What is ICMA?
The International Card Manufacturers Association (ICMA) is the leading global card association for card manufacturers and personalizers supported by suppliers and other industry participants. For over 30 years, ICMA has been at the forefront of this rapidly changing industry, uniting the many companies involved in manufacturing and personalizing cards by creating a global organization for education, networking, and sharing new and innovative ideas.
As the complexity of card manufacturing and personalization has increased, so have the production, standards, quality, security and environmental issues surrounding these cards. ICMA has become a major player in the industry, providing both in-person and online education, networking, idea-sharing, and collaboration for companies around the globe, including, but not limited to The Americas, MEA, Asia and Europe.
Our Mission
As the leading global card association of manufacturers and personalizers supported by suppliers and other industry participants, ICMA’s mission is to promote the transaction card industry, along with the value of its products and services, by providing an independent forum to share knowledge and ideas.
At a Glance: ICMA and the Industry
- In 2020, the global industry manufactured an estimated 29.8 billion cards valued at $16.8 billion, and personalized and fulfilled many of these cards for an additional service value of almost $7.22 billion – for a combined card industry revenue value of $24.02 billion.
- ICMA officially participates in the two major standards organizations: the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Standards Organization (ISO).
- Over 200 card manufacturers, personalizers, suppliers, issuers and other industry representatives are members of ICMA, the global transaction card association. Based in more than 40 countries around the globe, they conduct business in nearly every country in the world.
What ICMA Provides to Members
- The annual Card Manufacturing & Personalization EXPO, a leading global conference and trade show dedicated to card production, fulfillment and future trends.
- Product focused CardTREX regional events in North America and Europe, offering innovative, open-dialogue format covering diverse topics for card manufacturers, personalizers and suppliers.
- In 2021, ICMA hosted ICMA CardTREX Virtual in June. Click here for more information.
- In 2020 – ICMA Connect: A Global Virtual Forum & Tradeshow including sessions, roundtable and panel discussions as well as virtual exhibits.
- The ACE Program, which has become the global standard of recognition for advanced knowledge of the industry. NEW! ICMA is offering a virtual live training program, ACE-Commercial, which provides sales, marketing, customer service and other key personnel at your company the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of card manufacturing as well as typical customer questions and challenges. Elevate your marketing team with ACE-Commercial!
- Card Manufacturing magazine, an advertiser-supported trade publication that includes industry and member news, product releases, standards updates, features and member/ACE spotlights.
- Two e-newsletters – the weekly ICMA InBrief, which consists of industry/member news and monthly Inside ICMA with the latest association and standards news.
- Industry standards reports on ISO and ANSI meetings, along with representation on major global standards committees through ICMA’s official standards representative, David Tushie of Magellan Consulting.
- Numerous webinars and training programs, including CITE (Card Industry Training and Education), online modules that provide a comprehensive overview of the history, breadth and technologies involved in the global plastic card industry.
Click here for frequently asked questions about ICMA.
ICMA'S DISTINGUISHED PARTNER PROGRAM
ICMA’s Distinguished Partner Program is a way to showcase members who make a significant investment in the association. It’s the support from members that allows ICMA to continue to offer educational and networking opportunities to keep on the leading edge of card manufacturing and personalization.
Members: There are many ways to get your marketing message out through ICMA!
The choice is yours – whether it’s advertising in Card Manufacturing Magazine, website or e-newsletters, exhibiting or sponsoring at our annual Card Manufacturing & Personalization EXPO or our CardTREX regional events.
So, What’s the Next Step?
Review our opportunities and contact our operations and membership experience manager, Michael Canino to discuss the available opportunities. Visibility levels can be achieved at any time during the year and do not need to be confirmed at the beginning of the year. The earlier your company signs up for these marketing opportunities, the more you can take advantage of the expanded company visibility through ICMA.
Diamond Member
If your company invests $25,000 or more in combined marketing dollars (through sponsorship, exhibiting or advertising) you will be designated a Diamond Supplier member and will receive the following throughout the year:
- Year-round prominent logo placement as a Diamond Supplier Member in Card Manufacturing magazine
- Year-round prominent logo placement as a Diamond Supplier Member on the ICMA website and ICMA e-newsletters InBrief and Inside
- Full Page Diamond Member Spotlight in Card Manufacturing magazine in issue of company’s choice. Note: Content is subject to review and approval by ICMA.
- Tagline use of: ICMA Diamond Supplier, including receiving a graphic to use in your marketing material
- Recognized at ICMA’s Card Manufacturing & Personalization EXPO
- Ribbon on the organization’s attendee badges at the EXPO
Note: The recognition listed above is in addition to any recognition you receive as part of exhibiting or EXPO sponsorships.
Platinum Member
If your company invests $15,000 in combined marketing dollars (through sponsorship, exhibiting or advertising) you will be designated a Platinum Supplier member and will receive the following throughout the year:
- Year-round preferred logo placement as a Platinum Supplier Member in Card Manufacturing magazine
- Year-round preferred logo placement as a Platinum Supplier Member on the ICMA website and ICMA e-newsletters InBrief and Inside
- 100 word company spotlight in Card Manufacturing magazine in issue of company’s choice
- Tagline use of: ICMA Platinum Supplier, including receiving a graphic to use in your marketing material
- Recognized at ICMA’s Card Manufacturing & Personalization EXPO
- Ribbon on the organization’s attendee badges at the EXPO
Note: The recognition listed above is in addition to any recognition you receive as part of exhibiting or EXPO sponsorships.
Gold Member
If your company invests $10,000 in combined marketing dollars (through sponsorship, exhibiting or advertising) you will be designated a Gold Supplier member and will receive the following throughout the year:
- Year-round logo placement as a Gold Supplier Member in Card Manufacturing magazine
- Year-round logo placement, as a Gold Supplier Member in ICMA e-newsletters InBrief and Inside
- Tagline use of: ICMA Gold Supplier, including receiving a graphic to use in your marketing material
- Recognized at ICMA’s Card Manufacturing & Personalization EXPO
- Ribbon on the organization’s attendee badges at the EXPO
Note: The recognition listed above is in addition to any recognition you receive as part of exhibiting or EXPO sponsorships.
Marketing Checklist
So, what ICMA opportunities will your company take advantage of for your yearly marketing budget?
Remember, if the total combined investment adds up to the Diamond ($25,000), Platinum ($15,000) or Gold ($10,000) levels listed, you will receive exceptional added visibility in ICMA at the level for which you qualify throughout the year!
Please contact ICMA’s Operations and Member Experience Manager, Michael Canino at mcanino@icma.com or 609-799-4900.
For the available advertising opportunities, visit our media kit here.
For exhibit and sponsorship opportunities at the EXPO, visit our exhibit and sponsorship kit here.