As ICMA celebrates its 35th anniversary, it commemorates a significant milestone in its journey to becoming the epicenter of the global card manufacturing and personalization industry. This momentous occasion highlights the association’s vision, innovation and commitment to collaboration—principles that have driven its growth and success over the years. The following quotes from ICMA board members reflect on this evolution and the collective efforts that have shaped the industry, showcasing the power of unity in advancing shared goals.  

“Barnes has been a member of ICMA since 1995 and has exhibited at the ICMA EXPO every year since at least 2005. This involvement has been invaluable, allowing us to showcase Barnes’ products to the entire industry,” said ICMA Board Member Brian Summerhayes of Barnes International. “The ongoing exposure and visibility boost our standing within the industry, while networking face-to-face with other members helps us better understand their needs. This insight drives new development projects, fueling our continuous product innovation and improvement. The relatively small investment in ICMA offers a significant return for us.” 

“I’ve been attending the ICMA EXPO for as long as I can remember. I think the first time was around 2001 when my father took me to my first EXPO,” said Michael Dorner, ICMA Immediate Past President from Variuscard. “From the very beginning, I felt like I was part of a big family. The warm welcome I received from the members was incredible, especially since I was one of the youngest attendees at just 20 years old. Building connections and expanding my network was an invaluable experience. Being on my own in such a challenging industry isn’t easy. With markets becoming increasingly tough, I believe it’s essential to collaborate to ensure that cards remain a valuable asset in the decades ahead. It’s always fascinating to explore new technologies and engage with industry veterans to learn from the past and get insights into future trends.” 

“ICMA has been an incredible resource throughout my 10+ years of membership,” said ICMA Board Member Tiffany Milbrandt of CARDSource. “The knowledge and insights I’ve gained have been valuable and several of the professional connections I’ve made over the years I now consider good friends. One of the most rewarding aspects is connecting with professionals from around the world, sharing ideas and learning from different perspectives. If you’re in the card industry, joining ICMA is one of the best decisions you can make!”