EBN-The GSMA reported that the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, which ended on March 6, drew 109,000 attendees from all over the world, solidifying its standing as a forum that unites significant figures in the technology industry.
Industries come together at MWC, and this year’s event has shown how quickly technology is changing and affecting our surroundings. John Hoffman, CEO of the GSMA, stated, “The talks in Barcelona this week have been crucial in forming the year ahead, from AI-powered networks to the future of smart mobility, and what happens at MWC is sparking real change.”
In addition to more than 2,900 exhibitors, sponsors, and partners, the GSMA announced that delegates from 205 nations and regions attended this year’s conference. Additionally, 41% of the 1,200 speakers at the event were female.
The GSMA Ministerial Programme hosted delegations from 148 countries, including 66 ministers and 111 regulators, while the 4YFN platform dedicated to startups saw the participation of more than 1,000 startups, nearly 380 speakers and attracted more than 900 investors managing investment funds with a total value of up to €60 billion.
The event received extensive media coverage, with more than 2,900 journalists and tech analysts attending to follow the latest developments, and MWC’s digital platforms saw significant engagement, with nearly half a million unique views recorded for keynote sessions and live broadcasts.
The Talent Arena, organised by Mobile World Capital Barcelona in conjunction with the event, attracted more than 20,000 visitors, 53% of whom were senior professionals, and 47% were students and young professionals.
“I have attended every MWC since its inception, and with this being my last as CEO, I am very proud of how the conference has evolved, ” said Mats Grandryd, Director General of the GSMA, at MWC Barcelona 2025. “This industry is entering a new era, and I am grateful to have contributed even a small part of that journey. Each MWC builds on the previous one, and this one was exceptional.”
As I now hand over the responsibility to Vivek Badrinath, I am confident that the GSMA is uniquely positioned to unite policymakers, start-ups and institutions to foster constructive dialogue between the public and private sectors on critical issues.
With MWC25 Barcelona wrapping up, the GSMA is gearing up for an eventful year, with MWC25 Shanghai taking place from 18-20 June 2025, and the inaugural MWC25 Doha taking place on 25-26 November 2025. The dates for next year’s MWC Barcelona have also been set, taking place from 2-5 March 2026.
