The GSMA, the promoters of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) annual show in Barcelona just announced the decision to cancel the tradeshow because of concerns with the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. This is a decision with major impact in multiple industries, but one that was almost predictable, given the fact that MWC is traditionally a show dominated by large Chinese exhibitors, which have been all forced to cancel their presence, due to international traveling restrictions.
https://audioxpress.com/news/gsma-announces-decision-to-cancel-mwc-2020-show-in-barcelona
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MWC Barcelona will take place 24-27 February 2020, with events also staged at Fira Gran Via, Fira Montjuïc and La Farga L’Hospitalet. Under the theme of "Limitless Intelligent Connectivity", MWC Barcelona will outline the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI,) Big Data, and connected devices, all supposedly powered by 5G. In the year when 5G is finally happening, CEOs from companies including Airbus, Nokia, Novartis, NTT Docomo, Orange, Telefónica and Viacom, will be speaking in the 2020 MWC Keynote Program.
As in previous editions, MWC Barcelona will be a crucial event for many technology and solution companies in the wearable, hearables, smart home, and portable/personal audio space, some of the strongest trends in this event. From semiconductors used in voice, DSP and wireless audio, to MEMS microphones and speakers and all the latest mobile platform technologies, including active noise cancelling and voice detection and recognition, the Barcelona event combines all key suppliers and vendors in a few convenient meeting/demo room areas within two halls, with some of the largest companies located at themed areas with their own booths.
MWC Barcelona is also an important opportunity for companies and professionals in the Media & Entertainment sectors, allowing a vision of the evolution of key technologies and platforms, such as 5G networks, or getting a specific mobile perspective on the solutions for Content Creation, Gaming and Immersive Experiences.
MWC Barcelona will bring together leading players from across the mobile ecosystem, as well as adjacent industry sectors such as automotive and consumer electronics, highlighting the latest technologies, products and services. More than 2,400 companies will participate at the event and there will be more than 40 country and regional pavilions. As one of the key destinations at MWC, the GSMA Innovation City will return to highlight how mobile products and services are transforming how we live, work and play.
“Supported by 5G, Limitless Intelligent Connectivity will shape a new digitally-driven industrial revolution,” says John Hoffman, CEO GSMA Ltd. “Attendees will be able to experience and shape how mobile will help their industries to work smarter and use finite resources more efficiently. Also, by connecting everyone to everything, across every industry, these opportunities are without limits.”
The 4YFN Startup event at MWC continues to expand its footprint, now occupying Halls 1 and 2 of Fira Montjuic (the old Barcelona exhibition grounds in the center of the city). 4YFN will also host the new xside experience, which brings the Sónar music and performance festival into MWC Barcelona, connecting creative content, art and performances to the entrepreneurial hub. The extensive program of activities extends to late hours from Monday to Wednesday.
February 24-27
GSMA Mobile World Congress
Fira Gran Via, Barcelona, Spain
www.gsma.com
www.mwcbarcelona.com
