‘Nothing beats in-person’ as MWC returns to Barcelona

Meetings /  / 
Share
Image supplied GSMA Image supplied GSMA

The organisers of Mobile World Congress, GSMA, were celebrating a ‘vibrant and dynamic’ return to in-person after tens of thousands of visitors flocked to the event in Barcelona.

The international association – full name Global System for Mobile Communications Association – said 61,000 delegates from 200 countries attended the event at Fira de Barcelona, March 1-3.

The numbers were a huge increase on last year's event, which attracted around 20,000 visitors. Before the pandemic the meeting regularly attracted 100,000 visitors.

The Russian pavilion was banned from the event, in light of the escalating conflict in Ukraine.

CEO John Hoffman said: "Nothing beats MWC in person, and it was exciting to bring our community – which is so passionate about connectivity – back together to discuss the opportunities that lie ahead. On behalf of the GSMA, I would like to thank all our attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, and partners who came together to make MWC22 so productive, safe, and successful.”

More than 1,900 companies joined MWC22 Barcelona to showcase the role of mobile technology in unleashing connectivity, the metaverse, advancing AI, and the Internet of Everything.

Thought leadership from entrepreneurs, government ministers, and extraordinary people pushing the boundaries of our imaginations spoke from stages across the event.

From traditional industries to award-winning film-makers speakers challenged and inspired attendees to think about new ways of leveraging technology.

MWC22 in numbers

Over 61,000 unique people attended in person

Around 500,000 unique virtual and daily viewers on MWC22 and partner platforms

Representation from almost 200 countries and territories

Over 1,900 exhibitors, sponsors, and partners

Over 1,000 speakers, 97% in person and 36% women

More than 50% of attendees were Directors and C-Suite executives, 20% were CEOs and founders, 25% were women

Millions tuned into MWC22 Barcelona content via Mobile World Live global syndication and official national and international broadcasters.

More than 1,600 international journalists were onsite

James Lancaster
Written By
James Lancaster

AMI editor James Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk, read, listen to music, and drink beer.

Sponsored

Latest Magazine

The Overtourism Conundrum
The Overtourism Conundrum
Can association meetings help turn the tide?
Read More