By Jeffrey Barnhart, Founder and Executive Director, ICMA

As I look back on ICMA’s 35th anniversary, my heart swells with pride at how far we’ve come. In 1990, the card industry lacked a unified voice—an essential connection point for manufacturers and service providers. At that time, billions of plastic cards were produced, yet there was no central platform to foster collaboration or share industry news. Then, a handful of passionate leaders came together with a shared vision to create ICMA, and from those humble beginnings, we’ve grown into a global community. 

The evolution of ICMA mirrors the industry’s own transformation. From financial cards to a vast array of products like access control cards, ID cards and transportation cards, we’ve remained at the forefront, connecting people across continents and sparking innovation in every corner of the globe. Our EXPO conference, CardTREX and the prestigious Élan Awards have become cornerstones of the industry, celebrating the creativity and excellence that drive us forward. 

As I reflect on this incredible journey, I am filled with deep gratitude. What started as a small group with a shared mission has blossomed into a dynamic force shaping the future of card manufacturing. Even as technology evolves and digital solutions emerge, physical cards remain a vital part of our lives. ICMA’s mission is clear—we will continue to nurture connections, drive innovation and shape an exciting future for this remarkable industry.