Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

Lessons from the pandemic: Planning a return to MWC Barcelona

09/04/2021

The last 12 months have been a learning experience for all of us. Many have suffered great hardship or made sacrifices, personally and professionally. It seems that each day brings a situation never encountered before that requires the adoption of new behaviours or to adjust to new restrictions on our usual way of doing things.

When I reflect on my own experience, two things stand out for me.

Firstly, planning during a pandemic is complicated. Without a doubt, the past 15 months, from the cancellation of MWC20 to delivery of MWC21, have been our biggest challenge. Organisations of all types and sizes are making decisions with restrictions and/or rapidly changing information. Every day I speak with leaders who tell me about trials they are facing. I encourage them to persevere, better times are ahead and we will be stronger for it.

When we moved ahead with our commitment to return to live in-person events at MWC Shanghai in February, many doubted us. At times, we doubted ourselves. But I knew we needed to keep going and deliver a unique and safe MWC experience, and that is what we did. We tested everyone attending and I'm pleased to report we had no confirmed Covid cases before, during or after the event.

Yes, it was different than other years, and I remain disappointed that I could not be there in person, but the words of thanks and encouragement we received made the whole effort worthwhile. Even more important was the experience we gained, prioritising as we continue to do, health and safety above everything else and it has guided our planning for Barcelona.

Yes, the circumstances in both cities are very different, but the principles are the same. Build strong partnerships with mutually motivated parties, remain agile to pivot when required and plan for the unexpected. We will not overcome these challenges alone.

Secondly, I am consistently encouraged by the collective desire to make MWC Barcelona 2021 a reality. The resolve from GSMA staff, the Host City Parties, our key partners, and our incredible community of exhibitors and sponsors is genuinely inspiring. Teams of people are working around the clock on all aspects of planning for the event to ensure everyone can experience MWC Barcelona 2021, in person or online.

This spirit is exemplified by the recent announcement from the Ministry of the Interior of the Government of Spain. They've agreed to allow MWC21 Barcelona registrants to enter Spain. This involved expanding the highly qualified workers' exception to include exhibitors, attendees, sponsors, stand-builders and partners - on proof of registration for MWC21. This means everyone from our vast and global ecosystem, will be allowed to attend MWC21!

To me, classifying delegates as highly qualified workers' underlines the essential work and global impact of the mobile industry. And of course, this is on the condition that attendees adhere to the steps outlined in our multi-layered health and safety plan, Committed Community.

We are making every effort to simplify travel in these circumstances, and in the coming weeks, we will announce details of further resources and steps to aid with journey planning. In many ways, life and business will never be the same again and none of us will take international travel for granted in future.

As I have said previously, not everyone will be able to join us in person this year so, we continue to improve our digital offering. In the past, MWC has set the gold standard for industry events, and we will continue to do so in the hybrid era.

They say that times of crisis accelerate progress and innovation. The impact of this global pandemic, which has been the farthest-reaching in my memory, has proved no exception to that thinking. The rate of change is phenomenal, and this will be reflected in the changing MWC experience; however, you plan to share it with us.

I cannot share these thoughts without acknowledging the extraordinary lengths people are expending to ensure MWC21 is unmissable. Their efforts reflect a profound truth not just about MWC but about human connection, forging lasting partnerships and re-establishing working relationships. Their fuel is a sincere desire to recover from this tricky situation whilst balancing the recognition that we must adhere to strict guidelines and act responsibly, each doing our part.

I must also say a big thank you to all of our exhibitors. We are grateful to count so many leaders as part of our loyal MWC family and the support we've received is overwhelmingly positive. I will miss seeing some of our long-time partners and friends in-person, but respect that we are leading in unprecedented times. The ongoing collaboration to pivot some of our exhibitors to a virtual presence is creativity and innovation at its best. It makes me proud to serve this ecosystem.

However you plan to attend, I look forward to seeing you there.

John Hoffman,

CEO, GSMA Limited.

Like what you read? Share.
LINK: https://www.gsma.com/newsroom/press-release/lessons-from-the-pandemic-...
See more stories from gsma

More from GSMA

26/03/2024

China's Leading Mobile Operators First To Commercially Launch New Fraud Reducing Password Service, After Receiving GSMA Open Gateway Certification

GSMA welcomes CITIC Telecom, Huawei and ZTE as Channel Partners 26 March 2024, Beijing: China's three leading mobile operators - China Mobile, China Telec...

26/03/2024

China's 5G market is set to add almost $260 billion to the Chinese economy in 2030 with connections set to top 1 billion this year

At the Post-MWC Sharing Event in Beijing, leaders from the GSMA contextualised t...

20/03/2024

European Mobile Operators and GSMA Unveil a Pioneering Manifesto for Europe's Digital Future

A new digital infrastructure framework that fosters investment, innovation, and ...

19/03/2024

Maturing Global Mobile Money Market Hits $1.4tn in Transaction Value

New GSMA report finds mobile money is fueling economic growth and expansion of financial services in Sub-Saharan Africa. 19 March 2024, London: Mobile money ...

12/03/2024

Women in the Digital Economy Fund: USAID, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Partners Launch WiDEF

NEW YORK, MARCH 12, 2024 - The Women in the Digital Economy Fund (WiDEF), a five...

04/03/2024

GSMA MWC Barcelona 2024 Closes with Over 101,000 Attendees

MWC Barcelona brought together connectivity leaders from 205 countries and territories, exploring industry topics including AI, the usage gap, GSMA Open Gateway...

28/02/2024

5G Momentum Continues with 1.6 Billion Connections Worldwide, Rising to 5.5 Billion by 2030, According to GSMA Intelligence

Industry opportunities driven by developments in 5G Standalone, 5G-Advanced, ent...

27/02/2024

GSMA and Shields Unveil New Commerce Platform to Help Telecoms Industry Meet Environmental and Financial Sustainability Targets

The GSMA Equipment Marketplace cloud-based platform will help telecommunication ...

27/02/2024

European Networks Leading Race to Net Zero with North America, MENA & LATAM Accelerating, New GSMA Climate Report Reveals

The GSMA's 2024 Mobile Net Zero report spotlights regional leaders in cuttin...

27/02/2024

Asisat Oshoala Calls on Governments to Improve Digital Literacy Initiatives and Close the Usage Gap

Six-time and reigning African Women's Footballer of the Year uses MWC Barcel...

26/02/2024

GSMA Open Gateway Launch in Germany: Mobile Operators Open up New Business Models with Network API Launch

Deutsche Telekom, O2 Telef nica and Vodafone are launching SIM Swap and Number V...

26/02/2024

GSMA Open Gateway Goes From Strength-to-Strength with Worldwide Commercial Launches, More Operators and New Go-to-Market Channels

More than 40 mobile operator networks across five continents have now commercial...

26/02/2024

GSMA MWC Barcelona Brings Industries Together for Four Days of Discussion and Debate on the Future of Connectivity

MWC Barcelona 2024 welcomes the most iconic names in connectivity for nine keyno...

26/02/2024

GSMA and UK FCDO Deepen their Commitment to Digital Development Through Renewed 37.3M Funding Partnership

New phase of the strategic partnership to support GSMA Mobile for Development...

22/02/2024

South African mobile operators announce new services to combat fraud, as part of GSMA Open Gateway initiative

Telecommunications operators Cell C, MTN, and Telkom welcome launch of two unive...

06/02/2024

SPANISH MOBILE INDUSTRY TO LAUNCH ONLINE ANTI-FRAUD AND IDENTITY SERVICES THROUGH GSMA OPEN GATEWAY INITIATIVE

Orange, Telefonica, and Vodafone will open their mobile networks to developers w...

25/01/2024

GSMA unveils new keynote speakers and features for MWC Barcelona 2024

Speakers include leaders from Accenture, Dell Technologies, Microsoft and the United Nations; as well as Nobel Prize laureate, Sir Konstantin Sergeevich Novosel...

15/12/2023

GSMA HAILS GROUNDBREAKING SPECTRUM DECISIONS AT WRC-23

Spectrum decisions at the ITU's World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 clear the path for a bright digital future for billions worldwide 15th December 2...

11/12/2023

THE GSMA LAUNCHES ITS NEWEST INNOVATION FUND TO ADDRESS HUMANITARIAN CHALLENGES

Applications for the GSMA's Humanitarian Innovation Fund, which has distributed over £5 million since 2017, are now open to start-ups, SMEs and social enter...

08/12/2023

INDONESIA MUST ACCELERATE DELIVERY OF DIGITAL STRATEGY TO ACHIEVE GOVERNMENT'S TOP 10 GLOBAL ECONOMY BY 2030 AMBITIONS, SAYS GSMA REPORT

The new report from the GSMA, published at its Indonesia Digital Nations Summit ...

05/12/2023

GSMA M360 MENA COMMENCES IN RIYADH AS NEW REPORT CONFIRMS 5G IS DRIVING GDP GROWTH IN THE REGION

The GSMA celebrates the start of proceedings with the publication of its annual ...

28/11/2023

BRAZILIAN MOBILE INDUSTRY LAUNCHES THREE ANTI-FRAUD NETWORK SERVICES AND BECOMES PIONEER FOR GSMA OPEN GATEWAY

With this initiative, Claro, TIM, and Vivo will open their networks to developer...

09/11/2023

GSMA WARNS OF $14BN (IDR 216TN) PRODUCTIVITY LOSS TO INDONESIAN ECONOMY UNLESS FUTURE MOBILE SPECTRUM PRICES ARE SUSTAINABLE

New GSMA Intelligence research reveals mobile spectrum costs in Indonesia have r...

11/10/2023

SMARTPHONE OWNERS ARE NOW THE GLOBAL MAJORITY, NEW GSMA REPORT REVEALS

The GSMA's sixth annual State of Mobile Internet Connectivity Report includes several first-time pieces of global and regional analysis, including the numbe...

09/10/2023

HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT PAUL KAGAME TO OPEN MWC KIGALI 2023

Secure your spot and register today to attend MWC Kigali, 17-19 October 2023 9 October 2023, London: The GSMA is delighted to announce that His Excellency Pau...

29/09/2023

A Lively MWC Las Vegas in Partnership With CTIA Lit Up Debate Across the Mobile Ecosystem, Vertical Industries and Start-ups

The 2023 edition of GSMA MWC Las Vegas saw a rise in attendees from vertical ind...

18/09/2023

MWC BARCELONA 2023 EXCEEDS PRE-EVENT EXPECTATIONS TO GENERATE 461mn FOR BARCELONA'S ECONOMY

World's largest and most influential connectivity event also exceeded pre-ev...

16/09/2023

IMPROVEMENTS IN MOBILE CONNECTIVITY CORRELATE TO GREATER IMPACT TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS, ACCORDING TO GSMA REPORT

The GSMA's eighth SDG impact report, published at the halfway point to the 2...

07/09/2023

GSMA M360 APAC RETURNS WITH DEBUT EDITION IN SEOUL SOUTH KOREA

The annual conference opens with the launch of the GSMA's Digital Societies in Asia Pacific Report 7 September 2023, Seoul: The GSMA M360 APAC event return...

07/09/2023

GSMA M360 APAC

M360 GSMA 2023 9 7 , : GSMA M360 APAC . KT . ...

27/07/2023

GSMA MWC LAS VEGAS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CTIA: THE MUST-ATTEND EVENT FOR MOBILE AND TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRIES

Registration is open for MWC Las Vegas press passes 27 July 2023, London: The G...

25/07/2023

ASIA PACIFIC TO SEE TENFOLD RISE IN 5G MOBILE CONNECTIONS BY 2030 AS DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION GATHERS PACE, GSMA REPORT REVEALS

However, despite 96% mobile broadband coverage across the region, barriers in ce...

24/07/2023

THE MOBILE ECONOMY ASIA PACIFIC REPORT

Asia Pacific to see tenfold rise in 5G mobile connections by 2030 as digital transformation gathers pace, GSMA report reveals However, despite 96% mobile broad...

12/07/2023

GSMA AND EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY LAUNCH NEW COMMUNICATIONS INNOVATION PARTNERSHIP

New Collaboration Will Look to Accelerate Advancements in Satellite and Terrestrial Communications Network Integration 12 July 2023, OXFORDSHIRE: The GSMA and ...

30/06/2023

MWC SHANGHAI 2023 WRAPS UP 10TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT AFTER THREE DAYS OF COLLABORATION, INSIGHTS AND INNOVATION

MWC Shanghai 2023 welcomed nearly 37,000 delegates from 115 countries and territ...

28/06/2023

GSMA MWC SHANGHAI OPENS ITS DOORS FOR 10th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

MWC Shanghai convenes global leaders from the mobile ecosystem at the SNIEC to celebrate the first fully in-person iteration of the event since 2019 28 June 20...

27/06/2023

MOBILE INDUSTRY EYES FIVE BILLION DORMANT' PHONES SITTING IN DESK DRAWERS FOR REUSE OR RECYCLING

12 leading global operators and the GSMA agree pace-setting ambitions in the ind...

26/06/2023

CHINA'S THREE LARGEST MOBILE OPERATORS JOIN GSMA OPEN GATEWAY INITIATIVE

Global initiative to help mobile industry, developers and cloud providers collaborate on development of universal network APIs now supported across all continen...

25/06/2023

GSMA WELCOMES LEADING CHINESE OPERATORS TO GLOBAL OPEN GATEWAY INITIATIVE AHEAD OF MWC SHANGHAI

25 June 2023, Shanghai: The GSMA today hosted a press conference ahead of MWC Sh...

31/05/2023

100 MILLION WOMEN PER YEAR WILL NEED TO ADOPT MOBILE INTERNET TO CLOSE THE GENDER GAP BY 2030, GSMA REPORT REVEALS

The sixth annual Mobile Gender Gap Report evaluates mobile ownership and mobile ...

19/05/2023

Telecom sector joins forces in call for new policies to drive EU connectivity leadership

Brussels, London, 19 May 2023 - The GSMA and ETNO, industry associations represe...