Barcelona once again brings together entrepreneurs and likewise leaders in the mobile communications industry to the Mobile World Congress in February. The annual event is the world’s most renowned mobile industry network, providing new business opportunities and showcasing innovations in mobile related technology.
The event, organized by GSM Association Ltd, a mobile systems association; further it promotes innovation and distribution within the mobile industry. Moreover, the association has labeled Barcelona as the world mobile capital and promotes events throughout the year. The events are designed to strengthen Europe’s presences and establish as a leader in technological innovation. Previously, the Mobile World Congress has taken place in other cities in including Milan and Paris, but Barcelona has recently been named the site of the event through 2018.
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The history of Mobile World Congress
The first Mobile Worlds Congress was held in 1987. However, it was actually named Pan European Digital Conference. Over the years the name changed several times. Subsequently, in 2001, it was called 3GSM World Congress; and in 2005, GSM World Congress. Finally, in 2008 it took the name of Mobile World Congress. Since 2006, the congress has been held in the city of Barcelona. Previously it took place in other cities, for instance as: Cannes, Lisbon, London, Rome, Nice, Berlin, Athens and Madrid.
What is on the program?
There are usually main subjects and topics that are discussed and exhibited during the event. For example, the 2021 topics included; Artificial intelligence, Connectivity and 5G, Customer Engagement, Industry X, Media and entertainment, Our planet and lastly Security and Privacy. The exhibition floor, start-up exhibition program, conferences and keynotes, for instance, will all be around one or maybe multiple of these themes. Whether or not you are familiar with the topics and companies doesn’t matter, there will be various events and experiences that will introduce you into each topic. In addition, check out the Mobile World Congress website if you are keen to find out the topics for the next year!
Tickets for the Mobile World Congress
There are six different ticket options, each at varying prices. In the same vein, below is a breakdown of the ticket benefits and prices to help you choose the correct one. We also advise that you buy ticket sooner rather than later, to make sure they do not sell out!
- Discovery Pass – €699: Access to the exhibition floor, start-up exhibition program and virtual conference sessions/ keynotes.
- Intelligence Pass – €1,597: Same Discovery Pass access plus physical and virtual conference sessions/ keynotes and panel discussions given by industry experts.
- Leader’s Pass – €2,196: Same Intelligence Pass access plus more networking opportunities, specialist workshop discussions and VIP networking lounge access.
- VIP Pass – €4,196: Same Leader’s Pass access plus priority seating at keynotes and exclusive on-site speaker engagement.
- iDiscovery (virtual ticket) – €399: Stream conference sessions/ keynotes / start-up exhibition and program.
- iLeaders (virtual ticket) – €699: Same iDiscovery access plus enhanced virtual networking opportunities.
Where to stay?
The best areas to stay for the Mobile World Congress would be close to Plaza d’Espanya, as this is a very central location and close to both of the fair centres.
From €385 / night & €2,500 / month | Reference: BHB-1036 | License: HUTB-003013 | 150m2
This apartment is perfect for a large group. A long hallway with a beautiful arched entrance made of refurbished wood leads to the 5 lovely bedrooms; designed with a minimalist, natural theme for a sophisticated, uncluttered effect. The spacious living room, with its stylish black couch and comfortable sofas leads through smooth sliding doors to a bright and polished dining area surrounded by a pristine modern kitchen and access to a breezy private terrace with additional dining space.
The apartment is just few steps from Plaza d’Espanya; you will be very well close by metro and bus to each corner of Barcelona. Within a short walk, you will find the Arenas shopping center, full of great shops and restaurants, along with several wonderful tourist sites; including for instance the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, the Fira exhibition center, the Parc de Joan Miró, and the Parc de l´Españya Industrial. To eat we recommend waking to the nearby Poble Sec neighbourhood; and visiting Carrer Blai, a street lined with excellent and very inexpensive tapas bars.
From €265 / night | Reference: BH-1970 | License: HUTB-011699 | 47m2
With a decoration which represent minimalist style and more contemporary architecture; this apartment is a perfect place for those who come to visit Barcelona and just need a perfect connection in public transport to the city center; as well as closeness with major attractions in which take place many conferences and international festivals. Thus, you will be able to enjoy a quiet setting while being in a strategic spot, just between Plaza Espanya and the airport of El Prat; which will enable you to reach any part of the city easily.
Practical information
- Dates: around February and March each year
- Opening times: 09:00 to 19:00 daily except last day 09:00 to 16:00
- Main location: Fira Gran Via, Avinguda Joan Carles I, 64, 08908 L’hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona
How to get there
Because this is such a major event for Barcelona, you can be sure that the event will be easily accessible. There are various locations around the halls for buses to stop and also many parking spots for taxis. Not every topic may be as interesting for you and it is always pleasant to spend your lunch outside. We encourage you to take the opportunity to explore our beautiful city of Barcelona. Most of the events take place at the Gran Via Fira, but the 4YFN events take place at the Montjuïc Fira; and there is a free shuttle bus that will get you there. And if you have the VIP pass, includes the transfer from the airport to the venue.
If however, you are unable to get to Barcelona, make sure to check out the Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat and Youtube pages. There will be further updates throughout the event; making sure that you stay up-to-date even though you are not there!