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Be in the Epicenter of the Global Card Industry
Member Benefits
As a member of ICMA, you step into an innovative global community that's all about driving the card industry forward! You’ll have the chance to share insights and innovative ideas with fellow professionals, collaborating to tackle the exciting opportunities and challenges in the card industry.
Get ready to access a trove of resources—think cutting-edge educational programs, industry forums and essential networking events—all designed to boost your expertise and supercharge your business growth. You’ll be at the forefront of industry trends, engaging in lively discussions that shape the future of cards.
Being part of ICMA fills you with satisfaction as you contribute to setting the standards for quality, security and sustainability in the industry, reinforcing your commitment to excellence. Ultimately, you’ll see yourself as a vital player in a dynamic ecosystem, shaping the future of the card sector while forging meaningful connections with fellow industry trailblazers.
Join today to make your mark!
ICMA Events
Annual ICMA EXPO
Ready to supercharge your career in the global card industry? Don’t miss our annual ICMA EXPO. This in-person event is your gateway to essential education, invaluable connections and exciting opportunities to enhance your professional development and elevate your company’s visibility.
Here are the most compelling reasons to join us at the annual ICMA EXPO:
- Comprehensive Educational Program: Dive into the latest card industry topics and trends with insights from top experts. Our diverse program features engaging presentations and panel discussions designed to drive profitability and spark innovation within your organization.
- Networking at Its Best: Connect with industry leaders, peers and experts through dynamic networking opportunities, including speed networking with exhibitors, evening outdoor receptions and a themed Élan Awards dinner! Strengthen your strategic business relationships with card manufacturers, personalizers, suppliers, issuers and innovators from around the globe.
- Exhibits and Sponsorships: Boost your company’s visibility and sales by taking advantage of our exhibition featuring 50+ leading card industry suppliers showcasing cutting-edge equipment, materials, card components and services.
- ICMA Élan Awards: Be among the first to celebrate the winners of the annual Élan Awards of Excellence at our exciting ceremony. Categories include Secure Payment, ID, Access Control, Loyalty, Promotional and Gift Cards.
CardTREX
CardTREX is ICMA’s premier European event, bringing together an impressive array of industry leaders, including top executives, plant personnel, cutting-edge technology providers, and supplier partners. This dynamic one-and-a-half-day conference is designed to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among attendees.
Participants can look forward to invaluable networking opportunities and a diverse lineup of educational presentations and panel discussions, focusing on the latest trends and innovations shaping the industry. From advancements in technology to best practices in production and sustainability, CardTREX provides a platform for attendees to gain insights that can drive their organizations forward.
Join us for this exceptional gathering and take advantage of the opportunity to stay ahead in the ever-evolving card manufacturing landscape!
ICMA Professional Development
Invest in yourself. Empower your team. Advance your company.
That’s the professional development advantage of ICMA membership.
These programs don’t just build skills—they build momentum. ICMA’s learning ecosystem is designed to help every member grow confidently, lead boldly and stay ready for what’s next in cards.
Explore ICMA’s Professional Development Programs
ACE Program: The Industry’s Premier Credentialing Path
ACE-M | ACE-P | ACE-A
Become a recognized expert with ACE—Advanced Card Education. Whether you specialize in Manufacturing, Personalization, or Advanced Technologies, the ACE credential signals your mastery and commitment to excellence.
Key Benefits:
- In-depth, real-world technical training
- Industry-wide recognition
- A career catalyst that builds confidence and credibility
ACE-Commercial is also available on-demand for sales, customer service, and marketing professionals—perfect for team-wide training with no prerequisites.
CITE Program: Elevate from Expert to Executive
Certified ICMA Technical Executive
CITE is a dynamic program designed for technical professionals looking to expand their leadership potential. It connects deep operational knowledge with broader strategic thinking, helping participants grow into more visionary and impactful leaders.
What You’ll Gain:
- Executive decision-making and strategic thinking
- Cross-functional leadership and business acumen
- Insights into global trends, innovation and sustainability
CITE is where technical excellence meets visionary leadership.
ICMA Mentorship Program: Support. Promote. Inspire.
Connect with a mentor—or become one—and grow through guided leadership development. This global program pairs emerging professionals with experienced leaders to support meaningful career advancement.
Why Join:
- Personalized guidance and professional coaching
- Skill building and leadership development
- Networking that opens doors across the card industry
ICMA Career Center: Opportunity Starts Here
Our Career Center connects top talent with leading card manufacturing, personalization, non-secure and secure organizations within the global card industry. Whether you're hiring or job hunting, this is your destination for opportunity.
What You’ll Gain
- Targeted Connections: Reach top employers and talent within the specialized card manufacturing and personalization industry.
- Career Advancement: Explore new roles, grow your expertise, and take the next step in your professional journey.
- Industry-Specific Hiring: Find or fill roles that align with the unique needs of secure and non-secure card organizations worldwide.
Make Your Membership Work for You
From the opportunity-rich Career Center to the strategic foundation of CITE, the practical training of ACE to the relationship-building power of our Mentorship Program—ICMA delivers a complete professional development journey tailored to every stage of your career.
ICMA Publications
As a member, you’ll gain exclusive access to essential industry facts and figures in the members-only portion of our website, along with a wealth of resources such as our magazine, newsletters, special reports, webinars and training programs.
ICMA Standards Reports: Provided by David Tushie, our ICMA Standards Representative, these reports are free for members to download from the ICMA member portal.
Card Manufacturing Magazine: Enjoy a global card-focused publication produced four times a year. ICMA members benefit from advertising discounts.
Inside ICMA: This member-only monthly e-newsletter keeps you updated on association news and ISO/ANSI standards.
ICMA InBrief: A weekly e-newsletter that delivers the latest member news, card industry updates and current events straight to your inbox.
Extensive Web-based Resources: Access a comprehensive archive of articles, webinars, presentations, performance metrics and more.
Member Recognition & Exposure
ICMA members enjoy significant lead-generation opportunities through the ICMA website, where issuers are directed to member companies when they seek card manufacturers. This referral system helps members connect with potential clients and grow their business.
The Élan Awards of Excellence are an exclusive member benefit that provides exceptional publicity opportunities across the industry. These prestigious awards are the only ones dedicated to recognizing outstanding achievements in card design and development, as well as innovations in supplier services and personalization.
A standout member benefit, the online Member Directory features a public search option on the ICMA website, allowing third-party users to find card manufacturers, personalizers, and major supplier product categories. This directory is the second most visited page on ICMA.com, right after the homepage, providing exceptional visibility and lead generation opportunities for your company!
Members receive free publicity for their news briefs, featuring preferred placement in both ICMA’s Card Manufacturing magazine and ICMA InBrief.
ICMA's Distinguished Partner Program highlights members who make a substantial investment in the association. By supporting ICMA, you can help us provide valuable educational and networking opportunities year-round and join the ranks of distinguished partners.