FIDEM, the International Medal Federation (Fédération Internationale de la Médaille) was founded in 1937 as a transnational organization representing the major producers of commemorative medals. In the succeeding decades, the scope has been broadened to emphasize the activity of sculptors and collectors, with the art of the medal as the primary focus.

The principal activity of FIDEM is the organization of an international congress and exhibition for its members, usually every two years. At the congress, lectures and workshops explore the aesthetic, production, and history of the medal. The exhibition features thousands of medals by artists from member countries. Each country's exhibition work is selected by its own delegation by the process of competition.

The 29th Congress, October 22 - 25, 2004, was held in the city of Seixal, Portugal. The exhibition was held until November 27, 2004 at the former Mundet Factories. 1055 medal works by 515 artists, from 32 countries were exhibited at the 29th Congress. Among them were 63 works from 33 American artists. The panelists for selecting American delegate work for the 29th Congress were appointed by the US Delegate, Ms. Cory Gillilland.

The following statement is part of the FIDEM catalogue written by Ms. Gillilland:

Entries of the competition were almost double the number of medals allotted to the United States. Thus, the selection was a most difficult task since all the medals submitted were fine examples of the craft. At the time of their judging, all of them were laid out and identified only with a number. The artists were incognito and the art was judged for the piece itself.

The 30th FIDEM Congress will be hosted in 2007 by the American Numismatic Association in Colorado Springs, U.S.A.

April 2nd through 27th, 2005