With an annual attendance estimated (in pre-COVID times, at least) at 100,000 people, MWC, also referred to as the Mobile World Congress, is returning to Barcelona this year with “renewed optimism and ambition.”
The 2022 edition of MWC Barcelona runs Feb. 28 to March 3 at the Fira Gran Via. Source: GSMARunning Feb. 28 to March 3, 2022, at the Fira Gran Via conference center, the event is dedicated to the mobile communications industry. In addition to over 1,000 slated speakers, more than 1,500 exhibitors will be in attendance — including numerous testing solutions providers that Electronics360 regularly reports on.
Event organizers report that they anticipate attendees from more than 150 countries for what they call “the world’s largest and most influential connectivity event.” This year’s show theme, “Connectivity Unleashed,” will delve into several subthemes including:
- 5G Connect, sponsored by Salesforce. By 2025, according to the MWC Barcelona website, 5G networks will cover one-third of the world’s population. This theme will explore what tomorrow’s world looks like, and the business models shaping its growth.
- Advancing AI. Global investment in this key driver of Industry 4.0 is set to top £170 billion by 2025. Topics covered will include data and automation, quantum computing and ethics.
- Internet of Everything. With over 40 billion devices and counting, referring to the concept as the “internet of things” almost sounds out of date. This theme will explore the transformation of our physical spaces to be more adaptive, customized — and even to anticipate new needs before they arise.
- CloudNet, sponsored by Kyndryl. The cloud is seen as a key enabler of large-scale transformation, with the market projected to reach $75 billion by 2026. Topics covered will include Open Radio Access Networks (OpenRAN), cloud migration and edge computing.
- FinTech. Over the past five to 10 years, many operators have entered the financial service space. Topics covered will include identity and security, payment innovations and the metaverse.
- Tech Horizon. With a spotlight on high-growth verticals like health care, automotive and drones, this theme aims to explore how mobile is transforming the future with innovations that go beyond the industry and deliver purpose.
Startup innovators will also welcome the return of 4YFN, an acronym for “Four Years from Now.” The exhibition will feature over 500 international startups and over 300 speakers convening to share insights. Organizers report that they anticipate more than 4 billion euros of potential investment available at this year’s 4YFN event, and 200 startups will pitch to leading funds, venture capital and corporate venture capital.
Also planned is a Diversity4Tech Summit, which will host a range of speakers focused on making a case for greater diversity and inclusion in business and the technology sector.
Word to the wise: It sounds like Barcelona is the place to be for the week starting Feb. 28 — though if you can’t make it, there’s also an option to attend virtually. For more information, visit the MWC Barcelona website.
