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

Join the global card industry at the ICMA Card Manufacturing and Personalization Expo 2027 from May 16-19 in Tampa, Florida, featuring over 300 professionals and cutting-edge innovations.
Dates
16–19 May 2027
City / country
Tampa, United States
Venue
Hilton Tampa Downtown
Are you the organiser of this event?
Event 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
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.
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
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
Tampa, United States
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 diningParking: 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
Who runs the show
International Card Manufacturers Association
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
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.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
AI video analytics at the edge
What ai video analytics at the edge means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Cyber-physical convergence
What cyber-physical convergence means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Cloud-managed access and identity
What cloud-managed access and identity means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regulatory and compliance pressure
What regulatory and compliance pressure means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Critical infrastructure hardening
What critical infrastructure hardening means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip

A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
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.
sourceUSD 179–289 / night
Approx. nightly range for Riverwalk business hotels; convenient for dining and evening walks. Confirm live rates and parking.
sourceUSD 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.
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.
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.
USD 139–239 / night
Approx. nightly range for boutique and limited-service hotels north of downtown; confirm walkability and transport options.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Organiser shuttle
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
Journey time varies with traffic. Use the official taxi queue at TPA and confirm the meter or fixed fare before departure.
Rideshare
Follow airport signs for rideshare pickup. Compare the app quote before requesting and allow extra time during afternoon storms.
Taxi / rideshare
PIE is an alternative airport with fewer carriers. Confirm availability and price in the app or taxi queue before departure.
HART bus
HART buses connect parts of Tampa with downtown, but schedules and transfers vary. Use the HART trip planner before choosing this option.
Streetcar
Useful for evening dining in Ybor City rather than the main airport transfer. Confirm current service hours and fare status.
Parking
Rates and availability change with downtown events. Confirm clearance height, in/out privileges and valet versus self-parking before driving.
Walking
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
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
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
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.
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.
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
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-14: Recheck ICMA EXPO 2027 dates (16-19 May), venue (Hilton Tampa Downtown) and your registration status on icmaexpo.com.
T-14: Confirm passport or REAL ID requirements for US travel and check visa or ESTA status if travelling internationally.
T-13: Book flights into Tampa International (TPA) or compare St. Petersburg-Clearwater (PIE); allow an arrival buffer before the opening day.
T-12: Reserve a downtown Tampa hotel room, prioritising the ICMA hotel block or a walkable Riverwalk property.
T-11: Review the conference schedule at icmaexpo.com/schedule and mark sessions relevant to card production, personalization, security or issuance.
T-10: Build a supplier shortlist by product category: substrates, lamination, chip embedding, personalization, packaging and instant issuance.
T-9: Check the ICMA shuttle page at conference.icma.org/shuttle-service/ for 2027 routes and whether your hotel is served.
T-8: Confirm your airport transfer plan: taxi, rideshare, HART bus or hotel shuttle, and save approximate fare bands.
T-7: Prepare a one-page buyer brief with card types, volumes, materials and certification needs to guide exhibitor meetings.
T-6: Request meetings with target exhibitors and personalization partners before the floor gets busy.
T-5: Pack business cards, photo ID, registration confirmation and comfortable shoes for the exhibit floor.
T-4: Check Tampa weather: highs around 29-32 C and afternoon storm risk, then pack a compact umbrella or rain shell.
T-3: Download the event app or save the schedule offline; confirm badge pickup hours and venue access.
T-2: Charge devices and pack a US Type A/B power adapter if coming from another region.
T-1: Confirm flight status, hotel reservation and transfer, and keep ICMA contact details handy for on-site questions.
Registration and hall orientation at Hilton Tampa Downtown
Supplier meetings and product demos
Final negotiations and follow-up
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

Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
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?
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
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
2 more alternate names hidden
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.