IAAF announces first speaker for 2023 conference

Date: Thursday 13 July 2023

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The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation’s (IAAF) inaugural conference and awards dinner will be back in 2023, taking place on Thursday 7 December, and the federation has revealed its first conference speaker as Nick Leeson.

Taking place at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Milton Keynes, the IAAF will once again be bringing inspirational and informative talks, insights and trends from industry experts, plus networking opportunities, announcement of the IAAF award winners, fantastic food and exciting entertainment to the industry.

This year’s theme focuses on “the brilliance of resilience” and will discuss how the aftermarket continues to evolve in the ever-changing world.

The IAAF has confirmed Nick Leeson as its first speaker signed up to address delegates at the exciting event. The original “rogue trader” whose unchecked risk-taking caused the collapse of Barings Bank, and whose story was turned into a Hollywood movie starring Ewan McGregor.

Former derivatives trader, Leeson, is known for bankrupting Barings Bank, the UK's oldest merchant bank, in 1995. After opening a Future and Options office in Singapore, Leeson became a rogue trader, eventually losing over $1 billion of Baring's capital as its head of operations on the Singapore Exchange (SGX).

Whilst serving his sentence in a Singapore prison, Leeson was diagnosed with cancer. In 1999 he was released from prison and returned to the UK where he proved his resilience and re-built his life.

The book he wrote in prison, based on his life, was then turned into a hit film and in 2001 he completed a Psychology degree. Leeson has held various positions over the years including General Manager of Galway United Football Club, rising to CEO of the club before his resignation in February 2011.

Mark Field, chief executive at IAAF comments:

“We’re delighted to have Nick join us on 7 December to discuss how he brought himself ‘back from the brink’, overcoming huge challenges, mentally and physically, and using his experiences to educate others.”

The IAAF’s 2023 event is predicted to sell out fast, so the federation is encouraging the automotive aftermarket to book tickets now to avoid disappointment.

Field adds:

“We hope businesses in the aftermarket will join us in celebrating our brilliant sector once again and we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back to the DoubleTree by Hilton in Milton Keynes in December.”

To keep up to date with the latest industry and IAAF news, sign up to IAAF’s weekly eBulletin on IAAF’s homepage here.

For event bookings and hotel information for the IAAF’s Conference and Awards Dinner 2023. please email angela@impressionuk.co.uk.

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