LONDON — After canceling Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona 2020 in February due to the COVID-19 outbreak and corporate travel restrictions, GSMA announced this week it is refunding the full purchase price of attendee registrations and is offering tiered financial package options for exhibitors and sponsors. GSMA, an organization that represents more than 750 mobile operators and nearly 400 companies, will also roll back pricing for MWC2021 to 2019 rates.
Slated for Feb. 24-27 in Barcelona, MWC2020 was expected to attract 2,400 exhibitors and more than 130,000 attendees. The 2019 show, with attendance of 107,000, had an economic impact of €473M ($520 million US) for the city of Barcelona, according to GSMA.
Related. More on MWC: Top U.S. Trade Shows Set to Go On Notwithstanding COVID-19 Outbreak; Mobile World Congress Shares Insight into Its Cancellation
“The GSMA values the loyalty and support our members and partners in the mobile ecosystem worldwide,” said John Hoffman, CEO, GSMA Ltd. “We are grateful to have the full support from our operator Board of Directors and already have formal exhibition support for MWC Barcelona 2021 from NTT DOCOMO, Orange, Telefonica and Vodafone. More than ever, our sincere thoughts remain with those affected around the world in these trying times.”
GSMA is offering exhibitors and sponsors tiered packages that incentivize them to apply their payments to participate in the event over the next three years. Companies that spent up to £5,000 have one of two options. The first option is the cash equivalent to 100% of 2020 paid fees. The second option is a cumulative fees credit of 125% of 2020 paid fees over three years, with a 65% fees credit for MWC2021, 35% fees credit for MWC2022, 25% fees credit for MWC2023.
Companies that spent more than £5,000 will have one of two options. The first option is the cash equivalent (for those who that did not cancel their attendance at MWC Barcelona 2020) up to 50% of 2020 paid fees, capped at a maximum £150,000. The second option offers a cumulative fees credit of 125% of 2020 paid fees over three years, with a 65% fees credit for MWC2021, 35% fees credit for MWC2022, and 25% fees credit for MWC2023. Exhibitors that pulled out prior to the GSMA canceling the show will be eligible to the credit deal.
In 2021, MWC will be held March 1-4 in Barcelona.
Related. Watch this interview with John Hoffman: https://www.mobileworldlive.com/videos/features/interview-mwc20-barcelona-financial-package-john-hoffman/
Reach GSMA at +44 (0)207 356 0600 or pressoffice@gsma.com.
