Aftermarket turns rebel on 3 December
IAAF has unveiled the full programme for its 2026 Annual Conference, bringing together bestselling author Matthew Syed, technology journalist Georgie Barrat and automotive technical expert James Dillon alongside the return of IAAF Garage Den.
Taking place on Thursday 3 December at The Vox, Resorts World Birmingham, “Rebel Aftermarket: The Right to Repair Challenge” will examine how independent aftermarket businesses can think differently, respond to technological change and turn industry challenges into opportunities.
Supported by headline sponsors Alliance Automotive Group (AAG) and NAPA Auto Parts UK & Ireland, the conference will combine fresh perspectives on business performance and artificial intelligence with insight into the pressures facing the sector and practical collaboration between suppliers and garages.
Following arrival and networking Matthew Syed will open with a keynote “Rebel Ideas: Why thinking differently is the aftermarket’s biggest competitive advantage”. The bestselling author and broadcaster will explore the value of different perspectives, challenging established thinking and creating the conditions for teams to learn and improve. His work on mindset and high performance offers a timely perspective for businesses adapting to a changing market.
Georgie Barrat will take to the stage with “Don’t Fear the Machine: Why AI could be the aftermarket’s greatest opportunity, not its biggest threat”. Her session will put artificial intelligence in the context of the aftermarket’s future, encouraging delegates to consider the opportunities it presents as businesses assess how new technology could support their operations.
James Dillon will follow with “State of the Rebellion: The numbers, threats and opportunities shaping your next 12 months”. Bringing a technical perspective to the programme, Dillon will examine the outlook facing the sector and the issues businesses need to consider as they plan for the year ahead.
The focus will then turn to workshop-led innovation, with IAAF Garage Den taking place. MAHLE, Thinkcar and Carwood are among the first suppliers announced for the next cycle of the initiative, which gives suppliers the opportunity to pitch a new product or service to independent garages and develop it with direct workshop input.
First launched at the IAAF Conference in December 2025, Garage Den connects suppliers with independent repairers to co-develop solutions to genuine workshop challenges. The latest round will build on that approach, helping suppliers test ideas against the needs of the businesses and technicians who will use them, with further development leading towards Automechanika Birmingham 2027.
Mark Field, Chief Executive of the IAAF, said: “The Right to Repair challenge matters to every part of the independent aftermarket. Protecting the sector’s future requires a strong collective voice, alongside businesses that have the confidence, knowledge and ideas to keep moving forward.
“This programme brings those priorities together. Matthew will challenge how we think, Georgie will explore the opportunities presented by AI, and James will bring the discussion back to the realities facing the sector over the next 12 months.
“Garage Den puts collaboration into practice. By giving garages a direct role in developing new products and services, we can help ensure innovation answers a real workshop need. We want delegates to leave with fresh ideas, useful connections and a clearer view of the opportunities ahead.”
Networking breaks will run throughout the morning, with lunch and further networking also planned.
Conference tickets are priced at £195 plus VAT per delegate. To book, contact Angela Neale at angela@iaaf.co.uk.