The trade association says it has extended the agreement with the host city and with Catalonia and Spain to return in 2021 after this year’s cancellation of Mobile World Congress (MWC) because of Coronavirus, and for at least twice more.
John Hoffman, CEO of GSMA Limited, the association’s commercial subsidiary, said: “By extending through 2024, we are demonstrating our commitment to our ecosystem as well as the host city parties and our strong and mutually beneficial working relationship. We are pleased to report that we have had tremendous support and early commitment with many exhibitors for future editions.”
MWC was one of the first global events to be cancelled as the virus spread, following the withdrawal of a number of major exhibitors. Last year’s MWC brought revenue of €470 million into Barcelona’s businesses.
The GSMA is still planning to run MWC Shanghai from 30 June to 2 July – an event that seems more likely now that China is easing up its lockdown.
MWC Barcelona is scheduled to take place on 1-4 March 2021. The 2019 event attracted 110,000 people. “In these trying times, it is ever essential to look forward to the future,” said Hoffman.
