In less than two years at Explore Branson (Branson/Lakes Area Convention and Visitors Bureau), Missouri State University alumna Joslyn Schott has proven to be an emerging leader in the tourism industry.

She was named to this year’s class of Next Gens by travel magazine “Groups Today.” Next Gens highlight “people of the next generation who make a difference in the industry with their progressive ideas, innovative mindsets and creative spirits.”

“Sometimes, I think you can get so caught up in your day-to-day life that you don’t realize the impact you’re making. For others in the industry to recognize that and nominate me, I’m so grateful and deeply honored,” Schott said.

Originally from Fredericktown, Missouri, she graduated with her bachelor’s degree in hospitality leadership in December 2020.

Since joining Explore Branson in 2024, she advanced from leisure group sales manager to assistant director of leisure group sales by January 2025.

Finding her path in tourism

After moving to Springfield for her freshman year in 2017, Schott experienced homesickness. She returned home for the spring semester and attended a community college.

While away, she realized how much she missed Missouri State and felt a strong pull to return. She came back in fall 2018, and from then on, the university became one of her favorite places.

Schott arrived on campus undecided on her career path. But a visit to the Majors Fair changed everything. At the hospitality booth, she found a field centered on building relationships and connecting with people.

“Once I discovered the hospitality department, it was game over for me. I knew I was where I was meant to be,” Schott said.

During her time at Missouri State, she enhanced her networking and problem solving, as well as learned to embrace new experiences and be proactive on assignments.

“When I first started college, I was very much a ‘get my assignment done before the due date, whatever’ type of person,” Schott said. “But by my senior year, I was using Meyer Library and completing assignments a week early.”

She believes the hospitality department prepared her well for the workforce.

“All of my professors had real-world hospitality experience. Learning from their firsthand knowledge was the best preparation I could have had,” Schott said.

She highlighted Dr. Daniel Crafts’ classes as especially influential. While each assignment came with a rubric, she learned over time that earning an A meant going beyond the stated expectations.

“Now, if I’m planning an event in my personal life or at work, I’ll do exactly what the event calls for and then go just a bit further too,” she said. That extra effort is what produces the best events.”

Promoting Branson

At Explore Branson, Schott brings creativity, strategy and passion to her role. From developing innovative resources to spearheading impactful industry events to expand Branson’s visibility in new markets, her work reflects her commitment to elevating the destination experience.

“Getting to talk to so many new people, helping them create great memories and bringing events to life — it’s incredible.”

While Schott loves her current job, her dream is to work for a larger destination like New York City.

“Being able to create an impact on a bigger scale is a huge aspiration for me,” she said.

Explore hospitality leadership