IAAF Annual Conference achieves record numbers

Date: Monday 04 December 2023

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The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) will offer more than 250 delegates an insightful look at the state of the automotive industry, and the opportunity to learn about the upcoming challenges and opportunities facing the aftermarket, at its Annual Conference.

The Annual Conference, headline sponsored by Alliance Automotive Group (AAG) takes place on Thursday 7th December at DoubleTree by Hilton Milton Keynes and is the Federation’s jewel in the crown event, this year with theme of ‘The Brilliance of Resilience’, interrogating how the aftermarket is adapting to challenges.

IAAF has unveiled a star-studded line up of speakers including Tina Drayson, Quentin le Hetet, Jack Wilson, keynote speakers Claire Lomas and Nick Leeson, Francis West, Joe Howard and Laurence Abbott, a panel featuring Julia Muir, Laura Hall, Neil Grant and Annick Jourdenais, and IAAF technical director Neil Pattemore.

The Conference is headlined by keynote speaker Nick Leeson, former derivatives trader jailed for his famous role in bankrupting Barings Bank in 1995. While imprisoned, Leeson, known as the “original rogue trader”, was diagnosed with cancer. Leeson will give a story of resilience and how he brought himself back from the brink.

Also speaking at the IAAF Conference is Claire Lomas, who was paralysed from the chest down after suffering a horse-riding accident. Lomas said: “I have found many new paths by focusing on my ability rather than my disability and I have learnt some valuable life lessons."

Joining the panel of speakers is Neil Pattemore, technical director at IAAF, who will address the major lobbying issues being conducted by the Federation, in its moves to advocate for the needs of the automotive aftermarket industry. 

Jack Wilson, head of automotive business development at eBay, will discuss how the aftermarket can benefit from the various ecommerce tools at its disposal. 

Quentin le Hetet, director of GiPA, will provide a snapshot of the IAAF-GiPA partnership’s market trend report, detailing with insight the state of the automotive industry and delve into sales figures across western European markets.

Tina Drayson joins the Conference as a speaker for the first time, who has successfully used data to run a busy and successful garage operation. Drayson joined the IAAF Council as head of the garage section in 2023, to help ensure the IAAF's garage section fully supports the needs of a modern garage across all levels of the business, from legislation to technical support.

The Conference’s afternoon session will welcome a panel of industry voices including Automotive 30% Club founder Julia Muir, Neil Grant from Hella, Laura Hall of Maverick Diagnostics and, Annick Jourdenais, of LKQ Euro Car Parts, who will focus on rebel ideas and how the aftermarket industry can ensure a better gender balance.

Cyber security expert WestTek chief executive Francis West will join Autotech Connect managing director Laurence Abbott and Joe Howard of Boswell Insurance for an afternoon discussion delving into how aftermarket businesses can stay cybersafe, and what steps they can take to protect their data, money, and reputation. 

Mark Field, chief executive of IAAF, said: “The depth of insight on offer through the various speakers we have at our annual conference is something not to be missed. It’s a real opportunity for the aftermarket to learn more about the state of play and ensure they stay ahead of the curve when it comes to the challenges they will face as technology evolves and trends emerge."

As well as informative and insightful speeches, the Conference and subsequent Awards Dinner offers visitors networking opportunities, a glittering awards ceremony, fantastic food and exciting entertainment.

For event bookings, hotel information and further information on available sponsorship packages for the IAAF Conference and Awards Dinner 2023, please email Angela Neale, at angela@impressionuk.co.uk.

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