Dates

    16–19 May 2027

    City / country

    Tampa, United States

    Venue

    Hilton Tampa Downtown

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    Event overview

    Overview

    The ICMA Card Manufacturing and Personalization Expo 2027 will take place from May 16 to 19 at Hilton Tampa Downtown, Tampa, Florida. This premier event brings together the entire global card ecosystem, focusing on payments, identity, security, and personalization.

    Attendees can expect to engage with over 300 industry professionals, participate in technology discovery, and celebrate innovations in card manufacturing. ICMA Card Manifacturing and Personalization Expo 2027 takes place in Tampa,.

    TL;DR

    1. 1Scale and Focus: This expo connects over 300 professionals in the card industry, showcasing innovations in manufacturing, personalization, and security.
    2. 2Organiser: The event is hosted by the International Card Manufacturers Association, with more details available at icmaexpo.com.
    3. 3Buyer Authority: Attendees include manufacturers, personalizers, issuers, and technology providers from around the globe.
    4. 4Entry: Registration is available online; check the official site for details.

    Why visit

    ICMA EXPO 2027 is the annual meeting point for the card manufacturing and personalization supply chain, held 16-19 May 2027 at Hilton Tampa Downtown in Tampa, Florida. Attendees include manufacturers, personalizers, issuers, and technology providers from around the globe.

    Why exhibit

    Exhibiting at ICMA EXPO 2027 puts card production equipment, materials, personalization systems and issuance services in front of an audience that specifies, buys and integrates them. Attendees include manufacturers, personalizers, issuers, and technology providers from around the globe. For security integrators, consultants, and end-users, ICMA Card Manifacturing and Personalization Expo 2027 on 16-19 May 2027 at Hilton Tampa Downtown is the key Italian.

    Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

    Who this event is for

    Visitor profile

    Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

    Card manufacturers and converters running PVC, PETG, recycled PVC or composite card lines
    Personalization bureaus and fulfilment houses handling payment, gift, loyalty and ID cards
    Payment networks, issuers and fintech programme managers scoping card production and instant issuance
    Prepaid, gift card and closed-loop programme operators
    Security, authentication and fraud prevention specialists working on card features
    Government and enterprise credential teams evaluating ID and access card programmes
    Retail and loyalty teams buying card-based and digital credential solutions
    Equipment, materials and software suppliers maintaining technical roadmaps
    Quality, compliance and operations managers responsible for card durability and certification
    Consultants and integrators supporting card programme launches

    Exhibitor profile

    Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

    Card production machinery suppliers: lamination presses, card body lines, punching, milling and embedding equipment
    Substrate and material suppliers: PVC, PETG, recycled PVC, paper and composite card bodies, overlays and adhesives
    Chip, antenna and secure element providers for contact, contactless and dual-interface cards
    Personalization equipment and software vendors for magstripe, chip, laser, thermal and instant issuance
    Security feature suppliers: holograms, guilloche, UV inks, microtext and tamper-evident elements
    Packaging, mailers and fulfilment automation providers for card dispatch and activation
    Payment processing, tokenization and card management platform providers
    Loyalty, gift card and prepaid programme technology vendors
    Testing, certification and quality assurance services for card durability and interoperability
    Sustainability consultancies and recycling or take-back specialists for card programmes

    Product categories

    Key solution areas showcased across the event.

    Card body production equipment and lamination systems
    PVC, PETG, recycled PVC, paper and composite card substrates
    Overlays, adhesives, inks and printing consumables
    Chip embedding, milling, antenna and secure element technologies
    Magnetic stripe, chip, laser and thermal personalization systems
    Instant issuance hardware and software for branch and mobile programmes
    Card security features, authentication and tamper-evident technologies
    Packaging, mailers, fulfilment and dispatch automation
    Payment processing, tokenization and card management platforms
    Loyalty, gift card and prepaid programme solutions
    Testing, certification and quality assurance services
    Sustainable card materials and end-of-life recycling services
    Card personalization bureau services and programme management
    ID, access and transit credential production technologies

    Location & Facilities

    Venue

    Hilton Tampa Downtown

    Tampa, United States

    Facilities

    Parking

    Hilton Tampa Downtown in Tampa typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.

    Food options

    On-site catering

    On-site dining

    Parking: Hilton Tampa Downtown in Tampa typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.

    Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Hilton Tampa Downtown for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.

    Attend

    Entry & tickets

    Who runs the show

    Organisers

    International Card Manufacturers Association

    Intelligence

    Market context

    Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

    Tampa, United States

    Why it matters

    For security integrators, consultants, and end-users, ICMA Card Manifacturing and Personalization Expo 2027 on 2027-05-16 to 2027-05-19 at Hilton Tampa Downtown is the key Italian window to compare video, access, intrusion, fire, and cyber-physical platforms before year-end budgets close — co-located buyers use it to shortlist vendors for 2028 rollouts.

    Industry trends

    Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

    01

    AI video analytics at the edge

    What ai video analytics at the edge means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

    02

    Cyber-physical convergence

    What cyber-physical convergence means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

    03

    Cloud-managed access and identity

    What cloud-managed access and identity means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

    04

    Regulatory and compliance pressure

    What regulatory and compliance pressure means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

    05

    Critical infrastructure hardening

    What critical infrastructure hardening means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

    Plan your trip

    Travel & logistics

    Local currency · USD

    Hotel tiers

    A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

    At the venue to venue

    USD 199–329 / night

    Approx. nightly range for the venue hotel during a mid-May citywide event; confirm the 2027 group rate, resort or parking fees and cancellation policy.

    source
    Walkable to Hilton Tampa Downtown for many properties to venue

    USD 179–289 / night

    Approx. nightly range for Riverwalk business hotels; convenient for dining and evening walks. Confirm live rates and parking.

    source
    Short rideshare or streetcar ride to downtown Tampa to venue

    USD 149–249 / night

    Approx. nightly range for Ybor City boutique properties; good for evening dining but less walkable to the venue. Confirm transport and parking.

    Short drive or rideshare to downtown Tampa to venue

    USD 129–219 / night

    Approx. nightly range for Westshore and airport-area business hotels; useful for early flights but adds a daily commute. Confirm shuttle availability.

    Drive or rideshare to downtown Tampa to venue

    USD 109–189 / night

    Approx. nightly range for suburban hotels east of Tampa; lower rates but longer commute and limited public transport. Confirm parking and traffic.

    Short rideshare to downtown Tampa to venue

    USD 139–239 / night

    Approx. nightly range for boutique and limited-service hotels north of downtown; confirm walkability and transport options.

    Local transport

    Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

    Organiser shuttle

    Estimated costIncluded with conference registration (confirm 2027 route eligibility)
    Best forOfficial conference hotels to the venue

    ICMA publishes a dedicated shuttle service page at conference.icma.org/shuttle-service/. Check the 2027 routes, timings and hotel coverage before relying on it.

    Taxi

    Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from TPA to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
    Best forTampa International Airport (TPA) to Hilton Tampa Downtown

    Journey time varies with traffic. Use the official taxi queue at TPA and confirm the meter or fixed fare before departure.

    Rideshare

    Estimated costApprox. USD 20-35 one-way (rideshare estimate; surge pricing may apply)
    Best forTampa International Airport (TPA) to Hilton Tampa Downtown

    Follow airport signs for rideshare pickup. Compare the app quote before requesting and allow extra time during afternoon storms.

    Taxi / rideshare

    Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from PIE to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
    Best forSt. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) to Hilton Tampa Downtown

    PIE is an alternative airport with fewer carriers. Confirm availability and price in the app or taxi queue before departure.

    HART bus

    Estimated costApprox. USD 2.00 one-way (HART local fare; confirm current fare and route)
    Best forTampa International Airport (TPA) to Hilton Tampa Downtown

    HART buses connect parts of Tampa with downtown, but schedules and transfers vary. Use the HART trip planner before choosing this option.

    Streetcar

    Estimated costApprox. USD 0-2.50 per ride (check current streetcar fare status)
    Best forTECO Line Streetcar between downtown Tampa and Ybor City

    Useful for evening dining in Ybor City rather than the main airport transfer. Confirm current service hours and fare status.

    Parking

    Estimated costApprox. USD 20-35 per day (hotel or nearby garage estimate; confirm current rate)
    Best forHilton Tampa Downtown and nearby downtown garages

    Rates and availability change with downtown events. Confirm clearance height, in/out privileges and valet versus self-parking before driving.

    Walking

    Estimated costUSD 0 (walking routes from downtown hotels; confirm sidewalk access and weather)
    Best forDowntown Tampa hotels to Hilton Tampa Downtown

    Riverwalk and Channel District hotels are generally walkable to the venue. Allow extra time during afternoon thunderstorms.

    Weather

    Mid-May in Tampa is warm, humid and at the start of the wet season. Daytime highs typically reach 29-32 C (84-90 F), with evenings around 21-24 C (70-75 F), and scattered afternoon thunderstorms can bring brief heavy showers. The Hilton Tampa Downtown is an indoor venue, but allow extra time for transfers during storms and carry a compact umbrella or rain shell. Light, breathable business casual works for the floor; meeting rooms can be cool, so bring a light layer. Hurricane season officially begins in June, so mid-May is usually before peak storm activity, but daily rain chances are still worth checking before travel.

    Plan for the climate

    Check temperatures and pack accordingly

    Venue connectivity

    US mobile networks use GSM/LTE/5G, so check roaming or buy an eSIM before arrival if your home plan does not include the United States. Wi-Fi is typically available at Hilton Tampa Downtown and in meeting space, but confirm guest, meeting-room and exhibit-hall access with the venue. Power is 120V at 60Hz with Type A/B plugs; bring an adapter for non-US devices. For live equipment demos, confirm wired internet, IP addresses and firewall rules with the venue in advance rather than relying on shared Wi-Fi.

    Ride-hailing

    Taxis

    Public transit

    Car rentals

    Cultural notes

    Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

    Business dress

    Smart casual is the norm at ICMA EXPO. Most exhibitors wear branded polo shirts or button-down shirts on the floor, while conference sessions tend to be business casual. Bring a light layer for air-conditioned meeting rooms.

    Tipping

    US tipping norms apply in Tampa: 15-20 percent at restaurants, 1-2 USD per bag for hotel porters, and a dollar or two per drink at bars. Check whether a service charge is already included.

    Punctuality and badge pickup

    Sessions and exhibit hours start on time. Collect your badge before the first session and allow extra time on opening morning for security and registration queues.

    Evening areas

    Downtown Tampa's Riverwalk and Ybor City are common evening areas for dinner and informal meetings. Ask the hotel concierge or ICMA for current recommendations and transport options rather than relying on outdated guides.

    Local language and currency

    English is the working language of the show and the default for business in Tampa. The currency is the US dollar (USD); major cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for tips and small purchases.

    Weather etiquette

    Afternoon thunderstorms are common in May. Locals often wait out short downpours indoors rather than walking through them, so build a little flexibility into transfer times and keep a rain shell in your bag.

    Practical guides

    Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

    Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

    Flights

    Google Flights capture for Los Angeles (LAX) to Tampa (TPA), departing 16 May 2027 and returning 20 May 2027, indicated prices were high at the time of capture and no fare amount was recorded. The same capture noted the cheapest booking window usually falls between late January and late April, so set a fare alert and compare TPA against PIE and SRQ before booking. Arrive by 15 or early 16 May to allow for delays and badge pickup. ICMA's Hotel/Travel page at icma.com/icma-expo/hotel-travel and Expo Hotel 2027 page at icma.com/icma-expo/expo-hotel-2027 are the official starting points for travel and room-block guidance.

    Transport

    Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

    Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Tampa; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.

    Hotel → venue: Hilton Tampa Downtown is the venue hotel, so attendees staying there can walk to sessions and the exhibit floor. For other downtown Tampa hotels, the Riverwalk and Channel District are generally walkable or a short rideshare; confirm the route from your specific property. ICMA publishes a shuttle service page for the conference at conference.icma.org/shuttle-service/; check the 2027 routes, timings and eligibility before relying on a hotel shuttle. HART buses and the TECO Line Streetcar serve parts of downtown and Ybor City, but allow extra time in wet weather.

    Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Lyft are widely used in Tampa. Pickup points at Tampa International Airport (TPA) are signed in the terminal area; follow airport instructions rather than hailing from the curb. From downtown hotels to Hilton Tampa Downtown, short rides are usually quick, but surge pricing can apply during conventions and afternoon storms. Confirm the driver and fare in the app before entering, and allow extra time on 16 May opening day.

    Public transit: Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) operates buses across Tampa, including connections between downtown and Tampa International Airport; routes and frequencies vary, so use the HART trip planner before travel. The TECO Line Streetcar links downtown Tampa with Ybor City and is useful for evening dining, but check current service hours and fare status. For the venue, downtown hotels are generally walkable to Hilton Tampa Downtown; for outlying hotels, compare HART, rideshare and the ICMA shuttle page at conference.icma.org/shuttle-service/ before choosing a route.

    Parking: Parking is available at Hilton Tampa Downtown and in nearby downtown garages, but rates and availability change with events. Expect approximate daily rates of USD 20-35 for hotel or garage parking; confirm the current rate, clearance height and in/out privileges with the venue. If you are driving from the airport, allow extra time for downtown traffic and Tampa Riverwalk event closures. Rideshare or HART may be simpler than parking during the show.

    Weather

    Plan and pack for the event climate.

    Month: May 2027

    Temperature: Daytime highs typically around 29-32 C (84-90 F) in mid-May; evenings around 21-24 C (70-75 F).

    Seasonality: May marks the start of Tampa's wet season, with scattered afternoon thunderstorms and brief heavy showers rather than all-day rain.

    Packing: Lightweight business casual, a compact umbrella or packable rain jacket, and sunscreen; indoor venues are heavily air-conditioned so a light layer helps for session rooms.

    Plan your trip

    Planning

    Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)

    Mid-show days at ICMA Card Manifacturing and Personalization Expo 2027 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.

    T-1

    T-14: Recheck ICMA EXPO 2027 dates (16-19 May), venue (Hilton Tampa Downtown) and your registration status on icmaexpo.com.

    T-2

    T-14: Confirm passport or REAL ID requirements for US travel and check visa or ESTA status if travelling internationally.

    T-3

    T-13: Book flights into Tampa International (TPA) or compare St. Petersburg-Clearwater (PIE); allow an arrival buffer before the opening day.

    T-4

    T-12: Reserve a downtown Tampa hotel room, prioritising the ICMA hotel block or a walkable Riverwalk property.

    T-5

    T-11: Review the conference schedule at icmaexpo.com/schedule and mark sessions relevant to card production, personalization, security or issuance.

    T-6

    T-10: Build a supplier shortlist by product category: substrates, lamination, chip embedding, personalization, packaging and instant issuance.

    T-7

    T-9: Check the ICMA shuttle page at conference.icma.org/shuttle-service/ for 2027 routes and whether your hotel is served.

    T-8

    T-8: Confirm your airport transfer plan: taxi, rideshare, HART bus or hotel shuttle, and save approximate fare bands.

    T-9

    T-7: Prepare a one-page buyer brief with card types, volumes, materials and certification needs to guide exhibitor meetings.

    T-10

    T-6: Request meetings with target exhibitors and personalization partners before the floor gets busy.

    T-11

    T-5: Pack business cards, photo ID, registration confirmation and comfortable shoes for the exhibit floor.

    T-12

    T-4: Check Tampa weather: highs around 29-32 C and afternoon storm risk, then pack a compact umbrella or rain shell.

    T-13

    T-3: Download the event app or save the schedule offline; confirm badge pickup hours and venue access.

    T-14

    T-2: Charge devices and pack a US Type A/B power adapter if coming from another region.

    T-15

    T-1: Confirm flight status, hotel reservation and transfer, and keep ICMA contact details handy for on-site questions.

    Sample visitor itinerary

    Route-optimised day
    Day 1 · morning

    Registration and hall orientation at Hilton Tampa Downtown

    Day 2 · core sessions

    Supplier meetings and product demos

    Day 3 · wrap-up

    Final negotiations and follow-up

    Networking spots

    2

    ICMA Card Manifacturing and Personalization Expo 2027 registration concourse

    Hilton Tampa Downtown

    Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.

    Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)

    Hilton Tampa Downtown

    Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.

    Budget

    Costs & budget

    Build your working budget

    Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.

    Estimated budget
    Live estimate
    • Hotel × 2 nights$230.00
    • Per diem × 2$150.00
    Estimated total$380.00

    This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.

    Decision

    Visit, exhibit, or skip?

    Should you go?

    Use this quick check to decide whether ICMA Card Manifacturing and Personalization Expo 2027 fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.

    QUESTION 1 OF 6

    For ICMA Card Manifacturing and Personalization Expo 2027, what is your primary role on the show floor?

    Decision matrix

    Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

    visit

    Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.

    Best for

    Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Card production equipment and materials and Personalization technologies and ser solutions and benchmarking suppliers at ICMA Card Manifacturing and Personalization Expo 2027 in Tampa.

    Min. budget

    $808.00

    Timeline

    4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.

    Risks

    Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.

    exhibit

    You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.

    Best for

    Brands and manufacturers launching Card production equipment and materials and Personalization technologies and ser products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.

    Min. budget

    $3,636.00

    Timeline

    3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.

    Risks

    Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.

    skip

    Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.

    Best for

    Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Tampa show week.

    Timeline

    N/A

    Risks

    Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.

    FAQs & glossary

    Answers

    Frequently asked

    What is ICMA EXPO?
    ICMA EXPO is the annual conference and exhibition of the International Card Manufacturers Association, focused on card manufacturing, personalization, materials, security and issuance. The 2027 edition runs 16-19 May at Hilton Tampa Downtown in Tampa, Florida.
    What are the dates and venue for ICMA EXPO 2027?
    ICMA EXPO 2027 is scheduled for 16-19 May 2027 at Hilton Tampa Downtown, Tampa, Florida, United States. Confirm final room block, access details and any programme changes on icmaexpo.com before booking travel.
    Who should attend ICMA EXPO 2027?
    The show is built for card manufacturers, personalization bureaus, issuers, payment processors, security specialists, loyalty and prepaid teams, equipment and material suppliers, and consultants working on card programmes. Both technical and commercial roles will find relevant suppliers and programme content.
    Is ICMA EXPO open to trade visitors only?
    ICMA EXPO serves the card manufacturing and personalization industry and is designed as a business event for industry participants. Confirm registration eligibility and any trade-only requirements with ICMA before booking travel.
    How do I register for ICMA EXPO 2027?
    Use the official event site at icmaexpo.com and follow the registration link for ICMA EXPO 2027. Registration categories, fees, cancellation terms and badge collection details are set by the organiser, so confirm the current instructions before paying.
    Where should I stay for ICMA EXPO 2027?
    Hilton Tampa Downtown is the venue hotel referenced in ICMA travel guidance, and the organiser's Hotel/Travel page lists the 2027 room block. Compare downtown Tampa hotels for walkability and airport access, and confirm cancellation terms before booking.
    How do I get from Tampa International Airport to the venue?
    Tampa International Airport (TPA) is the closest major airport to downtown Tampa. Taxi or rideshare is the most direct option, with journey time varying by traffic; HART buses serve downtown at lower cost but require schedule checks. Confirm live fares and transfer times before travel.
    Is there a shuttle to ICMA EXPO?
    ICMA publishes a conference shuttle service page at conference.icma.org/shuttle-service/. Confirm the 2027 routes, timings and eligibility, as shuttle coverage can change between editions and may not serve every hotel.
    What is the weather like in Tampa in mid-May?
    Mid-May in Tampa is warm and humid, with daytime highs typically around 29-32 C (84-90 F) and evenings around 21-24 C (70-75 F). Afternoon thunderstorms are possible as the wet season begins, so pack a compact umbrella or rain shell.
    What should I bring to ICMA EXPO 2027?
    Bring business cards, photo ID, registration confirmation, comfortable shoes for the exhibit floor and a light layer for air-conditioned meeting rooms. If you travel from outside the United States, pack a Type A/B power adapter and check mobile roaming or eSIM options.
    Can I exhibit or sponsor at ICMA EXPO 2027?
    Contact ICMA through icmaexpo.com for exhibitor and sponsor options. Floor plan, booth availability and sponsorship packages are set by the organiser, and pricing should be confirmed directly with the ICMA team.
    Are conference sessions included with registration?
    Session access depends on the registration category set by ICMA. Check the conference schedule at icmaexpo.com/schedule and confirm with the organiser whether any sessions, workshops or social events require separate sign-up.
    Is Hilton Tampa Downtown accessible?
    Hilton Tampa Downtown is a full-service hotel and conference venue. Contact the venue or ICMA in advance for mobility access, dietary requirements, quiet rooms or other accessibility requests so the team can confirm available arrangements.
    What currency is used in Tampa?
    The local currency is the US dollar (USD). Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for tips, small purchases and situations where card terminals are unavailable.
    Can I get a visa invitation letter for ICMA EXPO 2027?
    Registered attendees who need a visa invitation letter should contact the ICMA events or registration team after registering. The organiser can confirm what documentation it provides and the timing required for your visa application.
    What is the dress code for ICMA EXPO?
    Business casual is the norm for conference sessions. Exhibitors often wear branded polo shirts or button-down shirts on the show floor, and a light jacket or layer is useful for cool meeting rooms.
    How do I get from my hotel to the venue?
    Hilton Tampa Downtown is the venue hotel, so guests there can walk to sessions and the exhibit floor. For other downtown Tampa hotels, the Riverwalk and Channel District are generally walkable or a short rideshare; check the ICMA shuttle page and HART options for outlying properties.
    Where can I park near the venue?
    Parking is available at Hilton Tampa Downtown and in nearby downtown garages, but rates and availability change with events. Expect approximate daily rates of USD 20-35 and confirm the current rate, clearance height and in/out privileges with the venue before driving.

    Glossary

    1
    Card personalization
    The process of encoding and printing cardholder-specific data onto a card, including magnetic stripe, chip, embossing, laser and thermal printing, plus fulfilment steps such as matching, activation and mailing.
    2
    Card body
    The physical card substrate, typically PVC, PETG, recycled PVC, paper or composite, produced by laminating printed core layers with protective overlays.
    3
    EMV
    The global chip card standard covering contact and contactless payment cards, terminals and transaction authentication, originally developed by Europay, Mastercard and Visa.
    4
    Dual-interface card
    A card with both contact chip contacts and a contactless antenna, allowing tap and insert transactions from one secure element.
    5
    Chip embedding
    The step where a secure element or chip module is inserted into a milled cavity in the card body and connected to an antenna or contact plate.
    6
    Milling
    A controlled cutting process that creates the cavity in a card body for chip embedding or other inserts.
    7
    Lamination
    The heat and pressure process that fuses printed core layers, overlays and sometimes antenna structures into a rigid card body.
    8
    Overlay
    A transparent protective film laminated onto card surfaces to provide durability, print protection and a base for security or design features.
    9
    Instant issuance
    On-demand card production at a branch, store or campus, where a blank card is personalized and encoded in minutes rather than ordered from a central bureau.
    10
    Closed-loop card
    A card usable only within a defined merchant, loyalty or transit scheme rather than across general payment networks.
    11
    Prepaid card
    A payment card loaded with funds in advance, including open-loop general-purpose cards and closed-loop gift or programme cards.
    12
    Tokenization
    Replacing sensitive card data such as the primary account number with a surrogate token so digital wallets and merchants can process payments without exposing the underlying card number.
    13
    Secure element
    A tamper-resistant chip that stores keys and payment or credential data and runs secure applications on a card or device.
    14
    ISO/IEC 7810
    The international standard defining physical card dimensions and characteristics, including the ID-1 format used for payment and ID cards.
    15
    PVC and PETG
    Common card substrates. PVC is widely used and low cost; PETG offers durability, print quality and recyclability options, and both are increasingly compared with recycled and alternative materials.
    16
    PCI DSS
    The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, a set of security requirements for organisations that store, process or transmit cardholder data.

    Also known as

    Alternate names and search phrases for this event.

    • ICMA Expo 2027
    • Card Manufacturing Expo
    • Tampa card show
    • Card personalization event
    • Payments technology expo
    • ICMA Card Manifacturing and Personalization Expo 2027 Tampa
    • ICMA Card Manifacturing 2027
    • ICMA Card Manifacturing Tampa 2027
    • Personalization Expo Tampa 2027
    • ICMA 2027

    2 more alternate names hidden

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