The Path to Success: Insights from MJ Meetings Founder Missy Johnson
Launching and Leading a Thriving Event Planning Business
What does it take to establish and sustain a successful event planning company? During an engaging fireside chat at Connect North 2025, MJ Meetings Founder and CEO Missy Johnson shared the inspiring story behind her thriving event business. Despite the challenges of industry-wide shutdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic, Johnson’s company recently celebrated 11 years of success.
With more than three decades of experience in the events industry, Johnson has gained invaluable expertise in entrepreneurship, relationship-building, and resilience. As Women’s History Month unfolds, Corporate Event News acknowledges female leaders like Johnson who continue to make a lasting impact. Recently, she was honored with the President’s Award from the PCMA Heartland Chapter.
A Journey Rooted in Experience
Johnson’s professional path began with a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from the University of Kansas, followed by a master’s degree in the same field from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She stepped into the hospitality industry in 1995, spending five years at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center in Kansas City, Missouri. In 2000, she transitioned to the events sector, holding roles at the American Academy of Family Physicians, Applied Measurement Professionals, and Lockton Companies before launching MJ Meetings in 2013.
The Spark That Ignited a Career
Her entry into the events industry was almost accidental. Right out of college, Johnson landed a sales assistant role 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,” she recalled. Inspired by the dedication and passion of her colleagues, she quickly developed a deep appreciation for the hospitality industry.
Taking the Leap into Entrepreneurship
After years of steady career growth in the hospitality and association management sectors, Johnson faced an unexpected turning point—being let go from a corporate job. Unsure of what to do next, she found encouragement from her husband, Mic Johnson, who urged her to start her own business. “The fear of the leap is much harder than the leap itself,” she said. Bolstered by his support, she leveraged her extensive industry network to launch MJ Meetings.
The Power of Relationships in Business Growth
Success did not come instantly. Instead, it was built over years of forging strong industry relationships. Johnson emphasized the importance of networking for 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.” Thanks to her solid reputation, MJ Meetings flourished primarily through word-of-mouth referrals.
Navigating Challenges and Embracing Support
Entrepreneurship comes with its fair share of obstacles, and Johnson’s journey was no exception. A defining moment came when a corporate client abruptly terminated her contract due to internal policy shifts. Instead of backing down, she relied on her husband’s strategic perspective and unwavering optimism to push forward. “You have to be able to give yourself a long runway,” she advised, underscoring the value of patience and determination.
Strategies for Success in Event Planning
Throughout her conversation, Johnson shared essential strategies for managing a thriving event planning business. She relies on technology—utilizing tools like Google Drive and digital documentation—to stay organized and efficient. Her meticulous approach includes color-coding client communications and maintaining detailed records. “It’s all in negotiations throughout the process, not just at the time of sourcing and contacting,” she noted, highlighting the importance of contract negotiation in reducing costs and mitigating risks for clients.
Balancing Work and Life
One of Johnson’s standout achievements is the balance she maintains between her professional and personal life. Running her own business has afforded her the flexibility to travel and enjoy leisure time while still delivering exceptional 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.
A Philosophy for Success
Johnson’s journey is a testament to perseverance, strategic networking, and adaptability. Her experiences offer valuable lessons to aspiring entrepreneurs in the event planning industry—start wherever you can, nurture relationships, and be prepared to evolve. She lives by a simple but powerful mantra: “Work to live, don’t live to work.”
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