In today’s rapidly evolving card industry—where physical and digital technologies intersect and security, sustainability and innovation are top priorities—professional development has never mattered more. Companies need high-performing teams with deep expertise, technical excellence and strong leadership. And individuals need clear pathways to grow their careers, gain recognition and stay competitive in a global market.
That’s where the International Card Manufacturers Association (ICMA) makes all the difference.
For more than three decades, ICMA has served as the professional home for the global card manufacturing and personalization community. Today, ICMA membership doesn’t just connect you to an industry—it moves your career forward. Through internationally recognized credentials, immersive learning experiences, peer-to-peer knowledge exchange and leadership development, ICMA helps professionals at every level turn ambition into impact.
Whether you’re just getting started or preparing to guide major organizational change, ICMA is your partner on the journey.
Why Professional Development Matters in the Card Industry
The global card market is undergoing constant transformation. New materials, advanced security features, sustainability goals, personalization technologies and digital integrations are reshaping what it means to work in this field. As a result:
- Technical roles require broader and deeper expertise
- Leaders must operate with cross-functional awareness
- Emerging professionals need opportunities to build confidence and connections
- Companies must continually train teams to remain competitive
Without structured development pathways, professionals risk falling behind—and organizations risk losing valuable talent.
ICMA offers the solution: an industry-backed, globally trusted learning ecosystem that supports professionals from the production floor all the way to the executive suite.
Professional Development at ICMA: Your Growth, Your Pace, Your Plan
ICMA’s professional development portfolio is intentionally designed to meet the needs of an industry with diverse roles, responsibilities and levels of experience. Members benefit from flexible, proven programs that allow them to learn strategically, build credentials over time and gain real-world skills they can apply immediately.
These offerings don’t exist in isolation—they create a continuum of development that grows with you across your entire career.
Explore the programs that drive meaningful professional progress across the global card industry.
Advanced Card Education – The Industry’s Premier Credential
For professionals seeking technical mastery, the Advanced Card Education (ACE) program is the recognized benchmark of excellence. ACE offers three specialized tracks:
- ACE-M – Manufacturing
- ACE-P – Personalization
- ACE-A – Advanced Technologies
Each track delivers rigorous, real-world training that helps participants deepen their understanding of the card production ecosystem—from materials and processes to equipment, security features, quality standards and emerging technologies.
Why ACE Matters
The ACE credential signals far more than technical knowledge. It demonstrates commitment to professionalism, industry leadership and continuous improvement. For individuals, ACE becomes a career accelerator. For companies, it serves as a reliable indicator of expertise that enhances team performance and customer trust.
ACE-Commercial: Training for Customer-Facing Teams
ICMA also offers ACE-Commercial, an on-demand, no-prerequisite course designed for sales, customer service and marketing professionals. It ensures that customer-facing teams understand the full value and complexity of card production—leading to stronger client relationships and clearer communication across departments.
CardTREX: Built for Builders
Some of the most powerful learning happens not in a classroom, but on the factory floor. That’s why ICMA created CardTREX, a regional event built specifically for the builders of the industry—those who work directly with materials, equipment and production processes.
Each CardTREX event features:
- A deep technical dive into card materials, manufacturing steps, security features and personalization workflows
- A rare opportunity to tour a working card facility
- Practical, applicable training developed for plant, lab and line professionals
- Peer-to-peer idea sharing among those who encounter similar challenges daily
Participants leave CardTREX not just with new knowledge, but with confidence—and with real, actionable insights they can bring back to their teams.
Join ICMA and industry leaders for CardTREX 2026, taking place 27–28 October 2026 at Lohmann’s state-of-the-art TEC Center in Neuwied, Germany. Next year’s event spotlights the smart, sustainable and high-performance bonding solutions shaping the future of global card manufacturing.
Inside Lohmann’s renowned Bonding Arena®, participants will explore real-time bonding and lamination processes that enhance durability, security and environmental performance in cards and ID documents. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with experts, discover next-generation innovations and gain insights that will influence the card industry for years to come.
ICMA EXPO: The Global Stage for Innovation, Learning and Leadership
Every year, the global card community converges at the ICMA EXPO, the industry’s most influential event. More than a conference, EXPO is an experience—a dynamic blend of education, technology discovery, networking and professional growth.
At EXPO, you can:
- Explore emerging trends shaping manufacturing, personalization, sustainability and security
- Participate in ACE certification prep sessions and exams
- Build connections with suppliers, manufacturers, issuers and innovators
- Discover new technologies on the show floor and get hands-on demonstrations
The EXPO is where the future of the card industry comes into focus—and where the leaders of tomorrow begin their rise.
Join ICMA at the 2026 ICMA EXPO, taking place April 19–22 in Orlando, Florida, for the industry’s most energizing and influential event dedicated to card innovation. ICMA is elevating next year’s EXPO with extended exhibition hours and a new Small Business Marketplace, a dynamic new Nexus Stage showcasing breakthrough technologies and fresh innovations and ample time for attendees to make meaningful business connections.
With global representation, industry-leading education and unmatched networking opportunities, the EXPO brings together more than 300 innovators, decision-makers and suppliers who are shaping the future of cards. From expert-led sessions and collaborative discussions to the prestigious Élan Awards of Excellence, the 2026 EXPO is your chance to learn, connect, celebrate and discover what’s next in the world of card manufacturing and personalization.
ICMA Mentorship Program: Strengthening the Industry Through Human Connection
Behind every successful career is a network of people who invested time, insights and experience. ICMA’s Mentorship Program brings this philosophy to life by pairing emerging professionals with seasoned industry leaders.
The Program Helps Participants:
- Receive personalized guidance tailored to their goals
- Develop leadership and interpersonal skills
- Build stronger professional networks
- Gain confidence through constructive, experience-based support
Mentors benefit too—they gain fresh perspectives, strengthen leadership skills and contribute to shaping the next generation of industry talent.
The result is a more connected, more collaborative and more resilient global card community.
ICMA Career Center: Connecting Talent with Opportunity
The ICMA Career Center connects you directly with employers who value your specialized expertise. Discover opportunities in card manufacturing, personalization, secure ID and emerging technologies—all in one place. Whether you’re building skills or seeking a leadership role, the ICMA Career Center is your gateway to meaningful, industry-specific career growth.
ICMA’s Career Center is here to support your professional growth at every stage.
Access a full suite of resources, including:
- Resume Review: Get a free professional review or upload your resume to explore opportunities.
- Career Planning Portal: Your one-stop hub for preparing for your next role.
- Expert Articles: From building a standout resume to interviewing tips, LinkedIn improvements and navigating career change, featuring insights from industry experts
- Premium Resume Services: Professionally written resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles and interview prep.
- Career Insights: Data on industry outlook, wages and qualifications.
- Career Coaching: Personalized guidance from certified coaches.
- Plus, even more career advice to help you move forward with confidence.
It’s the go-to resource for professional mobility within our sector.
An Integrated Approach to Learning: Building Skills, Confidence and Momentum
What sets ICMA apart is not simply the quality of its programs, but the way they work together. The association offers a complete, interconnected learning ecosystem:
- ACE develops technical mastery
- CardTREX provides behind-the-scenes facility tours
- EXPO expands knowledge and networks
- Mentorship supports personal and professional growth
- The Career Center helps professionals find their next step
From foundational skills to executive leadership, ICMA supports every stage of a member’s career journey.
The ICMA Advantage: Investing in Your Career, Your Team and Your Company
For individuals, ICMA membership provides:
- Clear pathways for advancement
- Recognition through globally respected credentials
- Continuous learning opportunities
- Access to a community of experts and leaders
For companies, ICMA membership strengthens:
- Workforce capability and retention
- Cross-team communication and performance
- Operational efficiency through shared best practices
- Innovation through exposure to global trends and technologies
A stronger team means stronger results—and ICMA helps organizations build both.
Ready to Lead What’s Next in Cards?
The future of the card industry will belong to the professionals who stay curious, stay skilled and stay connected. ICMA is here to support that journey—through learning, leadership and community.
When you invest in ICMA membership, you invest in your future:
Learn more. Earn more. Lead more.
ICMA is your partner in professional growth—supporting you from your first role to your rise into executive leadership. Download our Professional Development Guide to explore the full range of opportunities available to ICMA members.
Why ICMA Membership Matters
As ICMA celebrates 35 years of leadership in 2025, the association remains steadfast in its mission to empower the global card manufacturing community. Through a blend of cutting-edge marketing support and robust professional development, ICMA equips its members with the tools they need to lead, innovate and grow.
Members who engage in ICMA’s educational offerings and industry events don’t just keep pace with change—they help drive it. Whether contributing thought leadership to Card Manufacturing magazine or gaining recognition through programs like the Élan Awards of Excellence, ICMA provides members with meaningful opportunities to raise their profile and shape the future of the industry.
For card industry professionals looking to stay competitive and connected in 2025 and beyond, ICMA offers a clear path forward through education, visibility and community.
Discover the full value of ICMA membership and join a global network of professionals advancing the card industry.