By Byron Bergmann
 Joe Opperman |
The SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) presents a live chat with Joe Opperman, executive director of Iola, one of America’s largest and most historic classic car shows and swap meets. This live chat is an open Q&A in which participants will have a chance to communicate directly with Opperman as he answers questions regarding the value of exhibiting, engaging and marketing at consumer events. Join the Live Chat on YEN’s Facebook page April 17, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT), and come ready with questions to tap into Opperman’s expertise.
At the age of 34, Opperman is the youngest executive director ever to serve at the Iola Car Show. He is credited with being a catalyst for modernizing and rejuvenating the nearly 50-year-old show. Iola Old Car Show Inc. is a non-profit, small-budget organization, operated in the tiny Wisconsin town of Iola (population 1,301). The nationally recognized show, which dates back to 1972, annually hosts more than 100,000 attendees over three days in July.
Opperman credits the team around him and before him at the show for the organization’s continued success. The Iola Car Show has a small year-round staff and relies on thousands of volunteers to execute the event each year. The organization has given back more than $8.4 million to more than 130 different civic organizations in recent years.
Date: Friday, April 17
Time: 12:00 p.m.–12:15 p.m. (PDT)
Event Location: YEN Facebook