FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Jennifer Kohlhepp
609-297-2210
Jkohlhepp@icma.com
Call for proposals invites ICMA members to help bring the association’s premier European event to a new destination
EAST WINDSOR, N.J.—August 25, 2026—The International Card Manufacturers Association (ICMA) has issued a call for proposals from member organizations interested in hosting CardTREX 2027, as the association looks to bring its premier European event to a new destination following four successful years in Germany.
CardTREX brings together professionals from across the global card ecosystem for focused education, technology exploration, networking and business development. The event connects card manufacturers, personalizers, issuers, suppliers and technology providers working across payments, identity and access, security, loyalty and gift cards, manufacturing and personalization, transportation and other areas shaping the future of the industry.
For 2027, ICMA is seeking a host organization in a new European location that can help expand CardTREX’s reach and introduce attendees to new companies, regions and perspectives.
“CardTREX has become an important forum for bringing our European and global community together to exchange expertise, explore emerging technologies and build meaningful industry relationships,” said Jeff Barnhart, executive director and founder of ICMA. “As we look toward 2027, we see an exciting opportunity to take CardTREX to a new European destination and work with one of our member organizations to continue building the event’s reach and impact.”
Hosting CardTREX provides an ICMA member company with an opportunity to showcase its organization, technologies and region to industry professionals from across Europe and beyond. Proposed event arrangements may incorporate the host company’s facility, a nearby hotel or conference venue or a combination of locations. ICMA will work closely with the selected host throughout the planning process.
ICMA is particularly interested in centrally located European destinations that are easily accessible by air or rail and can provide attendees with opportunities to experience the local card industry, discover new technologies and make valuable business connections.
The host call comes as ICMA prepares for CardTREX 2026, taking place October 27–28 at Lohmann’s TEC Center in Neuwied, Germany. The event will feature education sessions, technology demonstrations, tabletop exhibits, networking and opportunities to explore innovations influencing the card ecosystem.
ICMA member organizations interested in hosting CardTREX 2027 are encouraged to submit proposals by December 1. Click here to download the guidelines for hosting CardTREX.
For more information about CardTREX and the 2027 host opportunity, contact ICMA Headquarters at info@icma.com or 609-799-4900.
About ICMA
The International Card Manufacturers Association (ICMA) is the global trade association serving the card ecosystem. Dedicated to advancing the global card industry, ICMA connects issuers, manufacturers, personalizers, suppliers and technology partners through professional development, networking, industry recognition and the exchange of best practices. Through leading programs and events such as the ICMA EXPO, CardTREX, ACE accreditation and the Élan Awards of Excellence, ICMA supports card innovation and industry growth worldwide.