Are you looking to expand your company’s brand presence, sell more products or make more business connections in the card manufacturing industry? Look no further than the International Card Manufacturers Association (ICMA)’s Marketing Solutions.
ICMA offers its members unparalleled access to card manufacturers and personalizers, as well as a wide variety of marketing resources to help target customers and prospects.
Here are six ICMA Marketing Solutions that can help boost brand and product awareness, generate leads and grow business in the global card manufacturing industry.
Reach Thousands—For Free!
ICMA’s online member directory is visible to all ICMA.com visitors and can be quickly and easily searched by those seeking card manufacturers, personalizers and issuers, as well as card manufacturing supplies and equipment. Divided into 10 categories, the directory has options to search for every type of company in the industry to match companies from all over the world with the right partner for their card-related project.
Far and away the most viewed page on ICMA’s website next to the homepage, the directory helps member companies amplify their online presence, boost website traffic and SEO and attract new business.
Analytics show that visitors to the directory are highly engaged, meaning they dedicate significant time to searching and reviewing member pages, which brings outstanding visibility to ICMA members.
Each ICMA member company receives its own profile page, which features a company description, logo, listing of products and/or services and website link.
Enhance your company’s position in the marketplace with a free listing in ICMA’s membership directory.
Engage with Customers and Prospects
When it comes to networking, nothing competes with the face-to-face interaction you’ll have at the ICMA EXPO, Nov. 7-10, 2021. By combining exposure to potential leads with the ability to interact personally, the EXPO offers an experience that other forms of marketing cannot deliver.
The EXPO is the world’s only global card manufacturing-focused conference and exhibition, which is attended by more than 200 companies from 40 countries worldwide.
“The EXPO brings together all of the people who make the card products—from the inks to the cores, to how everything is bonded together,” said Megan Bogard of CPI Card Group. “I come back every year and I look forward to talking about all of the new innovations, but I also look forward to catching up with everyone because it is such a great group of people.”
ICMA will also host CardTREX virtually this year on June 10. Don’t miss the opportunities to learn about the latest card industry trends and network with industry peers from the region of the world where you work.
Guarantee visibility among existing customers and reach new ones by serving as an exhibitor or sponsor. Showcase your products and brand directly to your customers and hot prospects. Whether you are a small business or a large company, this year’s EXPO and CardTREX events will provide unique opportunities to maximize exposure and connect to consumers on a personal level.
Showcase Thought Leadership
The card industry is a unique, niche market with few publications designed to reach industry professionals. With a circulation of more than 3,000, Card Manufacturing magazine should be a part of your marketing strategy.
Communicate directly to an audience that is passionate and interested in all aspects of the card industry by submitting a bylined article or company/product news or place an ad in Card Manufacturing to reach your target audience.
Sell Directly to Your Target Audience
Did you know that banner ads are more effective than a billboard? ICMA.com has more than 1,500 visitors per month.
Put your company in front of your target audience with a banner ad on ICMA.com and reach your customers in a new way. There are several rotating banners on the home page and throughout the site—designed to support and enhance your marketing efforts.
Align Your Brand with Industry Trends
ICMA InBrief is designed to share the latest news, insights and market trends in the card manufacturing industry. A valuable resource that is respected for its credibility, the e-newsletter is designed to help ICMA members spot potential niche opportunities, identify new and different technologies and keep a pulse on competitors and industry news.
A quick read, Inside ICMA provides the latest association news, highlighting ICMA card education and training programs, webinar topics, Card Manufacturing magazine articles, event details and member news.
Distributed to 1,500 association members, banner ads in the e-newsletters are available to help you showcase your brand and align it with leading-edge card industry information.
Earn Recognition Across the Industry
ICMA members are eligible to submit entries for the Élan Awards of Excellence, the only industry-wide awards that showcase the world’s best cards and technology. Winning an Élan Award can lead a company down multiple paths to success, including new business opportunities.
Winners are highlighted in ICMA press releases and publications and on ICMA.com. Award-winning designs can be very helpful in sales pitches because an Élan Award becomes an important marketing tool when talking to potential clients. ICMA will start accepting applications for the 2021 competition soon.
Want More Industry Insider Insights or a Glimpse into Global Card Trends?
For three decades, ICMA has represented the interests of the card manufacturing industry—which includes manufacturers, personalizers, issuers and suppliers—as its leading global association.
ICMA maintains several industry-leading training and education programs about card manufacturing. These include the Advanced Card Education (ACE) program, 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 program is the global standard of recognition for advanced knowledge of the card manufacturing industry. There is a certification level curriculum and designations offered in manufacturing, personalization and advanced technologies. The newest addition to the program is ACE-Commercial, a virtual training series, which offers education to various segments of member companies. The ACE program is designed to offer companies an edge in an intensely competitive field. As the demand for experts grows, continual training and expertise is crucial for individuals—and companies—to stay ahead of the crowd.
ICMA also provides reports on the card market and on personalization and fulfillment statistics to keep members informed of emerging trends and changing forecasts.
Throughout the year, ICMA members have the opportunity to share insights and knowledge by giving presentations at ICMA events, webcasts and tutorials.
To learn more about the benefits of ICMA membership, click here.