The 2017 edition of Mobile World Congress showcased how mobile is the force behind many emerging innovations. More than 108,000 professionals from 208 countries attended the Congress, which was covered by approximately 3,500 members of the international press and media.
More than 2,300 companies participated in the 2017 exhibition, which spanned nine halls and 11 outdoor spaces at Fira Gran Via and Fira Montjuïc. Everything from connected cars, virtual reality, new handsets and ingenious app ideas, to 3D printing, privacy protection and backend solutions were on display. The GSMA Innovation City provided immersive demonstrations of the most cutting-edge mobile enabled products and services in the world today.
A compelling conference programme
The 2017 conference programme featured 322 speakers from consumer brands, mobile organisations, mobile operators and industries touched by the mobile market – including automotive, advertising, banking, healthcare, the not-for-profit sector, entertainment and education.
Global Mobile Awards
At the annual Global Mobile Awards, 40 game-changing products, services, devices, apps and technologies were awarded Glomos.
4 Years from Now
Looking toward the future, 4YFN unveiled a world of innovation. Thousands of attendees visited this cutting-edge programme at Fira Montjuïc, which brought together start-ups, investors and business owners for learning and networking opportunities. The event was designed to give entrepreneurs the exposure they need to showcase their ideas to the global tech community.
Women 4 Tech
Over the four days of the Congress, the Women4Tech programme provided a global platform focused specifically on increasing the inclusion of women in the mobile industry and showcasing best practices for female leadership.
Youth Mobile Festival (YOMO)
The Youth Mobile Festival welcomed more than 11,000 secondary school children from across Catalonia and Spain to a huge showcase of science and technology. This educational event taught the students about science, technology, engineering, design/art and mathematics disciplines, encouraging them to pursue careers that may lead them into the mobile industry.
Comprehensive programme for senior delegates from the EU institutions
GSMA Europe’s team members organised and facilitated a comprehensive programme for senior delegates from the EU institutions, including high-level roundtables involving Commission representatives, MEPs and regulators. Vice-President of the European Commission, Andrus Ansip chaired the roundtable discussion on connected and automated driving. In the presence of Commissioner Günther Oettinger and Director General Roberto Viola, the telecoms and automotive industries reported the latest developments on connected cars in Europe.
Vice-President Ansip also delivered a keynote on Building the 5G Economy at the Ministerial Programme and participated in the GSMA’s Transatlantic Dialogue on Bringing the Future into Focus: Proactive Policy Making to Advance the Digital Economy.
Roberto Viola also participated in the 5GPPP Announcement of a 5G trials roadmap strategy and exchanged views with EU telecoms CEOs during a discussion hosted by GSMA Director General Mats Granryd and attended by Vice-President Ansip. Mr. Viola then took centre-stage himself at the Ministerial Programme session on ‘The Path to Digital Europe’ where he joined MEP Pilar del Castillo, to present the European Union’s Digital projects and ideas.
The 18-strong delegation from the European Parliament also participated in an extensive two-day programme at the Congress. The MEPs and accompanying assistants had the opportunity to become familiar with the newest technological developments, through a guided tour of several stands including the GSMA Innovation City, which highlighted key GSMA programmes and initiatives including Connected Living, Managed Services, Mobile Connect, Mobile for Development and Network 2020, as well as the GSMA’s work supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
To read more about this year’s highlights, click here.
For a detailed summary of the themes emerging from the Congress, please see GSMA Intelligence Mobile World Congress Wrap Up.
The next Mobile World Congress will take place from 26 February to 1 March, 2018, in the Mobile World Capital Barcelona. Mark your calendars for another undoubtedly exciting event.