IAAF Conference 2025

The IAAF Annual Conference 2025 took place on 4 December at the DoubleTree by Hilton Milton Keynes, bringing together aftermarket professionals for a day focused on “Future Shock – Preparing for a new aftermarket – innovation, connectivity, resilience.”

True to form, the GCA team were in attendance, absorbing the latest industry insights, engaging with fellow professionals, and highlighting our latest services at our service village stand.

It all started the night before, whereby we warmed up with some networking at the “aftermarket party”, catching up with old friends, sharing plenty of laughs and setting the tone for a great conference day ahead.

The conference programme was full of info and inspiration! Featuring insights from across the sector along with a couple of keynote speakers.

One of the days highlights included former rally driving champion Penny Mallory, who explored mental toughness and engaged the audience with her fascinating tales of resilience.

Professor David Bailey offered his economic outlook on the UK automotive supply chain, discussing the implications of electrification, manufacturing shifts, and what these mean for aftermarket volumes, pricing and parts availability.

Max Wegner from consultancy firm Roland Berger analysed emerging aftermarket business models, consolidation trends, and global competitive pressures shaping the future of the independent sector.

Tim Guidotti (Director of Ferdotti Motor Services) gave an engaging talk on his fleet work and how garages must evolve their service structures, skills and business models to meet this growing demand.

Mickey Wilson delivered a session titled “DARE to Influence”, focusing on how the aftermarket can better attract, engage and retain Gen Z talent.

The conference concluded with the debut of the very first “Garage Den” a collaborative innovation format where five suppliers and five garages were selected to develop new commercial-ready products, services or systems. Some fascinating pitches along with a bit of fun from the dragons led to some of the ideas being taken up by the garage owners. These initiatives will be progressed over the next six months and showcased at the upcoming national garage event in 2026.

IAAF Conference 2025 Pictures – 3

GCA at the Service Village

Glen Callum Associates were pleased to once again exhibit in the Service Member Village, joining other fellow industry partners to showcase the support we offer to the independent aftermarket.

Our stand provided an opportunity to reconnect with clients and industry colleagues, discuss recruitment solutions, and share insights on evolving talent needs as the aftermarket continues to change.

IAAF Conference 2025 Pictures – 2

Looking Ahead

The 2025 conference offered valuable perspectives on the future direction of the sector, and we look forward to building on the conversations started at the event supporting businesses as they adapt, evolve and strengthen their teams for the years ahead.

As always, the IAAF team knocked it out of the park. Big thanks to Mark Field, the team, and all the committee members for organising such a brilliant conference.