The International Card Manufacturers Association (ICMA) is celebrating a major milestone in 2025—its 35th anniversary!
Since 1990, ICMA has been the driving force behind the card manufacturing industry, supporting manufacturers, suppliers and other stakeholders in both secure and non-secure markets.
The 2025 ICMA EXPO promises to be the ultimate gathering for professionals, offering an exclusive look at current industry trends.
Here’s why you can’t afford to miss this year’s event:
1. A Milestone Year of Innovation
Celebrating 35 years of leading innovation, ICMA has been at the forefront of transforming card technologies—from magnetic stripe cards to today’s cutting-edge contactless cards, chip-enabled cards and biometric solutions.
Attending the 2025 EXPO offers a unique opportunity to reflect on how far the industry has come and gain insights into its future direction.
2. Themed “Next-Gen Cards: Innovating for the Future”
The EXPO will be packed with expert-led sessions focusing on the latest developments in card manufacturing and personalization.
With the theme “Next-Gen Cards: Innovating for the Future,” attendees will dive deep into the emerging technologies and disruptive innovations shaping the card industry’s future.
Card issuers will learn more about the technological advancements in credit or debit cards.
Gift card manufacturers will hear from experts on how to prevent fraud and enhance security.
Other presenters will discuss the supply chain as well as the relationship between physical cards and mobile wallets.
Whether it’s exploring new materials or exploring the potential of AI in card design for economic growth, this is the place to be.
3. Exclusive Keynote from Economic Expert
One of the event’s major highlights is the keynote address by Taylor St. Germain from ITR Economics.
St. Germain will provide invaluable economic forecasts, shedding light on the factors influencing the global card market—such as inflation, interest rates and taxes.
His predictions will help you understand how global events will impact the card industry long term, allowing you to plan for the future.
4. New Sustainability Focus with the Eco Summit
Sustainability is more important than ever, and the 2025 ICMA EXPO is introducing an Eco Summit track to address environmental challenges in the card manufacturing sector.
This portion of the programming will feature a look at U.S. and European regulations, closed-loop recycling, the circular economy as well as information about ICMA’s EcoLabel and Mastercard’s Sustainable Cards Program.
This is the perfect opportunity for industry professionals to stay ahead of the curve and learn how to incorporate sustainable practices into their operations.
5. Unbeatable Networking Opportunities
With more than 60 exhibitors from around the world, the EXPO offers a vast exhibit hall with a wide range of opportunities to experience products and services ready for deployment into the marketplace.
Connect with leading suppliers and innovators to foster new business relationships, share knowledge and discover new solutions.
You won’t find a better chance to expand your professional network.
6. Celebrating Excellence at the ICMA Élan Awards
This year’s ICMA Élan Awards of Excellence ceremony will feature special anniversary programming. It’s a night to celebrate the brightest minds and most innovative solutions in the industry.
ICMA is accepting submissions for the awards program through Friday, March 14.
Widely acknowledged as the most renowned platform for card excellence, the coveted Élan Awards distinguish ICMA manufacturers, suppliers and personalization/fulfillment members before their peers and customers as industry leaders.
To enter the 2025 contest, click here.
8. Help Shape the Future of the Industry
The 2025 ICMA EXPO is more than just a celebration of the past; it’s a forward-looking event focused on the future of card manufacturing.
Whether you’re looking to learn about the latest technologies, connect with industry leaders or discover emerging trends, the EXPO is the ideal platform to help you stay ahead of the curve.
Don’t Miss Out – Save the Date!
Mark your calendars for May 12-15, 2025, and join us at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld® in Florida for this landmark event.
This is your chance to be part of an industry-defining experience that will shape the next generation of physical cards. For more details, visit ICMA.com.
More Insights on Card Trends
In 2025, ICMA marks a significant milestone, having represented the interests of the card manufacturing industry—including manufacturers, personalizers, issuers and suppliers—as its leading global association for 35 years.
Throughout the year, ICMA members have the opportunity to share insights and knowledge by contributing to Card Manufacturing magazine. Thought leaders are also welcome to give presentations during ICMA webcasts and events. The association’s main event is its annual Card Manufacturing & Personalization EXPO.
ICMA offers regular educational opportunities, including Advanced Card Education (ACE) training and exams at the ICMA EXPO.
ICMA also offers on-demand ACE-Commercial training, which provides sales, marketing, customer service and other key personnel at ICMA member companies with the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of card manufacturing.
Learn more about the benefits of ICMA membership.