ICMA's 2010 Card Manufacturing EXPO in Scottsdale, Arizona

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ICMA 20th Anniversary—We’ve Been Everywhere!

Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Arizona mountains and desert, the 20th anniversary ICMA EXPO provided useful networking opportunities and informative educational sessions. Returning to one of the most popular EXPO destinations, ICMA members enjoyed the views, amenities and Western spirit that the historic Camelback Inn, a JW Marriott Resort, had to offer.

In total, 315 attendees from 22 different countries, including 44 exhibitors, flocked to the desert oasis for networking and educational sessions. On Sunday May 2nd, several attendees arrived early to participate in the annual golf outing under the hot desert sun. Exhibits opened later than night with a margarita cocktail reception sponsored by JDSU. The following day, global entrepreneur and keynote speaker, Tom Faranda, kicked off the EXPO sessions with a thought-provoking global business overview. Faranda provided insights and predictions as to how each major global market will develop in the next several years, including forecasts on the impact of political, technological and cultural developments in specific countries.
The remainder of Day One focused strongly on emerging technologies and the green trend. Marci Kinter of the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association, as well as Jeff Bedell from Q-Card and the panel discussion led by Koen Bastiaens of Nature Works brought ICMA members up to speed on the latest green marketing and verification trends. Ken Traub, now a board member with Consumer MT, educated ICMA on the emerging digital card model and how card manufacturers should view this technology as an opportunity, not a threat. Barry Mosteller of Oberthur also presented his views on making your card “top of wallet.”

Day Two provided an eclectic overview of the future of the card market, including a presentation by ICMA Founder Emeritus and Industry Advisor, Al Vrancart on Card Market Futuring. Uwe Trugglemann of TruCert Ltd. followed Al’s presentation with an update on new ISO standards. Following this was an interesting panel presentation on the evolving world of substrate materials. Joerg Fischer’s presentation on flexible display technology then drew many questions from the audience. ICMA members additionally learned about fabrication techniques from Richard Crowe of Burkle North America, special ink effects from Patrick Laden at JDSU and the evolution of card delivery from Roger Fischer of the Datacard Group on Day Two.

After trying their luck at the casino night tables Tuesday night, EXPO attendees listened to Jeff Barnhart’s outline of new ICMA initiatives on Wednesday morning. Following the Executive Director’s outline, Brad Paulson, ICMA Standards Representative, overviewed the progression of ICMA’s eco-label, which was discussed in more depth during the meeting of the Green Task Force later that day. Brian Huse of Arroweye Solutions then showed attendees how digital on-demand production is changing the game, followed by Jason Prince of CardLogix’s take on the fundamentals of card measurement.
To commemorate the 20 year milestone, ICMA infused a fun Western flair throughout the week, including cowboy hats, bandanas, bolo ties and sheriff badge giveaways at the networking events. Many attendees posted photos of themselves when they were 20 years old for a fun way to get to know other members. Attendees also participated in a special “How Well Do You Know ICMA?” quiz to win prizes after testing their ICMA knowledge.

All of this was capped off by one of the most festive Élan Award Galas in history, complete with an extensive photo montage set to Johnny Cash’s classic country hit “I’ve Been Everywhere,” and a rousing casino night atmosphere. Attendees enjoyed using “ICMA Bucks” to play poker, craps, black jack and roulette, while enjoying the sounds of classic American country-western music.

ICMA will hold its 21st Annual Card Manufacturing and Personalization EXPO May 1-4, 2011 at the Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa in Hollywood, Florida.