ICMA EXPO San Diego - October 14-17, 2007

Plan to Attend ICMA’s 2007 Card Manufacturing EXPO in Sunny San Diego, California

It’s The Ideal Climate for Card Innovation! Can you Feel It?

ICMA's annual EXPO is scheduled for October 14-17 in sunny San Diego, California. The latest technologies, production innovations and market trends will be showcased at this card manufacturing focused event, themed An Ideal Climate for Card Innovation. Just as in previous years, the EXPO will feature a comprehensive conference program addressing management and technical matters, industry trends, personalization and production issues, as well as new applications and marketing tips.If you are involved in any aspect of card manufacturing from production to end-product, from substrate to application, then you cannot miss this global EXPO, a premier tool for networking, education and growth for your company.With so many changes, challenges and opportunities in today’s card industry, the EXPO will feature a high level of experts to learn from.The host hotel for the ICMA EXPO is the Loews Coronado Bay Resort is located in beautiful Coronado Island. Coronado is a small "island" town in San Diego Bay, approximately 7.4 square miles in size, connected to the City of San Diego. The Loews hotel is a Mediterranean inspired hotel located on the Pacific Ocean featuring guest rooms with magnificent ocean, marina or pool views.
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Download Form to Fax or Mail

Full Registration fee includes:
3 continental breakfasts, all meetings, exhibits, conference proceedings on CD, 2 luncheons, coffee breaks, 2 evening receptions, Awards Dinner, and EXPO shirt and bag.

One Day Registration includes:
Only that one day’s activities (excluding Awards Dinner), conference proceedings on CD, and EXPO shirt and bag.

Spouse Registration includes:
2 evening receptions, 2 breakfasts, Awards Dinner and EXPO shirt.

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ICMA EXPO Chairman

Timothy Wright to Chair Event
Timothy Wright, vice president of sales for Innovative Card Technologies will chair the San Diego EXPO. A veteran in the card industry – formerly with Gemalto and DIC International – Tim has sat on the ICMA board of directors for several years and has also chaired an ICMA workshop.

Chairman’s Message

I am very pleased to chair this year’s ICMA EXPO in San Diego, California. It will be my pleasure to welcome you to San Diego, a city well known for it’s beautiful weather and Mediterranean feel. Our theme, An Ideal Climate for Card Innovation, reflects the advancements and breakthroughs in the card manufacturing industry. As a long standing ICMA member I have seen the industry change drastically and I’m proud to be able to work with ICMA to deliver the information you need to know to stay ahead. With the advent of technology, especially when it comes to security and environmental issues, the card market continues to evolve and grow at a phenomenal pace. This year’s EXPO will address the changing landscape with a look towards the future.

Aside from the educational opportunity, the EXPO enables attendees to participate in leisure activities that encourage networking. With card manufacturers, personalizers, suppliers and issuers from around the globe you’re sure to benefit from the networking occasions at this one of a kind event. We anticipate one of the largest turnouts in the past several years.

See you there!

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Keynote Speakers

Keynote Speaker: Day One
No Barriers!
Neal Petersen, World Class Yachtsman and Author

Neal Petersen is an entrepreneur, award-winning author, solo around the world racing yachtsman and an international professional speaker whose keynote presentations are unique and like no other. Neal lives his life by the same wonderful spirit and principles he demonstrates in his extraordinary life story of attitude, perseverance, determination, planning and preparation, commitment and never giving up – always finding a solution. In sharing his high-energy adventure, Neal delivers a powerful and memorable message that “In life there are no barriers—only solutions!”

Neal Petersen, a world class yachtsman, in 1999 circumnavigated the world solo in the 27,000-mile Around Alone sailing race. It is an unparalleled adventure, the longest, most extreme race for any man or woman. Neal spent nine months alone at sea in a boat he built himself, dubbed “the floating coffin” because of its small size.

Born in apartheid South Africa, with a hip deformity, the sea has been in his blood, spiced with adventure. It was his childhood dream to own a yacht and eventually to sail around the world, alone. By tradition and necessity, most solo circumnavigators are either wealthy themselves or have the support of wealthy patrons, preparing their vessels with a full retinue of technicians and artisans. Petersen, the son of a security guard and a school teacher possessed no such wealth. He is the author of an award-winning autobiography, Journey of a Hope Merchant, and his personal story was the subject of a PBS documentary. Do not miss your chance to hear this amazing and inspirational story.

Keynote Speaker: Day Two
Identity Crisis: How Identification is Overused and Misunderstood
Jim Harper, The Cato Institute

As director of information policy studies, Jim Harper focuses on the difficult problems of adapting law and policy to the unique problems of the information age. Harper is a member of the Department of Homeland Security’s Data Privacy and Integrity Advisory Committee. His work has been cited by USA Today, the Associated Press, and Reuters. He has appeared on Fox News Channel, CBS, and MSNBC, and other media. His scholarly articles have appeared in the Administrative Law Review, the Minnesota Law Review, and the Hastings Constitutional Law Quarterly. Recently, Harper wrote the book Identity Crisis: How Identification Is Overused and Misunderstood. Harper is the editor of Privacilla.org, a Web-based think tank devoted exclusively to privacy, and he maintains online federal spending resource WashingtonWatch.com. He holds a J.D. from Hastings College of the Law.

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Schedule at a Glance

October 14-17
San Diego, California
Loews Coronado Bay Resort

Sunday, October 14
• Exhibitor set-up and registration in the afternoon
• Sightseeing tour: USS Midway and Harbor Cruise
• ACE Accreditation Exam
• Welcome reception / Exhibits open

Monday, October 15
• Meetings / Exhibits
• Spouse sightseeing tour: La Jolla
• Networking reception

Tuesday, October 16
• Meetings / Exhibits
• Industry Awards Dinner

Wednesday, October 17
• Meetings / Exhibits (half day)
• Afternoon Golf outing
• Optional Evening Culinary Dine-Around

Thursday, October 18
• Sightseeing tour: Behind the Scenes at the Famous San Diego Zoo
• Sightseeing tour: Off-shore Sport Fishing Excursion

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Program / Schedule of Events

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Exhibition

The Exhibition portion of the 2007 ICMA Card Manufacturing & Personalization 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 Materials
> Card Supplies
> Card Services

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

• Associated Pacific Machine Corp
• Atlantic Zeiser GmbH
• Barnes International Limited
• Bayer Films America
• BLUMER MASCHINENBAU AG
• Burkle North America, Inc.
• Böwe Bell & Howell
• CFC International Inc., An ITW Company
• Crown Roll Leaf, Inc.
• Data Systems Company, Inc.
• Digicard GmbH
• Dynetics
• Freeman Schwabe Machinery
• Functional Materials Inc.
• Gans Ink & Supply Co.
• Goex Corporation
• Greencorp Magnetics Ltd.
• Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
• INEOS Films
• Kappus Plastic Company, Inc.
• Klockner Pentaplast
• Köra-Packmat Maschinenbau GmbH
• Kurz Group
• LaserCard/Challenge Card Design
• Linxx LLC
• Luccabolt
• Melzer
• Metabolix Inc.
• MGI USA
• Oasys Technologies Ltd.
• Pittsburgh Embossing Services, Inc.
• Q-Card Company
• Spartanics Ltd.
• Transilwrap Company, Inc

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 (new this year), 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 a booth, contact ICMA at 609-799-4900 or jwitte@icma.com.

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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, October 16. This year’s Dinner will have a fun theme… so wear your most colorful shirt! (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 (see list at right). 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 only open to ICMA member manufacturers or issuers. Eligible cards must have been manufactured between October 1 and August 15, 2007. Deadline for entries is August 31, 2007. Members are allowed to enter two cards per category (except People’s Choice and Judges’ Choice). Each entry fee is $75 (USD). Entry forms can be found on our website at www.icma.com or email sflint@icma.com for more information.

2007 Élan Categories are:
» Best Non-Secure Card Design
» Bests I.D. Card Design
» Best Secure Financial Card Design
» Best Gift Card Design
» Technical Achievement
» Best Vendor New Product, Equipment or Material
» Judge’s Choice
» People’s Choice

The manufacturers for last year’s winning cards were:
» Best Non-Secure Card: UV Color
» Best Secure Card: Perfect Plastic Printing
» Technical Achievement: Travel Tags
» Best Gift Card: Perfect Plastic Printing
» Best ID Card: CPI Card Group
» Judge’s Choice: Travel Tags
» People’s Choice: Jet

Spiritus Award

In an effort to recognize member companies that have made a significant impact on society or their community ICMA established the Spiritus Award. 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 Award winner will be announced at the Gala Awards Dinner. The Spiritus entry form can be found on the ICMA website.

Three nights…three themes! Networking with a twist…

Read on to see how you will be entertained…and so you can be prepared to wear just the right attire. All three evenings are included in the full registration fee.

	Sunday evening – A Mexican Fiesta! 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, you will be greeted with all things Mexican…drinks, food and music. Arriba!
	Monday evening – Wine under the Stars We will enjoy California wines, cheeses and beautiful views…as we are serenaded by soothing music…an evening of elegance.
	Tuesday Élan Awards Gala – Beach Party Blast Wear your most colorful shirt or dress…and your dancing shoes. What better way to celebrate in San Diego than with a fun night of celebrating the sun and sand. While this event will be in the ballroom, we will bring the beach fun indoors. Prepare for lively music, drinks and entertainment. While the dinner is included in Full and Spouse Registrations, additional tickets can be purchased for non-registered and one-day only attendees.

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EXPO 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.

Supporting Publications:

GOLD
Sponsor of the Shirts www.kurzusa.com
Sponsor of the Bags www.gallazzi.com
SILVER
Sponsor of the Notebooks www.boltaron.com www.gallazzi.com
Sponsor of the Badge Lanyards www.waytekcorp.com
BRONZE
Sponsor of the Hotel Key Cards www.spartanics.com
Sponsor of the Program Book www.ineosfilms.com
Sponsor of the Program Book www.q-card.com
Sponsor of the Printer for Name Badge Personalization www.fargo.com
Sponsor of Bag Inserts and the Program Book www.mcdonalds.com
Sponsor of the EXPO Postcard www.perfectplastic.com

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Optional Sightseeing Tours & Golf

In addition to the lovely beach and poolside areas at the hotel, San Diego and the surrounding area offer great scenery, dining and culture. We have put together the following optional events which we feel will give you a great overview of the region. In addition, separate activities are planned for spouses / guests.

Please register and pay for all tours separately on the Registration Form. Note that there are limits to the number of participants on each tour so sign up early. There will be no cancellations or refunds for tours after September 14.

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Program of Activities for Your Spouses / Guests

The following activities are available for spouses accompanying you to the EXPO. In addition to the activities below, be sure to register them for the other Sightseeing tours previously described!

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. This registration does not include admission to the meetings or exhibits.

Monday, October 15
Spouse Tour and Luncheon in La Jolla, the Jewel by the Sea
9:00 am – 3:00 pm

La Jolla is a must-see when visiting San Diego, as well as being one of the most exquisite areas in the country to live. The first approach to this seaside community can feel like entering paradise as La Jolla Cove’s sun-dappled water comes into view.

The first stop is the Birch Aquarium at Scripps. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this beautiful facility presents undersea creatures in realistic habitats, and allows guests to experience the frontiers of marine science through interactive museum exhibits featuring the latest research at Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

Next stop is “the village” of La Jolla. A delicious California-style lunch will be served at The Crab Catcher. The Crab Catcher is nestled above La Jolla Cove with a spectacular ocean view.

Prior to lunch, guests will enjoy exploring the special boutiques, galleries and designer studios, viewing the coastline, or beach combing on their own at the famous La Jolla Cove. All of these are set against a stunning backdrop that is often compared to the French Riviera for its aesthetic appeal.

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Conference Venue

San Diego is an ideal venue for the EXPO – it has near perfect weather year-round and attractions and activities for all ages. (Pleasant Weather Rating Service Poll voted San Diego as the best year-round weather in the nation, and the second best in the world!) Semi-tropical San Diego boasts a median temperature of 70 degrees F (21 degrees C). Its Mediterranean-like white-washed stucco buildings and strong cultural influences from sunny Mexico make San Diego an exciting and vibrant city. It is also one of the safest big cities in the United States. For more information about this area, visit www.sandiego.org, the official travel resource for this region.

Loews Coronado Bay Resort
The host hotel for the ICMA EXPO is the Loews Coronado Bay Resort (see below for second hotel option) located on beautiful Coronado Island. Coronado is a small “island” town in San Diego Bay, approximately 7.4 square miles in size, connected to the City of San Diego. The Loews hotel is a Mediterranean inspired hotel located on the water featuring guest rooms with magnificent ocean, marina or pool views.

ICMA Group Rate: $198 USD (single/double; does not include 8% tax)

Cut off date is September 21 so be sure to reserve by then to ensure rate and availability.

To make a reservation, call 800-815-6397 or 1-619-424-4000 or fax your request to 1-619-424-4470. Be sure to include “ICMA” on the fax, as well as your credit card and expiration date to guarantee the room. Also provide a return address for a confirmation to be sent.

Located 20 minutes from the San Diego airport, Loews Coronado Bay Resort is conveniently accessible. Resort leisure amenities include:

• Spa featuring 15 treatment areas for massages, facial and body services; spa manicures and pedicure; steam, sauna, relaxation lounge; and complete fitness center
• Three lighted, bayside tennis courts with personal and daily clinic with a pro
• Three outdoor swimming pools (including an adult section), whirlpools and expansive deck areas
• Bicycle, roller blade, wave runner, sailboat, motorboat and paddle boat rentals
• Direct access to State Beach via a private pedestrian underpass
• 80-slip private marina
• The Gondola Company, complete with a serenading gondolier and romantic cruises through the nearby cays and canal

Guest rooms include high speed Internet access, flat screen televisions, CD players, bathrobes, in room safe, mini-bars and coffee makers.

Sea Spa at Loews Coronado Bay Resort
The spa at the Loews is a beautiful, serene setting to enjoy some deserved relaxation. With features such as a Vichy rain shower, warm Watsu pool, outdoor massage rooms, and a wonderful selection of treatments, make plans now to enjoy this special treat. Call in advance to make an appointment. 1-619-628-8770.

Glorietta Bay Inn
Due to high demand, ICMA has added a second hotel option.  As of August 31, there are still some rooms left at the Loews, but should you not find the availability you need when you call, please reserve at our alternate hotel, the Glorietta Bay Inn.  For those wanting to stay Wednesday night, we recommend you stay at Glorietta Bay as the Loews no longer has rooms on Wednesday, October 17. 

The Glorietta Bay Inn is a charming Inn, just one block off the beach, and also has a swimming pool.  Located right in the town of Coronado, you will enjoy the charm of this historic mansion and its adjacent Inn. All guests, whether in the contemporary inn or the historic mansion, will enjoy the mansion’s charm. A few miles from the Loews, ICMA will have complimentary shuttle service running.  Coronado Lifestyle magazine's readers voted Glorietta Bay Inn "Best Boutique Hotel" for 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2007.  The ICMA rate is $185.  Be sure to mention ICMA when you contact them to make a reservation: Call 1-619-435-3101 or Fax to 1-619-435-6182.

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Travel Tips

Airport
San Diego International airport is located 20 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 Coronado Bay Resort is approximately 12 miles (20-30 minutes) driving distance from San Diego International Airport. Taxi service is readily available at the airport and will run approximately $35.00 (USD). There is also a shuttle service that you can reserve and pay for in advance:

Cloud 9 Shuttle
www.cloud9shuttle.com
$15.00 (USD) Per Person, Each Way

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
If you require a Visa and therefore need an Invitation Letter, please visit the EXPO page at www.icma.com for instructions. Invitation Letters will be provided to you within 7-10 days of your request. Be sure to make your Letter requests early as Embassies can often have significant delays with issuing Visas.

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 the vibrant beach flare of southern California so pack your most colorful Hawaiian themed shirt or dress for this exciting night!

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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2006 EXPO Wrap-Up

Lighting the Torch for Global Card Growth

By Stacy Flint, Editor

This year’s EXPO received rave reviews from participants. As we compiled the speaker evaluations it became evident that this year’s sessions were well received by attendees. The host city, Athens, provided an ideal location for the annual EXPO. From nearly any point in Athens it was possible to view the imposing form of the Acropolis. The memorable sites such as the parliament, temple of Olympian Zeus and the charming pedestrian zone, the Plaka, were just minutes from the host hotel.

ICMA’s day one EXPO session was kicked-off with futurist Ed Barlow, president of Creating the Future, who provided some staggering global statistics meant to enable participants to anticipate and prepare for what's ahead. According to Ed, "The key to success in the 21st century is alignment. Staying in alignment with a world that will be characterized by complexity, diversity, and pace of change."

Also speaking on day one was Al Vrancart, ICMA co-founder, whose presentation, Where the Cards Are, provided detailed specifics on current and future demographics affecting the card manufacturing market. Next up, Richard Haddock of LaserCard System shared the complexities and challenges of creating the Italian National ID card – over 2 million cards have been issued to date. Tom Kleeman of Spartanics followed with an insightful presentation on undiscovered gift card potential. Monday afternoon’s panel discussion lead by Scott Magnacca addressed the ever present challenge of making a profit in short run card manufacturing; panelists included Thomas Ehm of Novo and Jean-Louis Meyer of DataCard. Greek local, Krillos Papakirillou of Inform-Lykos presented on the complex security issue involved in the creation of the Athens Olympic ticket. He also surprised attendees by passing out souvenir original Olympic tickets from the 2004 games! Wrapping up the day’s sessions were Luis Ferreira and Ravi Aurora of MasterCard who addressed vendor certification programs in their presentation on Strategies Towards Security Leadership.

Day two keynote, Nicolas Kammenos, deputy general manager of National Bank of Greece shared some exciting new developments for European banking. His presentation detailed the current and future direction of European banking and its effect on the card manufacturing market.

This years EXPO was definitely a global event with attendees from over 27 countries, European and North American attendees totaled 42% of attendees equally (84%) with the remaining 16% being divided among Asia, South America and the Middle East & Africa. The program addressing the Global Market View on Rapidly Developing Markets gave attendees insight to future developing market segments. Addressed in wrap-up were; China, Hellenic market, Latin America and the Middle East/India.

Rounding out the day two sessions were sessions on standards and materials. Brad Paulson, Thor Engineering and ICMA representative provided a breakdown of ISO card standards. The materials segment addressed Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) resin based solutions made of corn presented by Doug Kunneman of NatureWorks and Todd Niemuth of Spartech. Also included in the segment were presentations covering all aspects of Vinyl (PVC) from Keith Christman of the Vinyl Institute and Pietro Parmeggiani of CPPC.

Wednesday’s final session began with Executive Director Jeff Barnhart presenting on ICMA member benefits. Here, Jeff outlined all of the member benefits offered to ICMA members and also unveiled future benefits. Thomas Decker of Smartrac Technology then provided an informative session on RFID target markets and applications for the card manufacturing market. Next up to address the hot topic of ePassports was Erik Mitterhofer of Austria Card. The final segment of the EXPO was on personalization and printing with Theis Janacek, Cocaso, addressing digital printing/personalization and Frank Dorner, Digicard discussing trends in high speed card personalization. The conference concluded with a presentation from Kiran Gandhi of MagTek on Unlocking the Built-in Security of the Magnetic Stripe Card.