World’s Only Manufacturing and Personalization-focused Card Conference Set for March 29-April 1, 2020 in Tampa, Florida
PRINCETON JUNCTION, N.J. – Nov. 14, 2019—The International Card Manufacturers Association (ICMA), a global trade association for card manufacturers, personalizers, issuers and suppliers will host its 2020 ICMA Card Manufacturing & Personalization EXPO March 29-April 1, 2020 at the Saddlebrook Resort in Tampa, Florida.
The 2020 EXPO, which marks ICMA’s 30th anniversary, is themed “Historical Success, Embracing the Future,” and will include presentations on metal cards, biometrics, card design, eco-friendly initiatives and market forecasts. Geared toward both small businesses and large corporations, the EXPO is attended by representatives from more than 200 companies from 40 countries worldwide and includes speed networking sessions, dedicated exhibition hours and leading-edge education.
David Burkus, a best-selling author, sought-after speaker and associate professor of leadership and innovation at Oral Roberts University, is the keynote speaker. During his presentation, “Under New Management: Full Transparency, Less Email, No Cubicles and Where the Future of Work is Headed,” Burkus will provide evidence-based strategies and real-world examples for building stronger teams, enhancing productivity and improving employee morale.
“ICMA’s EXPO remains one of the card industry’s leading-edge events—bringing together industry pioneers and trendsetters,” Jeffrey Barnhart, executive director and founder of ICMA said. “This year’s EXPO is particularly important as we commemorate ICMA’s 30th anniversary of serving a unique niche market and building unity within the industry. The 2020 EXPO will lay the groundwork for continued growth with presentations focusing on embracing emerging trends and remaining competitive into the future.”
Winners of the 2020 ICMA Élan Awards of Excellence that celebrate the pinnacle of design innovation, security and technical achievements in the card industry will be announced at the conference.
The early registration rate is $995 for members and $1,595 for nonmembers. Discounted rates expire Jan. 28, 2020.
Sponsorship and exhibiting opportunities for the 2020 ICMA Card Manufacturing & Personalization EXPO are now available. For more information, visit icmaexpo.com.
Invaluable Networking and Industry Connection
Since 1990, the annual ICMA Card Manufacturing & Personalization EXPO has served as the world’s only manufacturing-focused global card conference and exhibition. A global meeting of leading card industry professionals, the EXPO is replete with information sharing and networking opportunities.
Geared to prepare attendees for the changing future of the card industry, presentations feature valuable insight on trends and new technologies, as well as market forecasts. EXPOs regularly feature more than 50 exhibitors, made up of global industry leaders who manufacture and supply materials and services to the card manufacturing and personalization industry.
In addition to its annual EXPO, ICMA offers its members two other important events through the year. CardTREX North America and CardTREX Europe are geographic-specific conferences that focus on regional trends, challenges, opportunities and emerging technologies for card manufacturers, personalizers and suppliers. Each one-and-a-half days long, the conferences are geared to technical and production staff, as well as executives and business owners in the transaction card industry. The conferences also feature tours of local members’ plants.
Throughout the year, ICMA hosts live webcasts featuring expert tips from card manufacturers, personalizers and issuers about the card industry. Webcasts are archived and members may access them on ICMA’s website. Sample topics include, “European Card Market Statistics,” “Developments in the Gift Card Marketplace” and “Effectively Designing and Introducing New Trends in Card Design.”
Cutting-Edge Training, Education
ICMA maintains several industry-leading training and education programs about card manufacturing. These include the Advanced Card Education (ACE) designation, which provides information on key areas of the industry, as well as online tutorials and webinars on specific topics from card industry experts and leading industry suppliers.
The ACE training program is the global standard of recognition for advanced knowledge of the card manufacturing industry. Offered in manufacturing, personalization and advanced technologies, the ACE designations are designed to offer companies an edge in an intensely competitive field. As the demand for experts grows, continual training and expertise are crucial for individuals—and companies—to stay ahead of the crowd.
ACE training and exams are given at ICMA events, such as the upcoming 2020 EXPO and CardTREX conferences. ICMA member companies may also host private training sessions and ACE exams at their locations, proctored by ICMA personnel.
ICMA continues to invest in education for its members, keeping them knowledgeable and current on new innovation in the marketplace.
CITE
The Card Industry Training & Education (CITE) program provides a basic overview of the industry, it’s history and manufacturing processes. It provides a basic education for individuals new to the card industry or who otherwise want a better understanding of the industry. The self-led online course covers general card manufacturing, personalization and applications.
Key sections of the CITE curriculum include card history, card markets, industry scope, card product categories, card manufacturing, materials, components, card-based financial transactions, industry trade associations, basic concepts of card personalization, data recording technologies, machine-readable recording technologies and the card personalization process. There are self-tests at the end of each section.
Card Manufacturing Magazine
Published six times a year globally, Card Manufacturing is the flagship publication of ICMA. The magazine outlines industry news and trends, member news, product releases, standards updates and member/ACE spotlights.
Technical Standards Reports
ICMA officially participates in two major standards organizations, the International Standards Organization (ISO) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). An ICMA representative attends ANSI and ISO meetings, offering card manufacturing and personalization perspectives to the standard-making bodies and providing guidance to members about forthcoming changes to standards.
ICMA maintains representation on both of these committees through its official standards representative, David Tushie of Magellan Consulting. Tushie is at the forefront of current and emerging standards for all types of cards and related devices.
ICMA maintains a library of reports published by Tushie detailing outcomes of ISO and ANSI meetings from 2011 to present that impact the card manufacturing process.
Global Market and Personalization Statistics Reports
ICMA publishes two annual reports that analyze the industry and assess the industry’s present environment and future. Designed to assist ICMA member companies with strategic planning, the reports are segmented by global views, industry verticals and geographic regions and they cover trends in manufacturing, personalization, and fulfillment statistics. The reports are free to members.
About ICMA
Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2020, ICMA is a nonprofit association of card manufacturers, personalizers, suppliers and related industry participants. With 225 members globally, ICMA acts as a resource for industry issues, including the production, technology, application, security and environmental issues of cards. More information is available at icma.com.