What does it take to launch and run a successful event planning company? In a captivating fireside chat with us at Connect North 2025, MJMeetings Founder and CEO Missy Johnson shared her inspiring journey of building a successful event planning business that recently celebrated its 11-year anniversary—despite event industry shutdowns during COVID.  

With more than 30 years spent in the events industry, Johnson's experience offers invaluable insights into entrepreneurship, relationship-building, and overcoming challenges. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, Corporate Event News recognizes female leaders like Johnson who are making their mark. In February, Johnson received the President’s Award from the PCMA Heartland Chapter. 

Back Story 

After earning a bachelor's degree in communication studies from the University of Kansas and a master's degree in communication studies from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Johnson began her career in 1995. She started on the hotel side, where she worked for five years at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center in Kansas City, Mo, then moved to the events side in 2000, working at the American Academy of Family Physicians, Applied Measurement Professionals, and Lockton Companies before launching MJ Meetings in 2013. 

The Journey Begins 

Johnson's career in event planning began almost serendipitously right after college, when she took a job as a sales assistant at the Hyatt in Kansas City. “I was looking for a job, as all college students are, and I had no idea where I was going to be, and I ended up there,” Johnson recounted. This experience sparked her love for the hospitality industry, largely inspired by the passion for service she saw in her colleagues. 

From Corporate America to Entrepreneurship 

After years of working her way up in various roles within the hospitality and association management sectors, Johnson found herself at a crossroads. Fired from a corporate job, she was contemplating her next move when her husband, Mic Johnson, provided the nudge she needed to start her own venture. “The fear of the leap is much harder than the leap itself,” she noted. Encouraged by her husband's support, she leveraged her extensive network to launch MJ Meetings. 

Building a Business through Relationships 

Her success didn't come overnight—it was the result of decades of relationship-building within the industry. She stressed the importance of networking to newcomers: “Just start. Don’t be afraid. Your journey will lead you where you’re supposed to be, and you just have to do it.” Her business grew organically as her reputation within the industry spread, enabling her to secure clients primarily through word-of-mouth referrals. 

Overcoming Challenges and Leveraging Support 

Like any entrepreneur, Johnson faced significant challenges, particularly in the early days of her business. A pivotal moment came when a corporate client terminated her contract due to internal policy changes. Instead of giving up, Johnson leaned on her husband's optimism and strategic vision to persevere. “You have to be able to give yourself a long runway,” she advised, underscoring the importance of patience and resilience. 

Strategies for Event Planning Success 

Throughout the chat, Johnson shared some of her key strategies for managing a successful event planning business. From leveraging technology with tools like Google Drive and electronic documents to color-coding client communications, her approach emphasizes organization and efficiency. “It’s all in negotiations throughout the process, not just at the time of sourcing and contracting,” she said, highlighting her knack for contract negotiation that saves clients both money and risk. 

Personal and Professional Balance 

One notable aspect of Johnson’s success is the balance she maintains between her professional and personal life. With the freedom of running her own business, she finds time for travel and leisure while consistently delivering high-quality service to her clients. “We know when we have to work really hard, and then we know when we're going to take work off and we just do,” she said. 

Work to Live 

Johnson’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, partnership, and the impact of a strong professional network. Her story offers valuable lessons for current and aspiring entrepreneurs in the event planning industry: start where you can, value your relationships, and always be ready to adapt and grow. Her motto: “Work to live, don’t live to work.”