ICMA FAQ's

• What benefits do I receive when I join ICMA?

The primary benefits are industry education and industry access. ICMA achieves this through a wide range of member services and benefits, including publications, exhibit and attendee discounts to the annual conference and EXPO, members-only workshops, Industry News, standards representation, training and education, public relations exposure, referrals, an online Buyer's Guide, free copies of the Global Market Survey and many more. A complete menu of services can be found on the ICMA website in the Member Benefits section.

• Is the membership for my entire company or just me as an individual?

ICMA's membership is for companies, and therefore the benefits can be used by all employees of your company.

However, your membership will only apply to your particular office location, and any other branch location must join separately. There is a Branch Membership available for a reduced
fee as long as one location of your company maintains a full membership.

• Where do ICMA members come from?

ICMA members come from more than 40 countries worldwide, representing every continent and market region in the world.

• Does ICMA manufacture cards?

ICMA does not manufacture cards. ICMA does provide access and referrals to its membership of hundreds of card manufacturers, personalizers and industry suppliers throughout the world.

• If I need to get cards made, how can I find a manufacturer?

ICMA refers opportunities to its members via a referral network in which ICMA members can directly contact the company requesting information. Or, you can go to the Card Manufacturer referral page on this web site and search the database of manufacturers.

• Does ICMA offer a card manufacturing textbook?

ICMA provides members an online Basics of the Card Manufacturing Industry training course. Beyond that, education on the manufacturing of cards can be obtained via the workshops and Expo, as well as the articles in ICMA's magazine, Card Manufacturing. Additionally, a comprehensive Study Guide is available for those taking the ACE Accreditation exam.

• I am a supplier, and I would like to know what ICMA offers me via showcasing my products to manufacturers and personalizers.

ICMA offers a host of access routes to industry suppliers. The ICMA official magazine, Card Manufacturing, accepts articles, product releases and advertising. Published eight times a year, this magazine is an excellent venue to reach manufacturers and personalizers. Furthermore, the annual ICMA Card Manufacturing EXPO offers attractive exhibit rates (and discounted rates for members) at the industry's only card manufacturing-exclusive show. ICMA supplier (associate) members also receive listings in the online ICMA Product and Service Buyers Guide which is organized by product category and is accessed by all of ICMA's card manufacturer and personalizer members.

• I am looking for a job in the industry. Can ICMA help me with this?

ICMA offers its member companies a Job Postings section on its web site and also posts resumés for those seeking industry employment. You can look for these listings and contact the company or resum-holder directly.

• I would like to sell some used equipment. Can ICMA help me with this?

ICMA does not accept any advertisements for used equipment and does not offer classified advertising in its publications.

• How can I get card industry statistics?

ICMA publishes important card manufacturing unit and market information in its annual Card Manufacturing Global Market Survey. It also maintains a statistics section and glossary on the ICMA web site. ICMA continually researches the industry and provides frequent updates in its magazine as well.

• I need to find out how ISO standards will impact my production methods. Who can I contact at ICMA for information?

ICMA maintains standards representation on ISO and ANSI committees and working groups via an official representative, who frequently reports on breaking news via the ICMA newsletter and magazine. Please see the Standards page of this web site for more information on this benefit.

• Can I subscribe to Card Manufacturing magazine if I am not a member?

Yes, a subscription costs $US 75 per year.