IAAF unveils futuristic conference theme
The IAAF has unveiled the theme of its 2015 conference is ‘How to survive and thrive – now and in the future’ which will include an exclusive talk on how 3D printing is billed as the ‘future of manufacturing.
The conference will take place on 17 December at the ICC in Birmingham and aims to examine current issues from both the UK and Europe, highlight the key changes from both a technical and a market perspective and consider what opportunities there are for the future.
The speaker line-up includes: Dr Ben Wood, International Institute for Product and Service Innovation WMG, University of Warwick; Neil Pattemore, FIGIEFA; Steve Carter, eXponentia; Peter Golding, FleetCheck; Quentin Le Hetet, GiPA, and Peter Seagrott, Factor Sales.
The conference will include developments on the connected car and we will glimpse into the future with a realistic look at how far away the 3D printed car is, along with all its components.
The mainstream media have portrayed 3D printing as the future of manufacturing with suggestions that traditional processes will soon become obsolete. But what is the truth behind the hyperbole? Conference delegates will hear from an industry leading expert, Dr Ben Wood who will offer a pragmatic view on this question with reference to the automotive industry, and the potential impact that 3D printing might have on the automotive parts manufacturing industry in future.
Wendy Williamson, IAAF chief executive said, ‘The technology of vehicles for which independents provide parts and service for are not just evolving, but changing radically in terms of motive power, transmission, security and even driver involvement. The market players are changing their approaches and some of the technology is favouring our competitors, but the customer remains the same – or is the customer also changing? Can the Independent Aftermarket cope with this pace of change? The IAAF conference will again tackle the main issues and offer fresh perspectives.’
