COLLECTORS EXTRAVAGANZA® was founded in 1969 by Walt Johnson. The name became a registered trademark in 1972, the first antiques and collectibles show bear a federal mark. Walt's influence in the 1970s and 1980s was significant. Show managers from around the country would regularly visit the Des Moines Show to see what "than man from the Midwest" was doing. His innovations led to what we came to know as the "mega show”. Walt produced shows in Des Moines Kansas City and Denver.

In 1996, Collectors Extravaganza was incorporated, and daughter Nancy Johnson became CEO. Together, Father and Daughter expanded their events west, and Nancy Johnson Events Management LLC was created. The flagship Des Moines COLLECTORS’ EXTRAVAGANZA®, Walt’s original show, was retired in 2013. Walt had moved to Marin County, California, to be near his daughter, and he remained active in their businesses until his passing July 28, 2013.