Lexington native Kaelyn Query started planning events when she was 14, mostly for her parents’ friends and clients.
“It was then I knew that I was really good at this event thing, and that it was something I really enjoyed,” said Query, who in 2013 opened her own event management company, LexEffect Events. “The name comes from our wanting to affect Lexington through events, entertainment and the
community. We want to use local people, places and things as much as possible, and we strive to always support the community and people through each of our events.”
LexEffect serves clients all over the country, but mostly in Central Kentucky and Louisville, promoting, managing and planning events from weddings to corporate trade shows, and festivals and concerts.
In high school, Query wanted to be an interior designer but realized quickly through an internship that this was not her calling. She then interned with a local caterer and says “the rest is history.” She earned a bachelor’s in communications and marketing management at the University of Kentucky and now owns a company with employees.
“Our team is amazing, with four full-time people, three part-time, 10 interns and a ton of contractors. We couldn’t do it without them!” she said.
An award-winning business
In August, Query was named the Young Entrepreneur of the Year at Commerce Lexington’s “Salute to Small Business” awards luncheon.
She credits belonging to organizations like Commerce Lexington and networking as important factors for her business success.
“Most of our referrals, sponsors, clients and partners come from people we meet at networking events,” she said. “It’s a great way to get your name out there and meet new people, while also meeting people you might need or want to work with.”
LexEffect typically has at least 20 events going on at once, in various stages of management. Some take a few weeks to plan and others need a year.
“My favorite thing about planning events is seeing the look on the (person’s) face when they show up and we have blown them away,” she said. She loves exceeding the expectations of brides, clients and ticketholders alike and giving them an event to remember.
April through October is her company’s busiest time of year, with November and December right behind. The least booked month? March, because of the NCAA basketball tournaments.
LexEffect has created its own events also, including Bourbon Social, a series of tastings, seminars and other bourbon-inspired events. Chew is a series of bimonthly dinners (January to November) and brunches (February to December), with meals and cocktails at various Lexington venues. MoonTower Music Festival was in August at Masterson Station Park, with Central Music Academy as the beneficiary. Harvest for Horses on Sept. 14 at Ballantrae Farm benefits the Kentucky Equine Humane Center. Chew for a Cause on Sept. 22 at Fasig-Tipton has proceeds going to Special Olympics Kentucky. Check out the calendar of events at lexeffectky.com.
“Our passion is all about local. The community, charities, farmers and foods,” Query said. “Without this community we wouldn’t be here, and we want to support them in return.”
—Kathie Stamps
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