Mobile World Congress marks 20th anniversary in Barcelona with 105,000 visitors

The Mobile World Congress (MWC) closed its 20th anniversary edition in Barcelona with 105,000 visitors, a 3.7% decline from last year, when attendance matched the 2019 record of 109,000.

According to organizers GSMA, more than 2,900 companies and 1,700 speakers filled the Gran Via venue in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, with artificial intelligence dominating much of the event.

"After 20 years in Barcelona, MWC continues to surprise and exceed expectations," said John Hoffman, GSMA chief executive.

The congress also hosted the 4YFN startup event, which drew over 1,000 exhibitors and 300 speakers.

Government and industry participation

The GSMA ministerial program brought together 188 government delegations, 45 intergovernmental organizations, 54 ministers, and 118 regulatory authority officials.

Overall, 17% of attendees were C-level executives, while 45% held senior or executive positions. Women accounted for 27% of participants.

Meanwhile, the Talent Arena, organized by Mobile World Capital Barcelona at Fira Montjuïc, attracted more than 25,000 attendees connected to the digital talent ecosystem.

Technology highlights

This year's innovations included sensor-free robots capable of connecting with each other, smartphones with robotic arms that recognize users and enable interactive control, ultrathin foldable devices, computers with 3D displays, and phones equipped with privacy technology that activates automatically for sensitive apps, such as banking.

Catalan companies showcased products including glasses for people with low vision, a device for monitoring orthodontic treatments, generative AI tools to improve connectivity and combat loneliness among older adults, and an agricultural robot designed to treat fungi in horticulture.

Minimalist mobile phones also featured, aimed at reducing online distractions and daily device use, while satellites and space-based connectivity technologies also drew attention.