IAAF’s annual conference speaker line up
The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has officially revealed the full speaker line-up for its 2025 Annual Conference, taking place on 4 December 2025 at the DoubleTree Hilton, Milton Keynes.
This year’s theme, ‘Future Shock’, reflects the pace of change sweeping through the automotive aftermarket and focuses on how the sector can confidently prepare for what comes next.
The conference, headline sponsored by Alliance Automotive Group UK & Ireland, isn’t about sitting back and listening, it’s about sparking new ideas, challenging old assumptions, and leaving delegates with clear, practical direction for the road ahead.
The conference opens with Penny Mallory, celebrated for her work on mental toughness and known globally as the first woman to compete in the World Rally Championship. Mallory’s session will set the tone for the day, exploring how individuals and businesses can build the resilience needed to operate in fast-changing environments. Her story of overcoming extreme personal challenges resonates far beyond motorsport, providing a compelling framework for how aftermarket leaders can respond proactively rather than reactively to disruption.
We then turn to the bigger picture shaping the sector. Professor David Bailey, one of the UK’s most respected automotive industry economists, will examine where the UK automotive supply chain stands today, and where it’s heading. He will unpack the current manufacturing landscape, the real-time impact of electrification, and the strategic shifts that will influence volume, pricing, and parts availability in the decade ahead.
This global perspective continues with Max Wegner and Adam Healy of Roland Berger, who will present new insight on emerging aftermarket business models, consolidation trends, and the international competitive forces influencing how UK companies will need to position themselves. Their session offers clarity on what’s changing in the aftermarket, and what strategies will set companies apart.
Later in the day, the focus becomes practical and operational. Tim Guidotti, Director of Ferdotti Motor Services, will discuss the growing importance of fleet work, across cars, vans and commercial vehicles. He will share how businesses can adapt workshop models, technician skills and service structures to support high-uptime fleet customers. For many garages, fleet represents one of the most significant growth opportunities in years, and this session provides the real-world insight needed to seize it.
After lunch, Mickey Wilson will bring a sharpened lens to the question of influence. Her keynote, ‘DARE to Influence’, explores how the aftermarket can better attract, communicate with and retain Gen Z talent and customers. As future technicians, decision-makers, and even business owners, understanding and engaging this generation is no longer optional – it’s essential.
The conference closes with the very first ‘Garage Den,’ where five suppliers and five garages collaborate to develop new commercial-ready products, services or systems. These teams will work over the next six months, with their progress showcased at the UK Garage & Bodyshop Event in June 2026. Delegates will see first-hand how innovation can be accelerated when suppliers and workshops collaborate intentionally.
IAAF CEO Mark Field said: “Future Shock is about readiness and resilience. The independent aftermarket has an extraordinary ability to adapt, but we must be proactive, strategic and united. This year’s conference is about equipping our members to lead the change, not chase it. The future of the independent aftermarket is already taking shape – Make sure you’re part of defining it.”
Speaker Lineup
09.00 – Delegate registration Tea, coffee and networking in the pre-function room
09.30 – Welcome Steve Whitton
09.40 – Keynote speaker: Inspiring change in the automotive industry with mental toughness Penny Mallory
10.30 – Coffee break In the pre-function room
10.50 – The UK automotive industry: at a crossroads? Professor David Bailey
11.20 – State of the aftermarket in 2025 and models of the future Max Wegner & Adam Healy, Roland Berger
11.50 – The future is fleet Tim Guidotti, Ferdotti Motor Services
12.20 – Lunch In the pre-function room
13.20 – Keynote speaker: DARE to influence: how to build authentic influence that money can’t buy Mickey Wilson
14.00 – The Garage Den: Suppliers vs. garages: bringing a new product to life in the aftermarket
15.00 – Conference close and closing remarks
