Over 108,000 attendees came to the world's biggest mobile industry event
Mobile World Congress breaks all records
The Mobile World Congress (MWC), the world’s most important event for the mobile industry, broke all records. Over 108,000 attendees came to the show, which was held between 27 February and 2 March at Fira de Barcelona’s Gran Via venue.
More than 2,200 companies participated in the 2017 exhibition and was covered by more than 3,500 members of the international press and media.Over the four-day event, the latest innovations and developments in mobile technology, devices and services were on show. A new feature this year was the creation of a Connected City and other novelties included drones and the latest advances in virtual reality.
Another highlight of the event was the comprehensive conference programme, featuring speakers from the leading international operators and corporations, including the CEO of Netflix, Reed Hastings, and the creator of Pokémon Go, John Hanke. Among the numerous side events taking place, a special mention had the Women4Tech meeting, focusing on the role of women in the technology industry.
The Mobile World Congress, organised by GSMA in collaboration with Fira de Barcelona, is expected to have an economic impact on the city and its surrounding area to the tune of over 465 million euros and generates more than 13,200 temporary jobs.
Coinciding with the congress, the Youth Mobile Festival (YoMo) took place for the first time, promoted by GSMA and Mobile World Capital Barcelona, a brand new event that brought together around 16,000 youngsters between the ages of 10 and 16 from all over Spain at the Montjuïc venue. Another parallel event was the fourth edition of 4 Years From Now (4YFN), the show for mobile technology entrepreneurs, which was also held at the Montjuïc venue.
Barcelona, March 2017