The GSMA has reported that more than 72,000 visitors from over 200 countries attended the 2013 Mobile World Congress, setting another new record for the mobile industry’s premier event, which concluded on 28th February. The four-day conference and exhibition attracted executives from the world’s largest and most influential mobile operators, software companies, equipment providers, Internet companies and companies from industry sectors such as automotive, finance and healthcare, as well as government delegations from across the globe. Over 50 per cent of this year’s Mobile World Congress attendees hold C-level positions, including more than 4,300 CEOs.
Mobile World Congress set additional records, with more than 1,700 exhibiting companies showcasing cutting-edge products and services across 94,000 net square metres of exhibition and hospitality space. More than 3,400 international media and industry analysts attended the event to report on the many significant industry announcements made at the Congress.
According to a preliminary independent economic analysis, the 2013 Mobile World Congress will have contributed more than 320 million Euros to the local economy. This represents an increase of approximately 19 million Euros over the economic impact of the 2012 event and is driven by the growth in attendance and number of exhibiting companies, as well as the increased footprint of exhibition and hospitality spaces.
A highlight of the Mobile World Congress exhibition was the Connected City, which featured a complete urban environment, including a town hall, department store, apartment, electrical store, hotel, café and lounge, office, a car showroom and a street. Developed in partnership with AT&T, Deutsche Telekom, KT, Telenor and Vodafone, the Connected City showcased new products and experiences illustrating how a more connected future – powered by mobile – will improve people’s daily lives across automotive, education, health, homes, retail and more.
More than 10,500 attendees participated in the newly introduced NFC Experience , an interactive experience through which attendees, exhibitors and vendors used NFC-enabled handsets to exchange information and conduct transactions at locations throughout Fira Gran Via and in Barcelona. Partners in the NFC Experience included Sony Mobile Communications, CaixaBank, Telefónica, Visa, Gemalto, INSIDE Secure, Hotel Santos Porta Fira, Assa Abloy, Accenture, Connecthings, Open Trends, Ajuntament de Barcelona and Mobile World Capital.
The 2014 Mobile World Congress will be held 24-27 February 2014 at Fira Gran Via, in Barcelona.
