Meet the Team
At Andrea Lyn Events, our core values permeate our entire culture.
We don’t just talk about service – we live it!
Andrea Lyn and Jonathan founded Andrea Lyn Events to serve Columbia and the mid-Missouri community they call home. Instead of centering around a single planner, they built a collaborative team of industry professionals dedicated to one promise: helping clients “Be a Guest at Their Own Event.” Our comprehensive approach ensures each client can fully immerse themselves in their special moments while our experts handle every detail with precision and care.
Over the years, Andrea Lyn and Jonathan recognized the need to clearly define what guides their team’s work. The SERVICE philosophy became the foundation of our company culture—not just words, but actionable behaviors embraced by every team member. These core values shape how we serve both our private clients and how we fulfill our community mission of creating “Exceptional Events Connecting Communities,” bringing together diverse segments of mid-Missouri through thoughtfully designed experiences.
Each event we produce is guided by our commitment to service, collaboration and creativity. We craft events that celebrate diversity, foster genuine relationships, and empower community growth. Through thoughtful planning and flawless execution, we transform ordinary gatherings into extraordinary opportunities for connection. We aim to leave lasting positive impacts on the communities we serve.
Andrea Lyn and Jonathan founded Andrea Lyn Events to serve Columbia and the mid-Missouri community they call home. Instead of centering around a single planner, they built a collaborative team of industry professionals dedicated to one promise: helping clients “Be a Guest at Their Own Event.” Our comprehensive approach ensures each client can fully immerse themselves in their special moments while our experts handle every detail with precision and care.
Over the years, Andrea Lyn and Jonathan recognized the need to clearly define what guides their team’s work. The SERVICE philosophy became the foundation of our company culture—not just words, but actionable behaviors embraced by every team member. These core values shape how we serve both our private clients and how we fulfill our community mission of creating “Exceptional Events Connecting Communities,” bringing together diverse segments of mid-Missouri through thoughtfully designed experiences.
Each event we produce is guided by our commitment to service, collaboration and creativity. We craft events that celebrate diversity, foster genuine relationships, and empower community growth. Through thoughtful planning and flawless execution, we transform ordinary gatherings into extraordinary opportunities for connection. We aim to leave lasting positive impacts on the communities we serve.
Meet The Team
Andrea Lyn Seppo
CEO, Director of Events
Ever since I was a little girl I have been known to plan out parties, boss my siblings around and come up with all kinds of crazy creative ideas. I’ve been a serial entrepreneur from the time I started my first stand at our family’s landscape business in Tennessee to babysitting to owning by own bakery in high school. The itch has always been there to carry on my Great Grandpa’s entrepreneurial spirit and it’s my hope that I’m making him proud.
Born and raised here in Columbia I am a third generation Tiger and proud mama of my four boys along with my supportive husband, Jonathan, of 12 years. I fell in love with the Hospitality Industry as I worked years at Applebees, Les Bourgeois Vineyards and student managed the CAFNR Bed & Breakfast. I earned my Hospitality Management degree from Mizzou in 2012, worked as the Wedding & Private Events coordinator at the University Club and then spent six years homeschooling our four boys before opening Andrea Lyn Events.
I love being involved in my community whether I’m sporting my gold coat as a Chamber Ambassador, serving on the PTA board at our local school, sitting on the Inside Columbia board of advisors, volunteering on multiple non-profit organization committees and leading out as a mentor to our numerous interns. Serving each client that I work with whether it be a large scale community event or intimate wedding is my absolute joy. I am thankful to be able to work with the incredible team that we have and truly strive to be an inspiration to all we’re around. Future goals for me are pretty cool as I want to hit the 20 under 40 list, earn Small Business of the Year…and in 15 years…well…shhh…stay tuned!
Jonathan Seppo
Director of Business Development
While growing up in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains in Denver, Colorado – I would never have guessed where life has taken me. Drawn to Mizzou by the illustrious J-School, I not only earned my bachelor’s of journalism but, more importantly, I met my wife and business partner, Andrea Lyn. Upon graduation, I worked at MU Health where I learned business and marketing skills that I still use on a daily basis. While there, I completed my MBA which revealed my true nature as a big-picture thinker who thrives on seeing how all the pieces connect.
I still marvel at how far Andrea Lyn Events has come in less than five years and how much Andrea Lyn has grown as a leader and businesswoman. As Director of Business Development, I ensure our company’s foundation is solid while advising on growth strategies and harmonizing our marketing, sales and event operations. Though I’m an introvert at heart, I find deep satisfaction in creating collaborative environments where exceptional events emerge that no single person or company could produce alone. When the business rollcoaster starts plummeting, I find strength in my grandfather’s encouraging lessons. I approach every business decision with as much integrity and empathy as I can muster, believing that compassion and success can walk hand-in-hand.
Outside the office, my world revolves around our four energetic boys, ages 5 to 11. You might find me coaching Upward Basketball, playing disc golf in Columbia’s parks, embroiled in intense Switch gaming sessions or teaching chess strategies to our third-grader. Andrea Lyn and I enjoy quiet show nights with cookie dough or more lively board game nights with each other. Between caring for my boys and my aging parents who live with us, life stays wonderfully full. Still, I carve out time to work on my fantasy novels, which I hope to publish in the coming years. My greatest professional satisfaction comes from helping Andrea Lyn’s vision for ALE become reality, providing the MBA-backed business foundation that allows her entrepreneurial spirit to soar. Together, we’re building something truly exceptional in mid-Missouri.
Laurie Quail
Community Engagement Director
Hello there! “Social butterfly”, a “connector” outgoing, social, “the talker” in school… that is me! I am excited to be a part of ALE and the opportunity to connect people with fun events as well as partnering with business leaders and owners to help them gain more attention or awareness of their product or service. It’s a win-win!!
I moved to Columbia from Overland Park, KS in spring 2021 to be closer to my daughter and granddaughters. I still visit the KC area often to see my other granddaughter (and son and daughter-in-law!). I’ve really grown to love Columbia—its sense of community, trails, music scene, and proximity to both KC and STL. When I’m not hanging out with “my girls” (aka granddaughters), you’ll probably find me walking a trail, spending time with friends or family, enjoying live music, or heading to the lake or KC. I’m a member of The Crossing Church and Wilson’s Fitness—both places I love spending time.
Friends and family are important to me. Can’t imagine growing up without the love of my three sisters. For most of my youth, mom was a single mom and traveled quite a bit due to her position in sales. My sisters and I grew up very independently and fast. I got my mom’s genuine care and love for her family and for people.
I think I was destined to be in Columbia ultimately. I was accepted and planned to go to MIZZOU. However, I met an older, nice looking, good and persuasive young man and got married. I had a successful career in retail management for almost 15 years working my way up from Assistant Manager to Training Store Manager to ultimately making my goal to be a District Manager. Ultimately, the travel was hard on my family, so for many years, I was involved in our church and had sales related jobs.
I got my Life and Health Insurance License in 2006 and have been in sales and management positions. For the last several years, I have educated people regarding Medicare. We would work together to strategize and make or enroll in the plans and what makes the most sense for them. Due to an unexpected turn of events, I found myself in the middle of the sale of a business and without a position this spring. It will be a while before it all settles and I can even consider a position back in insurance sales.
I am so thankful for the friends and business acquaintances who have encouraged me, referred me to opportunities and attempted to recruit me. It was crazy how often I would run into Andrea Lyn! It was like the universe was saying “Pay attention Laurie!”! Finally, we met, and I discovered that her growing company could utilize someone like me who truly has a heart to serve and connect with people! Plus, I get to allow my true colors and personality to shine through and connect people. Amazing stuff!!
Madison Zarbano
Business and Marketing Specialist
Originally from Austin, Texas, I’m a big-hearted people person who has always found joy in meaningful connection and creative work. I began my undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri in the fall of 2021, initially pursuing journalism before switching to communication my sophomore year—drawn to the more personal and relational side of the field. I graduated in the fall of 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in communication and minors in both sociology and journalism.
Throughout college, I poured much of my time and energy into The Salt Company campus ministry, where I grew through service and leadership. I led a small group as a sophomore, served in youth ministry my junior year, and stepped into the media intern role during my senior year. I also had the privilege of serving as president of the organization for about a year. Serving with this organization helped shape my passion for collaboration and purpose-driven work.
I first connected with Andrea Lyn Events during an internship search before my junior year and joined the team as a marketing intern that fall. By spring, I had transitioned into the part-time Business Support Assistant role, and now I work remotely full-time as the Business & Marketing Specialist—combining my love for strategy, storytelling, and supporting others behind the scenes.
Currently, I live in Fort Worth, Texas, where I recently began a new adventure with my husband, Nathan, after we got married in January 2025. I’m honored to be part of a team that brings people together through intentional, beautiful experiences—and I’m always excited for what’s ahead.
At Andrea Lyn Events, we believe that the best event planners are shaped through hands-on experience and meaningful involvement in the creative process. Our internship programs are designed to provide aspiring event professionals with more than just a glimpse into the industry—we offer a true immersion into the art and science of event planning.