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April 6-9, 2008
Loews Royal Pacific Resort
Orlando, Florida

Addressing Today’s Card Industry Opportunities and Challenges

The Orlando EXPO had a very strong attendance with 300 attendees from around the globe and 40 exhibitors. Special thanks to EXPO chairman Eric Blank of Arthur Blank and Company, an ABNote company.

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Chairman’s Message: Eric Blank, Executive Vice President, Arthur Blank & Company

As the 2008 EXPO quickly approaches I would like to share how excited and honored I am to be named conference chairperson. The 2008 EXPO marks the first EXPO to take place in the spring. I am very happy to be part of this new development and have already heard very positive feedback to the new timeframe.

The ICMA EXPO provides a forum for those in the industry to meet, learn and share ideas. The EXPO provides abundant opportunities to network and mingle—many long lasting friendships, partnerships and business relationships have been formed via ICMA over the past many years.

The beautiful Royal Pacific Resort will provide an ideal setting, as we once again gather together manufacturers and personalizers of plastic cards representing many different applications—and their valued suppliers of equipment, components and materials. I look forward to the opportunity to learn, network and enjoy the many amenities of this venue.

See you in Orlando April 6-9!

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Program/Schedule of Events

Keynote Speaker: Day One
Louie Gravance, Connecting with One’s Purpose Through Changing Times

Louie Gravance is literally changing the consciousness of business in America through his speaking and consulting skills. A premiere example is the work he has done is helping Bank of America navigate what he calls a “culture shift.” MONEY MAGAZINE credits these efforts with “making the banking experience more pleasurable with changes that have improved customer satisfaction.” Gravance was a perfect fit for this project, thanks to skills learned and honed during a twelve-year tenure at The Walt Disney Company in Orlando, Florida. Beginning with the training and orientation program “Traditions” at The Disney University, Louie designed, developed, and delivered countless presentations. First, at the University for literally thousands of Disney World employees from all disciplines, and then for visiting corporate clients through the Disney Institute Professional Development Programs. He has also traveled, teaching “Showmanship in the Workplace” to large companies like ING Financial, Mutual of Omaha, Fisher Scientific, Toys ‘R Us and BMW of Canada, just to name a few. Prior to moving to Florida, Mr. Gravance began a show business career at the age of twelve. He spent the next two decades in Los Angeles appearing in stage shows, sitcoms, motion pictures and over 35 national television commercials. While at Disney, he led, trained, and performed with the improvisational comedy show “Streetmosphere” at the Disney / MGM Studios from the first year of its inception in 1989.

Guest Speaker:
Henry Dreifus, The Future of Contactless and NFC – What it means for Card Manufacturers

Henry Dreifus is Founder & CEO of Dreifus Associates Limited, Inc. With over 25 years experience in Secure Identification & Smart Card Solutions, he is a Founding Director and Executive Committee member of the Smart Card Industry Association, and he has held a number of board positions in the financial and technology industries, including TelaDoc and the Defense Business Board. Mr. Dreifus has been called upon to present expert testimony to Congress, is a published author, an accomplished speaker, and a patent holder in smart card technology.

Keynote Speaker: Day Two
Jerry Haar, What’s in Store for the Card Industry – Climate and Economy

Jerry Haar is a professor, researcher, and consultant in strategic planning, international management, and marketing. He is presently associated with the College of Business Administration at Florida International University where he is Associate Dean for International Programs and Projects, Professor of Management and International Business, and Senior Fellow in the Pino Global Entrepreneuership Center. Dr. Haar was also a research associate at Columbia University and a Fulbright Scholar at the Fundação Getúlio Vargas in Brazil. He has written twelve books and numerous articles and consulted for firms such as: ExxonMobil, IBM, Microsoft, ING Barings, Ford Motor Company, Royal Dutch Shell, FMC, Disney, KPMG, Heineken, and YPF oil company of Argentina. He has appeared in media such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Financial Times (London), The Journal of Commerce, Business Week, Newsweek, CNN, the BBC, Fox Cable News, NBC, and CBS. His most recent work is Winning Strategies for the New Latin Markets. He presently is at work on two books: Can Latin America Compete? and Small Firms, Global Markets: Competitive Challenges in the New Economy.

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Exhibition

The Exhibition portion of the 2008 ICMA Card Manufacturing EXPO will feature key industry suppliers from all over the world whose target customers are card manufacturers and personalizers. The EXPO will provide the perfect setting for these industry participants to meet potential clients and customers face-to-face, and get themselves one step closer to closing the deal on profit-making transactions and partnerships. Exhibitors include companies that supply such products as:

• Production Equipment
• Card Supplies
• Card Materials
• Card Services

How to Secure Your Booth

All of the booth spaces at the EXPO are 8 x 10 feet (2.5m x 3m). Rates for booth space are as follows:

ICMA Member: $3,925 USD
Non-Member: $4,725 USD

These rates include one exhibitor space, ID signage, listing in brochures/magazine and on the ICMA website, TWO full complimentary conference registrations (additional registrations are discounted 25%), including 2 receptions, 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches and Awards Dinner for each. Full registrants also receive all give-aways such as shirts, bags, etc. To secure an exhibit space or sponsorship at the ICMA EXPO, fax form to Jen Witte at 609-799-7032. Contact Jen Witte at 1-609-799-4900 for any exhibitor or sponsorship questions.

The following companies have secured a booth as of press time:

• 509 Technologies
• American Bank Note Holographics
• Associated Pacific Machine Corp
• Atlantic Zeiser GmbH
• Barnes International Limited
• Bayer Films Americas
• Blumer Maschinenbau
• Boltaron Performance Products "Luccabolt"
• Böwe Bell & Howell
• Bürkle North America, Inc.
• Cardel Ltd.
• CardPATH
• China Lucky Film Co.
• CFC International Inc., an ITW Company
• Crown Roll Leaf, Inc.
• Datacard Group
• Dynetics
• Functional Materials Inc.
• Gans Ink & Supply Co.
• GOEX Corporation
• Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
• INEOS Films
• Kappus Plastic Company, Inc.
• KBA Metronic
• Klöckner Pentaplast GmbH & Co. KG
• Kurz Group
• LaserCard Corporation
• Leibinger
• Linxx LLC / Advanced Card Systems
• Mirel Biobased Plastics (Metabolix Inc.)
• MGI USA
• Oasys Technologies Ltd
• Pittsburgh Embossing Services
• Q-Card Company
• SICPA
• Spartanics Ltd.
• SPS Rehmus
• SunChemical
• Zhongka Card Base New Material Co., Ltd

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Networking with a twist…

Read on to see how you will be entertained during your stay in Orlando…
All three evenings are included in the Full and Spouse registration fees.

Sunday evening reception
As always, the opening Welcome Reception will be held in the Exhibit Hall, as a way to showcase the leading suppliers that you will be visiting over the course of the event. To add a little fun spin on this evening, we will be hosting a variety of fun contests to help you get to know this year’s exhibitors and find out what they have to offer in a festive atmosphere.

Monday evening reception
In the spirit of the Royal Pacific’s ambiance, Monday night’s reception will be a tropical outdoor luau. After being greeted by luau dancers, you will enjoy tropical cocktails, music and food....as well as a little Hawaiian inspired entertainment.

Tuesday Awards Gala – a Red Carpet Event
As we will be in the land of Universal Studios, it is only appropriate that ICMA host our own red carpet event. Who knows... maybe even some celebrities will grace us!! Dress to impress, paparazzi will be on the prowl at the Annual Élan and Spirtus Awards Gala & Ceremony. Also, you must wear a touch of red at this red carpet event…

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ICMA Presents…The Élan Awards for Card Manufacturing Excellence and Best Vendor New Product, Equipment or Material

ICMA unveils the recipients of the Élan awards for Card Manufacturing Excellence at the Gala Dinner on Tuesday, April 8. This year’s Dinner will have a fun Red Carpet theme…so dress like a star! (Dinner is included with the full and spouse registration fees.)

The Élan award is the only award that recognizes card design innovation and technical achievement in the industry. Past recipients include leading card manufacturers from around the globe. ICMA is now accepting entries for this prestigious competition. Except for the People’s Choice, the awards are judged by an independent panel of ICMA associate members, industry notables and international journalists. Actual awards are provided to both the manufacturers and their customers for the cards.

The awards are open to ICMA members only. Eligible cards must have been manufactured between August 15, 2007 and March 14, 2008. Deadline for entries is March 14, 2008. Members are allowed to enter no more than TEN entries per category from one member location, with a maximum of 30 entries per company. (Note that there is no entry for People’s Choice and Judges’ Choice, as these are selected on-site.) A separate application form MUST be completed for each entry. There is an entry fee of US $75 per entry (credit card or check only). Entry forms can be found on our website at www.icma.com or email info@icma.com for more information.

2008 Élan Categories are:
• Best Non-Secure Card Design
• Best Secure Financial Card Design
• Best Gift Card Design
• Best I.D. Card Design
• Technical Achievement
• Unique Innovation and Design
• Judges’ Choice
• People’s Choice
• Best Vendor New Product, Equipment or Material

The manufacturers for last year’s winning cards were:
• Best Non-Secure Card: Plastag
• Best Secure Financial Card: Versatile Card Technology, Inc.
• Technical Achievement: Innovative Card Technologies
• Best Gift Card: UV Color, Inc.
• Best ID Card: LaserCard Corporation
• Unique Innovation and Design: Americhip, Inc.
• Judges Choice: Innovative Card Technologies
• People’s Choice: CPI Card Group
• Best Vendor Product: Blumer Maschinenbau

Spiritus Awards
In an effort to recognize member companies that have made a significant impact on society or their community, ICMA established the Spiritus Awards. Eligible to all member companies, this is an excellent way to highlight companies that have implemented programs or services to better their community. This year’s Spiritus Awards will be announced at the Awards Gala Dinner. The Spiritus entry form can be found on the ICMA website.

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Sponsors

The following companies are sponsors of this year’s EXPO. We appreciate their support and encourage everyone to recognize their generous contribution to this event. The valuable support of our sponsors contributes greatly to the success of our events.

Sponsorships are still available! Email JWitte@icma.com for a list of possibilities in all budget ranges.

Gold Sponsors		Sponsor of Shirts – Kurz Group www.kurzusa.com
		Sponsor of Bags – Luccabolt www.gallazzi.com
Silver Sponsors		Sponsor of Notebooks – Pittsburgh Embossing Services www.pittsburghembossing.com
		Sponsor of Meeting Essentials Kit – Transilwrap www.transilwrap.com
		Sponsor of Lanyards – Waytek www.waytekcorp.com
		Sponsor of Wireless Internet Access – Leibinger www.leibingergroup.com
Bronze Sponsors		Sponsor of Hotel Key Cards – Spartanics www.spartanics.com
		Sponsor of On-Site brochure – Ineos Films www.ineosfilms.com
		Sponsor of On-Site brochure – QCard www.q-card.com
		Sponsor of Bag Insert – Magnets 4 Media www.magnets4media.com

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Optional Events & Golf

In addition to the lovely man-made beach and poolside areas at the hotel, Orlando and the surrounding area offer great dining, amusement parks and culture. Many may spend their free time at one of Orlando’s famous parks, but we have put together a couple optional events that will be a lot of fun.

Spouse EXPO Registration
Be sure to register your spouse / guest for the general Spouse Registration, which will allow them entrance into a special spouse breakfast on Monday and Tuesday mornings which is a great opportunity to meet the other spouses, as well as the two evening receptions and the Tuesday Awards Dinner.

Sunday, April 6
Golf Outing
7:30 am - 2:00 pm
ICMA will host a scramble outing at the award-winning Mystic Dunes Golf Club. Mystic Dunes is located just a short drive from the hotel. Carved from rolling orange groves and native protected wetlands, the resort is situated in the heart of the world’s premier vacation destination, yet offers a feeling of escape from it all. Champions Tour Player and NBC Lead Golf Analyst Gary Koch created a masterpiece of blended philosophies and unrivaled challenges that is certain to go down as one of the most unique in all of Florida. This course has been rated with 4 stars by Golf Digest’s Best Places to Play in 2004-2006. Box lunches will be provided.

Monday, April 7
Spouse Shopping Outing with Luncheon
9:30 am – 2:30 pm
With so many areas to shop, we figured an outing to the famous Orlando Premium Outlets would be a prime activity for the spouses this year! This outlet facility has such famous name stores as Barney’s New York, Ann Taylor, BCBG, Coach, Dior, Gap, Armani, Kenneth Cole, Polo and more. Additionally, we will have a nice luncheon before returning to the hotel.

Wednesday, April 9
Emeril’s Dinner and Blue Man Group Show
(guests may sign up for just Dinner or Dinner with Show)
6:00 – 10:00 pm
The evening will begin with a sumptuous dinner at Emeril’s. The restaurant offers contemporary American cuisine with a Cajun accent. Everything is bright and contemporary and encompasses what celebrity Chef Emeril Lagasse stands for; high energy, bold exciting flavors and an unforgettable experience. Following dinner, guests will be mesmerized by the stunning Blue Man Group live stage show at Universal Studios Resort. Blue Man Group is best known for its award-winning theatrical productions which critics have described as “ground-breaking,” “hilarious,” “visually stunning” and “musically powerful.” These performances feature three enigmatic bald and blue characters who take the audience through a multi-sensory experience that combines theatre, percussive music, art, science and vaudeville into a form of entertainment that is like nothing else.

Thursday, April 10
SeaWorld Excursion with Arctic Encounter
8:30 am – 3:00 pm
ICMA will take a group to SeaWorld (see next page for more information on this park) for some free time to see the park, and an additional private educational session in their polar and arctic exhibit. This will feature some in-depth information about Polar Bears and an interaction with penguins. Lunch will be on-your-own. (This tour is limited to the first 20 participants.)

Mandara Spa
For those in need of a bit of relaxation, either for your spouse, or after the day’s sessions, the Mandara Spa is located at the Portofino Bay Hotel, another Loews hotel on Universal property which is accessible from the Royal Pacific via water taxi. This luxurious spa includes fourteen exotic treatment rooms. It is a sanctuary where you can relax and discover the elixir of youth, not as a goal, but as a moment of blissful reverie. Mandara Spa at Portofino Bay Hotel was voted ‘Best Day Spa’ by Orlando Magazine. Advance reservations are suggested. Call 1-407-503-1244.

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Information about Orlando and its Parks

On Sunday and Thursday, for those staying late or coming in early, below is a listing of some of the Parks and other activities for you to experience.

Universal Orlando
Universal Studios Florida® is the largest working film and television production studio outside Hollywood. With more than 40 incredible rides, shows, movie sets and attractions, The No. 1 Movie Studio and Theme Park in the World is the only place on earth where you can Live The Movies®! Universal Studios Islands of Adventure has state-of-the-art rides and attractions for all ages. Another feature of Universal Studios is CityWalk which is an unparalleled entertainment and dining complex featuring famous name restaurants and nightclubs. This is within walking distance of the hotel. Visit www.universalorlando.com for more information.

Guests who stay at the Royal Pacific Resort, which is located on Universal grounds, will receive the following benefits while visiting any Universal Studios park:

• Early entry to Universal Studios® Theme Park and Universal’s Islands of Adventure® Theme Park on select days with paid admission
• Special length-of-stay ticket available for purchase to enjoy unlimited admission to Universal Studios Theme Park and Universal’s Islands of Adventure Theme Park.
• UNIVERSAL EXPRESS priority access to most rides and attractions every day with room key
• Complimentary on-site transportation, including water taxis that connect the Universal hotels and theme parks
• Priority seating at select theme park restaurants.

Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World Resort is a contiguous 40-square-mile, world-class entertainment and recreation center featuring four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and MGM Studios), two water adventure parks, Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex and Downtown Disney’s entertainment-shopping-dining complex. It is the largest and most visited recreational resort in the world. Visit www.disneyworld.com for more information.

SeaWorld
Sea World of Florida, the world’s most popular marine-life park, brings education, research and conservation together in an entertaining and fun-filled way. Your entire family can feed a dolphin, pet a stingray and learn about the animals inhabiting our oceans. Sea World of Florida has an impressive line-up of five new shows. Cirque de la Mer kicks off the line-up blending athleticism, acrobatics, comedy and dramatic music and effects in a nontraditional circus setting. Sea World continues its rescue efforts in the new show, Pets on Stage, which features a cast of performing pets adopted from animal shelters. Visit www.seaworldorlando.com for more information.

Discovery Cove
Discovery Cove is where guests immerse themselves in adventure. Here guests focus on discovery—interacting with dolphins, birds, fish and rays in an all-inclusive setting. Attendance is limited to 1,000 guests per day at this reservations-only adventure. Experience both power and playfulness during a personal swim with a bottlenose dolphin. Feel a unique mix of both calm and adventure while snorkeling among thousands of rays and exotic fish, and explore the splendor of coral reefs and grottos. Then, enter a series of free-flight aviaries where you can touch, feed and interact with hundreds of colorful tropical birds. For more information visit www.discoverycove.com.

Additional activities that you may wish to visit are listed below. Contact the hotel’s concierge to arrange for tickets to any of these attractions.
• Kennedy Space Center (located 45 minutes from the hotel)—Here learn about the NASA space program, take a tour of the facility, see a special IMAX movie on space travel and more.
• Airboat tour—Glide through the wetlands viewing Florida’s native wildlife. Airboat tours start with a leisurely idle down a natural canal to experience the excitement of viewing exotic birds, turtles and the Florida alligator in their own natural environment. Then you will fly like the wind into the swamps experiencing the awesome feel of the airboat ride traveling at speeds of up to 45 miles per hour.

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Venue

Royal Pacific Resort

Guests are amazed as they enter the resort’s dramatic outdoor oasis which includes a bamboo forest with swaying palm trees. From the breathtaking beauty of the lush tropical landscaping and sparkling waterfalls to the serene tranquility of the orchid court, attendees will be transported to the enchanted isles of the South Seas. The hotel boasts a lagoon-style swimming pool and a tropical lagoon complete with a man-made sand beach and water taxis.

ICMA group rate is $219—You must mention ICMA when making reservations in order to get the discounted rate.

Reservation cut-off date is March 6.

To reserve rooms, call 866-360-7395 or 1-407-503-3000. You may also fax your reservation to 1-407-503-9258.
Guest rooms include high speed Internet access, remote control television with cable channels, in room safe, mini-bars and coffee maker.

Located 15 minutes from Orlando International Airport, the Loews Royal Pacific Resort is conveniently accessible. Resort leisure amenities include:
• Lagoon-style swimming pool and man-made sandy beach with Royal Bali interactive children’s water play area
• A variety of bars and restaurants, including an Emeril’s restaurant
• The Gymnasium—a 5,000 square-foot-fitness center featuring cardio theatre
• Whirlpool, steam room and sauna
• Croquet lawn, shuffleboard, ping pong and sand volleyball court
• Jogging and walking paths

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Travel Tips

Airport
Orlando International airport is located 15 minutes from the host hotel. For International travelers, please note that passengers must disembark at their first US landing point even if you are catching a connecting flight in order to pass your luggage through customs. Therefore be sure to allow for ample time for US customs and immigrations between your flight connections.

Ground Transportation
Loews Royal Pacific Resort is approximately 10 miles (15 minutes) driving distance from Orlando International Airport. Taxi service is readily available at the airport and will run approximately $40.00. For those who want to take an airport shuttle, transportation to and from Royal Pacific Resort to Orlando International Airport is available through the resort’s preferred local transportation vendor, Mears Transportation. Reservations are required and can be made through the hotel concierge by calling 1-407-503-3000.

• One-way adult fare: $15.00
• Round-trip adult fare: $25.00
• One-way child (age 3-11) fare: $11.00
• Round-trip child (age 3-11) fare: $18.00

Passport / Visa Information
It is important that all visitors from other countries review the passport and visa requirements for travel to the US. The US government site which outlines requirements is: http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html

Dress Code
The ICMA dress code for the EXPO is business casual during the day and evening (slacks and collared shirts for men and the equivalent for women). The awards dinner is themed this year to reflect Universal’s Studio theme so pack something red to wear at the event.

Weather
Orlando boasts a moderate temperature. April temperatures range from 56 to 80 (°F) / 13 to 27 (°C) degrees.

Also, please be sure to bring a sweater or jacket to the meeting rooms each day because it is difficult to keep the air conditioning at a comfortable level for all attendees.

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ACE Accreditation Exam

Wednesday, April 9, 2008
1:00pm – 4:00pm
Application Deadline: March 5

There’s a lot of competition in the card manufacturing industry, but the ACE designation will set you apart. It’s awarded to people with a broad and detailed knowledge of card manufacturing who successfully complete a rigorous exam.

As the demand for experts grows, continual training and expertise are crucial for individuals – and companies – to stay ahead of the pack.

Be Recognized for Your Achievements

ACE Accreditation for individuals acknowledges:
» Competence
» Dedication
» Commitment

For companies:
ACE Accreditation validates expertise and distinguishes your employees as motivated experts in the card manufacturing industry. It also increases customer confidence in your business.

Gateway to Opportunity

ACE – the one card you really need to make your mark in the industry.
People with ACE Accreditation can:
» Use the ACE designation after their name
» Proudly display their ACE certificate
» Put the ACE logo on their business cards
» Enable their company to tout its accomplished staff

Requirements

The ACE designation is for card manufacturing professionals who have demonstrated abilities and knowledge in technologies and processes in specific card manufacturing areas.

Applicants must be working for an ICMA member and have a minimum of three years experience working in the card industry in any of the following areas:

» Card manufacturing
» Personalization or service bureau
» Supplier to the card industry

Study Guide

Applicants will receive a comprehensive study guide on CD, outlining areas of knowledge required for the exam. The guide will not include all the questions and answers because applicants are expected to have gleaned much of their knowledge from hands-on experience in the industry. However, careful study of the guide is recommended.

ACE Accreditation Levels

ACE-M covers manufacturing topics, including lamination, materials, inks, die cutting, mag stripes, ISO standards and printing.

Future designations planned:

ACE-A for advanced card technology, including IC chips, RFID, unique materials and software.

ACE-P designation will cover personalization topics and elements.

Exams

The next test date for this accreditation will be at this year’s EXPO in Orlando. A test will also be given at CTST in May in Orlando.

For details about the program, or to apply, visit www.icma.com.

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