been making crafts my entire life and have showcased my crafts for more than 25 years at local craft shows. Just recently during the Covid-19 Pandemic I had some time to start sewing again and I have created these little puff pillows. They are Hearts of Love to spread joy and happiness everywhere.

I make them for different holidays and they look great on your tiered tray or scatter them around your home. They are the perfect gift for family, friends, co-workers, healthcare workers, teachers and they are the perfect size.

Realtors- these make great gifts for your new homeowners and a special gift from the heart.

I also make special orders so please reach out and let me know what you are looking for.

Crafty Karen

Karen Gould   Main Stream Events and PR Firm   (757) 204-1416   www.yourmainstream.com

Great Gatsby Party

Turn back the time and let’s go back to the roaring 20’s. A corporate party and our clients had so much fun dressing up. Main Stream Events and PR Firm had so much fun decorating and putting on a great theme for our clients.

Event Coordinator/decorator: Main Stream Events and PR Firm
Lighting, decor, photo booth and DJ services: Astro Entertainment
Dance Instruction: Arthur Murray of Virginia Beach
Venue and Catering: Cypress Point Country Club

Karen Gould   Main Stream Events and PR Firm   (757) 204-1416   www.yourmainstream.com

The Salvation Army Hope Gala 2018

Main Stream Events and PR Firm had the honor of coordinating the 5th Annual Hope Gala for The Salvation Army Hampton Roads Area Command featuring Mo Isom as our guest speaker. 

Mardi Gras was the theme for the 240+ guests. 

My team was amazing and what to give a Huge Shoutout to everyone:
Event Planner/Coordinator:  Main Stream Events and PR Firm
Floral Designer:  Botanique Events
Lighting and Stage Backdrop:  Stage Right Lighting
Rentals:  Big Top Entertainment
Event Photographer: Calvin Dunn
Photo areas:  RGB Imaging
VIP Decorations: Main Stream Events and PR Firm
VIP Caterer: Gourmet Gang


The Salvation Army/Kroc Center Staff provided the fabulous food
Many other sponsors provided support to help The Salvation Army and we couldn't have done it without the sponsors and the guests.   

Photo credit goes to:  Calvin Dunn

Karen Gould   Main Stream Events and PR Firm   East Coast  (757) 204-1416   www.yourmainstream.com

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