IAAF Annual Conference unveils full line-up

Date: Thursday 19 October 2023

The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) will offer 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 sponsored by Alliance Automotive Group.

The Annual Conference 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 of CCM Garage, Quentin le Hetet of GIPA, Jack Wilson of eBay, keynote speakers Claire Lomas and Nick Leeson, Francis West and Laurence Abbott of Autotech Connect, and a panel featuring Julia Muir of Automotive30, Neil Grant from Hella and Annick Jourdenais from LKQ Euro Car Parts.

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, Operations Manager at CCM Garage joins the Conference as a speaker for the first time. 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, and Annick Jourdenais, of LKQ Euro Car Parts, who will focus on how the aftermarket industry can ensure a better gender balance.

Cyber security expert West Tek chief executive Francis West will join Autotech Connect managing director Laurence Abbott 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.
“Tickets are selling quickly and this is testament not only to the conference’s renowned industry insight but also the networking opportunity on offer and the overall celebration of the aftermarket’s achievements over the course of the year. We’re really looking forward to seeing people at DoubleTree by Hilton Milton Keynes again in December.”

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.