Annual Mobile Event Attracted Over 7,900 CEOs; Attendees from Across the World Convene in Barcelona to Shape the Future of Mobile;
5G Front and Centre Stage
Barcelona: The GSMA today reported that more than 109,000* visitors from 198 countries and territories attended MWC19 Barcelona, the mobile industry's premier event. More than 55 per cent of this year's MWC attendees held senior-level positions, including 7,900CEOs. There were 3,640 international media and industry analysts at the event to report on the many significant industry announcements. Preliminary independent economic analysis indicates that MWC19 will have contributed approximately 473 million and more than 14,000 part-time jobs to the local economy.
Today we celebrate another highly successful MWC Barcelona, which brought together attendees, governments and regulators across the global ecosystem, spanning multiple sectors and reflecting the expanding role of mobile connectivity, said John Hoffman, CEO, GSMA Ltd. With the theme of Intelligent Connectivity', 5G was prominent at MWC19 and it was exciting to see a glimpse of that new world, with 5G-enabled handsets launched, new products and services, and even the first demonstration of live tele-monitored surgery over 5G technology. The mobile industry continues to make strong progress with 5G and MWC Barcelona continues to showcase the best and most creative elements of our connected world.
MWC Conference: Intelligent Connectivity
Over four days, MWC19 highlighted the intersection of hyper-connectivity', enabled by 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT), and intelligence', delivered by artificial intelligence (AI) and big data. In addition to the core elements of intelligent connectivity, MWC19 explored the key topics of Content, Digital Trust, Digital Wellness and The Future.
Keynote speakers represented organisations including ARM, Cisco, Citi, Daimler AG and Mercedes Benz, Digital Asset Holdings, Groupon, HTC, Huawei, IOC, KT Corporation, Light, Microsoft, Niantic Inc., Orange Group, Picasso Labs, Rakuten, Singtel, Smart Dubai, Sparrho, United Nations, Universal Music Group, Vimeo and Vodafone Group.
Showcasing the Future of Mobile
As always, MWC showcased the technologies, products and services that are shaping the future of mobile. More than 2,400 companies participated at MWC19 across more than 120,000 net square metres of exhibition and hospitality space at Fira Gran Via, including major brands such as Accenture, Alibaba Cloud, ARM, AT&T, BMW, Cisco Systems, Deutsche Telekom, Ericsson, Facebook, Google, HTC, Huawei, Intel, Lenovo, LG, Mercedes-Benz, Microsoft, NTT DOCOMO, Nokia Solutions and Networks, Ooredoo, Oracle, Orange, Qualcomm Incorporated, SAP, SEAT, SK Telecom, Telef nica, Verizon, Vodafone, Xiaomi and ZTE.
GSMA Leading the Way
The GSMA's award-winning video broadcast service Mobile World Live TV, which provides content throughout MWC, this year marked the first trial of 5G live broadcasting at the event. This year's broadcasts were supported by Samsung's 5G network, enabling true seamless transmission with low latency over the entire five days.
The GSMA also introduced BREEZ (Biometric Recognition Easy Entry Zone). Opt-in enrolment to BREEZ allowed contactless entry for attendees, enhancing security and eliminating the need to show ID or have badges scanned in order to enter the event at venue entry points and restricted areas. In its first year, more than 40 per cent of attendees used the service to successfully enter MWC19.
GSMA Innovation City
The popular GSMA Innovation City was visited by more than a third of MWC attendees, which experienced the mix of 5G, IoT, AI and big data and saw how it is already positively impacting the lives of citizens and businesses around the world. Visitors had the opportunity to experience a number of hands-on demonstrations across a range of diverse sectors including entertainment, transportation, environment and robotics from our partners Google, Huawei, KT Corporation, Sierra Wireless and Turkcell, as well as from GSMA programmes.
NEXTech
In the NEXTech Theatres, the GSMA hosted 40 Programmes by 38 Partners over the four days. The spotlight was on disruptive technologies from virtual reality/augmented reality and robotics, to cognitive computing, artificial intelligence, and more. The Graphene Pavilion was back for the fourth year, showcasing exciting ideas for bringing the benefits of graphene to new applications. Embracing new ideas for innovation and growth, MWC19 again presented the Mobile World Scholar Challenge to highlight new and impactful ideas from the academic and research communities across the globe.
Ministerial Programme: Platform for Critical Policy Dialogue
An integral element of MWC Barcelona, the Ministerial Programme offers a unique forum for ministers, regulators, international organisations and CEOs from around the world to discuss key developments and policy trends in the mobile sector. This year's programme broadenened the traditional policy and regulation discussion, with a new focus on mobile and the emerging digital citizen. The 2019 Ministerial Programme hosted 190 delegations from 150 countries and 40 international organisations, with total attendance exceeding 2,000 delegates.
Innovative and Entrepreneurial Startups Showcased at 4YFN
4 Years from Now (4YFN), one of the most influential start-up event platforms in the world, welcome more than 23,000 attendees in its sixth edition in Barcelona, with sponsors including Banco Sabadell, Airbus, Telefonica and Vueling. The programme included keynotes, panels, fireside chats and start-up competitions, 1:1 start-up mentoring, investor and corporate meetings, pitching competitions, pitch the press sessions, networking activities and more.
Women4Tech: Reducing the Gender Gap,
