The MWC will return in 2021 and it will do so by betting on the virtual. After the announcement of its suspension in February this year, uncertainty continued regarding the future edition of the world’s largest mobile phone event.
The damage caused by the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic around the world led to the cancellation of that and numerous other events more scheduled for this year, depending on the health recommendations specific to the situation.
The Mobile World Congress is one of the most important dissemination events for the mobile market. Each of its editions is usually loaded with interesting news and powerful announcements.
Following in the footsteps of what will be the 2021 edition of CES, another important technological event, in order to adapt to the demands of current times, MWC 2021 will be held partially or totally virtual.
The news was confirmed by the GSMA (GSM Association), an entity that groups together several companies in the field and which is responsible for holding this event.
In conversations with Techradar, a GSMA spokesperson stated the following:
We are working to ensure that MWC 2021 is a must see event. We are constantly monitoring the situation, as we did with MWC 2020. This includes seeking expert advice on health and safety.
The situation is complex and new. We are learning all the time and working with Fira and our partners to take all steps to ensure a safe environment and an inspiring experience.
The appointment already has a date: it will begin on March 1, 2021. Under an optimistic perspective, a special version of the event is expected to be held, adjusted to the security measures that today govern the pandemic. As a complement, virtual presentations will be added to bring the news to those who cannot come to Barcelona, the city where this congress takes place every year.
Along these lines, the GSMA spokesperson added:
In addition to the physical changes, we are developing a communications plan to ensure that all stakeholder groups have the latest information from the GSMA on a regular basis.
It is important now, more than ever, that the GSMA convene the industry as we work together to address the global financial recovery. Personal events are key to this recovery and we know the value of the people who are together.
In addition to conferences and presentations, instances of this type are generally considered relevant in the medium, due to the contacts, businesses and networks that can be established there among those who participate.
If the local and global panorama does not improve with the passage of time, the realization of a totally virtual event is not ruled out. The evaluation will arrive in due time and other appointments such as CES, which will take place only a few days before, will provide valuable background to consider.
Although the news about mobile phones tends to attract more attention in the general public, the MWC deals with more relevant topics in the area, such as artificial intelligence, connectivity through 5G networks, commitment to the customer, entertainment, sustainability, security and privacy, among others.
An application section is already available on the event’s website to make presentations in its future edition. There is still time to know specifically how the 2021 edition of the MWC will develop. What is clear is that the organization will do its best not to suspend it again.
