‘How to survive & Thrive – post Brexit’ theme for IAAF 2016 conference

The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has revealed its theme, ‘How to survive and thrive – post Brexit’, for its annual conference, aiming to address arising issues following the aftermath of the recent European Union (EU) referendum and produce a lively debate for conference guests.

The conference, held at the ICC in Birmingham on 15 December, will be facilitated by John Sergeant, the well-known BBC television and radio journalist, and BBC’s chief political correspondent from 1992 to 2000.

With the decision to leave the EU earlier this year taking many businesses by surprise, IAAF aims to highlight the main changes from a technical, legislative and market perspective and consider what opportunities there are for the future.

Guests will be welcomed with coffee before being entertained by a wide selection of speakers on a number of insightful, relevant topics throughout the day, including: The UK approach to vehicle safety defects and recalls from Alison Martin of DVSA; the importance of cyber security and the threats businesses face, as well as the opportunities to invest, presented by Iain O’Brien of Triple Wood Associates; and also the latest technical threats emerging from the UK and Europe and the progress made in the last 12 months, presented by Neil Pattemore from Figiefa.

The conference, held at one of Europe’s most high profile conference centres, looks to bring all sectors of the aftermarket together in an iconic and professional setting, offering the opportunity to network with like-minded, key industry players.

In the evening, guests will attend the IAAF Annual Awards and Dinner at the ICC, where they will enjoy a luxury four-course meal and await the results of some of the most respected awards in the industry.

Wendy Williamson, IAAF chief executive said: “We will provide an insight into how the Brexit decision will affect the UK automotive aftermarket and whether it will be the key influencer within the marketplace over the next few years.

“We will also explore the development of the connected car and the role it will play in our industry. With our industry becoming increasingly technologically driven, we will look at how we can embrace this form of growth and maintain our relevance within the automotive sphere.”