With Launch of CardTREX, ICMA Forges New Path

PRINCETON JUNCTION, N.J., June 30, 2016 -- The International Card Manufacturers Association (ICMA), a global trade association for card manufacturers, personalizers, issuers and suppliers, is forging a new path forward in the industry with its launch of CardTREX.

"As the industry evolves with new and emerging technologies, coupled with rising markets, every company and individual is faced with evaluating their strategy for moving forward," said Jeffrey Barnhart, ICMA founder and executive director. "CardTREX is our way of delivering greater education and networking opportunities."

CardTREX North America and CardTREX Europe will offer enhanced education and networking.

Formerly known as the ICMA North American Workshop and the ICMA EuroForum, these events will continue to offer an exceptional regional learning experience the industry has come to expect from ICMA. New features include Speed Share networking, Transact! sessions, an expanded Networking Zone and expanded ACE training and certification opportunities.

Barnhart explained, "At CardTREX, ICMA will supply you with the best tools to overcome obstacles and challenges while increasing your bottom line and return on investment as you traverse through the changing market landscape."

Registration is now open. Both events are a day and a half in length and are regionally focused to offer manufacturers, personalizers, suppliers and issuers a unique opportunity for education, networking and exchanging ideas among industry peers.

"This forum is a multi-dimensional meeting of the minds focused on actual production issues and meaningful tactics that you can take back to your organizations," Barnhart noted.

CardTREX Europe will take place at the InterContinental Wien in Vienna, Austria, from Oct.13 to Oct. 14.

CardTREX North America will take place at Sheraton Chicago O'Hare Airport Hotel from Sept. 27 to Sept.28.

"I am looking forward to reconnecting with the friends and associates I have made by being part of this organization at the regional CardTREX events in September and October," said ICMA Board President Keith Yeates.

CardTREX North America forum is being chaired by Jim Cooney, senior vice president and chief operation officer at CPS Cards. "This leading educational event will feature information pertinent to the North American card market as well as top speakers from the industry," he said. "I encourage you to register and join me for this informative event."

In Europe, Variuscard GmbH CEO Michael Dorner is serving as chairman. "It is my honor to chair CardTREX Europe being held at the Intercontinental Wien in Vienna," Dorner said.

For more than a quarter century, ICMA has served as a fusion meeting place for industry professionals to connect, network and discuss changing technologies, developments and products.

"CardTREX is yet another way that we will unite and strengthen the industry and create new avenues toward prosperity," Barnhart stated.

The global card industry continues to provide growth opportunities having brought in $26.5 billion in revenues last year, equating to the production of 35.1 billion cards worldwide.

About ICMA

Based in Princeton Junction, New Jersey, ICMA is a non-profit association of card manufacturers, personalizers, suppliers and related industry participants. With more than 240 members globally, ICMA acts as a resource for industry issues, including the production, technology, application, security and environmental issues of cards. More information is available at www.icma.com.

To learn more about CardTREX and for registration details, visit: www.cardtrex.org.

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