Commemorative gathering at ICMA EXPO May 12-15 in Orlando, Florida
PRINCETON JUNCTION, N.J.—January 20, 2025—The International Card Manufacturers Association (ICMA), a global trade association dedicated to supporting the card manufacturing industry, is proud to mark its 35th anniversary in 2025. Since its founding in 1990, ICMA has become the leading authority for card manufacturers, suppliers and stakeholders across the non-secure and secure card markets.
Over the past 35 years, ICMA has played a vital role in driving technological advancements, fostering innovation, and promoting best practices for its members. From the early days of magnetic stripe cards to today’s cutting-edge contactless, chip-enabled and biometric technologies, ICMA has consistently supported its members through collaboration, education and business development.
“Reaching 35 years is a significant milestone for both ICMA and the entire card manufacturing industry,” said Jeffrey Barnhart, founder and executive director of ICMA. “As technology continues to evolve, our mission to advocate for our members and push the boundaries of innovation remains as strong as ever. We are excited to continue working together to meet the dynamic needs of the global marketplace.”
ICMA’s unwavering commitment to its members is reflected in its comprehensive suite of services, including industry-leading conferences, educational programs and publications. The association has also been instrumental in developing industry standards, promoting sustainability initiatives and fostering valuable partnerships across the card manufacturing value chain.
In celebration of its 35th anniversary, ICMA will host a series of special events throughout 2025, including a commemorative gathering at its annual Card Manufacturing & Personalization EXPO. The event will take place at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld® in Orlando, Florida from May 12-15. This year’s EXPO will offer members the chance to reflect on the association’s achievements, explore the latest industry trends and discuss the future of the card manufacturing sector.
Themed “Next-Gen Cards: Innovating for the Future,” the 2025 EXPO will feature expert-led sessions on cutting-edge topics, including a keynote address by Taylor St. Germain of ITR Economics. St. Germain will provide both short-term and long-term economic forecasts, focusing on their potential impact on the global card industry. His presentation will explore leading economic indicators, inflation, interest rates, taxes and current events shaping the card manufacturing landscape.
The 2025 ICMA EXPO will introduce an Eco Summit, a dedicated track addressing key environmental trends and challenges. The event will also offer numerous networking opportunities and feature a vast exhibit hall with more than 60 exhibitors. A special anniversary celebration will take place during the ICMA Élan Awards of Excellence, honoring the brightest achievements in the industry.
As part of its anniversary celebrations, ICMA will launch a new digital format for its Card Manufacturing magazine and enhance its Advanced Card Education (ACE) training and certification program. The ACE program will now be offered online on-demand, in addition to in-person sessions for groups of 10 or more at member companies and at the ICMA EXPO.
Looking ahead, ICMA remains dedicated to fostering innovation, expanding its global reach, and providing members with the tools and resources needed to thrive in an ever-changing industry landscape.
To learn more about ICMA and its 35th anniversary, visit ICMA.com and follow the association’s social media channels on LinkedIn, X and Facebook.
About ICMA
The International Card Manufacturers Association (ICMA) is the leading global trade association for card manufacturers, suppliers and service providers in the card industry. Founded in 1990, ICMA supports its members through advocacy, education, networking and industry resources. The association plays a pivotal role in advancing technology, promoting sustainability and driving innovation within the card manufacturing sector.