Through the eyes of our community
Across five decades, delegates repeatedly point to the same strengths: neutrality, independence, confidentiality and trust. These qualities have allowed Intergraf to remain a platform where open discussions can happen between public and private stakeholders alike.
Rare quality of conversations and connections created during the event
Eric Boissonnas – Koenig & Bauer Banknote Solutions - read full interview
“The industry evolves constantly, but trust and collaboration remain essential. Intergraf has played an important role in maintaining dialogue across the industry.”
Marie-Hélène Dazin from IN Groupe describes Intergraf as: “A uniquely sensitive market where trust is essential. Intergraf creates the conditions for discussions and opportunities that may take much longer to develop elsewhere.”
For Malik Alibegovic of INTERPOL, the event represents: “A trusted meeting place where central banks, governments, industry leaders and innovators come together with a shared sense of purpose.”
According to Manoj Kochar of Holoflex Limited: “Intergraf is more than just a conference: it’s where the industry comes together. Leaders, regulators, and start-ups all meet here, creating a space that sparks new ideas and collaborations.”
Beat Grossenbacher of the Swiss National Bank: “Intergraf brings together global experts from customers and industries and providing a high-quality conference environment that encourages both formal and informal exchange of ideas, including visionary and out-of-the-box contributions.”
Andreas Kuba of Veridos: “Intergraf has a remarkable ability to evolve. It reflects on its role, adapts to new realities, and, when needed, reinvents aspects of itself. It provides a strong platform for knowledge sharing, industry insight, and networking.”
A unique atmosphere where competitors become friends
Many participants describe Intergraf as far more than a conference, it has become a place where professional relationships evolve into long-term partnerships and personal connections.
For Janos Friss of Jura, every event since 2000 has left lasting memories:
“I do not have one memory only. I have many.”
“The special VIP atmosphere, when colleagues, friends and customers meet each other.”
“Competitors feel more like friends at Intergraf. That atmosphere is unique.”
Peter Wagner of Foster + Freeman reflected on the friendships built over decades of participation:
“Intergraf has always had a remarkable ability to bring together the right people at the right time. More importantly, it has always been as much about people as it is about business. Many friendships built through these events still continue today.”
Gary Spinks – Security Fibres: “Relationships built at Intergraf often continue far beyond the event itself.”
Memorable moments across 50 years
Intergraf memories are often linked not only to presentations and technologies, but also to shared experiences.
Delegates fondly remember iconic gala dinners, historic venues and conversations that continued long after conference sessions ended. Several participants recalled the unforgettable 2000 event hosted at the Royal Palace in Vienna, while others highlighted the atmosphere of recent dinner parties in Copenhagen and Seville.
A changing industry
The reflections shared by contributors reveal how dramatically the currency and identity sectors have evolved over the last 50 years.
Digitalisation, cyber threats, new authentication technologies, artificial intelligence and the rise of digital identities are reshaping the industry at unprecedented speed. At the same time, many contributors stressed the continued importance of physical security documents.
Several participants noted that predictions about the “end” of banknotes and printed identity documents have existed for decades, yet secure physical documents continue to play a critical role in trust, resilience and inclusion.
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Beat Grossenbacher of the Swiss National Bank described the challenge ahead as:
“Redefining the role of physical products in an increasingly digital world - positioning them as robust, secure and IT-independent solutions.”
Others pointed to the importance of balancing innovation with security, privacy and interoperability.
Shinichiro Yamamoto of the National Printing Bureau (NPB) of Japan reflected on the growing impact of digital currencies and digital identity systems: “While we certainly envision an acceleration in the shift from physical printed materials ... to digital, I believe that physical media will still require enhanced security features.”
The role of Intergraf in the future
When asked about the future role of Intergraf, contributors returned to one idea: bringing people together.
In a rapidly evolving landscape, the need for trusted collaboration between governments, central banks, law enforcement agencies and industry has never been greater.
Participants see Intergraf as:
- a neutral platform for dialogue
- a bridge between public and private stakeholders
- a catalyst for innovation and collaboration
- a place to exchange expertise and best practices
- a community built on long-term trust
Many also highlighted the importance of the Intergraf certification framework and its role in strengthening standards, quality and confidence across the industry.
For 50 years, Intergraf Currency+Identity has helped shape these connections and as new technologies emerge and expectations evolve, contributors believe Intergraf should continue adapting while preserving the values that has made it successful for 50 years.
As the industry enters its next chapter, our community will continue building the future together.
Looking ahead to the next 50 years
The reflections collected for this anniversary edition reveal a community that is proud of its history, realistic about its challenges and optimistic about the future.
From secure banknotes and passports to digital identity ecosystems and emerging technologies, the currency and identity industry will continue to evolve. What remains essential is the ability to connect the right people, encourage meaningful dialogue and foster trusted collaboration across borders.
Join us in Copenhagen
On 14-16 October 2026, the global currency and identity community will gather once again, but this time we will also celebrate a milestone 50 years in the making.
Join our team in Copenhagen as we honour the past, celebrate the present and shape the future together.
Our journey so far
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