Grugliasco (Turin, Italy) – Blending technological heritage, collecting passion, and international spirit, the PIM – Phonecards International Meeting 2026 turned the Parco Culturale Le Serre into a global hub for phonecard enthusiasts. Held from April 17 to 19, this year’s edition carried special significance as it marked the 50th anniversary of the first phonecard, an object no longer in everyday use but still rich in historical and cultural value.
A global benchmark event
With over 1,600 visitors, collectors from across Europe – and beyond – filled the exhibition spaces, joined by enthusiasts from China, Australia, and South Africa. Thousands of items were on display, ranging from early experimental issues to some of the rarest and most sought-after pieces. PIM once again confirmed itself as the world’s most important event in the field, sustaining a niche yet highly active international community.
Images shared on the Phonecards Collectors Club website showcase carefully curated stands, displays of iconic cards, and lively exchanges between collectors of different generations—capturing a unique atmosphere that blends research, trading, and storytelling.
Industry meets historical heritage
Among the key participants in the 2026 edition was Urmet, the historic telecommunications company based in Turin, whose support helped strengthen the connection between the sector’s past and present.
Alongside industry players, the Museo della Telefonia Pubblica played a crucial role by providing historical and educational context, highlighting the importance of phonecards in the evolution of communication.
Special attention was also given to SIDA, a key player in the development of the first Italian phonecards—an essential chapter in the technological history celebrated throughout the event.
A digital experience beyond the venue
PIM 2026 extended well beyond its physical location thanks to its digital presence. The official website features a comprehensive photo gallery with nearly 200 images, documenting not only the exhibited items but also the overall atmosphere of the event.
In addition, the official YouTube channel hosts all videos produced during the meeting, including interviews, stand tours, and key highlights. Among them is the video of the charity auction featuring a jersey signed by Kenan Yıldız, one of the most engaging moments of the event.
Collecting and solidarity
One of the most meaningful aspects of the 2026 edition was the charity auction, which successfully combined collecting with social impact. Rare items and special pieces—such as Yıldız’s jersey—helped raise €2,000, entirely donated to the Fondazione Piemontese per la Ricerca sul Cancro.
A tangible result demonstrating how even a specialized field can make a real contribution to important causes.
Preserving the past, looking to the future
In an era dominated by smartphones and digital communication, phonecards stand as a tangible reminder of a pivotal technological transition. The success of PIM 2026 proves that this heritage is far from forgotten—it continues to thrive through collecting, research, and community sharing.
More than just a fair, the Phonecards International Meeting stands out as a space of memory and culture, capable of telling a broader story of innovation through small yet meaningful objects.
See you in 2027
As PIM 2026 comes to a close, attention already turns to the future: the next edition is scheduled for April 2027, once again in Grugliasco, ready to further strengthen the event’s global role.
In the meantime, to stay updated on the world of phonecard collecting—with insights, news, and upcoming events—you can follow the activities of the Worldwide Phonecards Collectors Club and support its mission through membership, helping to promote and grow this passion worldwide.
Find out more about the association by clicking on the link to access the website: https://phonecardscollectorsclub.com/
