Mobile World Congress (MWC) Called Off: A Shocking Update

Because many major exhibitors pulled out, the GSMA has decided to cancel this month’s Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona. As of now, Embedded World in Nuremberg, scheduled for the same week, is still set to take place.

The withdrawals began last week when LG and Ericsson led the way, pulling out due to coronavirus fears. Initially, the GSMA planned to proceed with the event and announced several safety measures. However, earlier this week, additional exhibitors decided to withdraw, prompting the GSMA to enhance its safety precautions, including banning attendees from certain parts of China. Despite these efforts, some of the industry’s biggest names—such as Amazon, BT, Cisco, Deutsche Telekom, Intel, MediaTek, Nokia, NTT Docomo, Nvidia, Sony, Sprint, ST Microelectronics, and Vodafone—also decided not to participate.

Given the widespread cancellations, the GSMA felt it necessary to cancel MWC 2020. In a statement, they explained: “With the safety and health conditions in Barcelona and the host country in mind, the GSMA has cancelled MWC Barcelona 2020. The global concern over the coronavirus outbreak, along with travel concerns and other factors, made it impossible to hold the event.” They also mentioned plans to proceed with MWC in 2021.

Regarding Embedded World, the only withdrawals known to Vehicle Electronics are Microchip and ST Microelectronics. The event was expected to host five exhibitors from the Hubei region and Wuhan city, but these participants are not anticipated anymore. The show organizers have not responded to inquiries about any further withdrawals.

In terms of visitor attendance, the event stated that the only cancellations from China have been from individuals residing in the Wuhan area.

MWC was scheduled from February 24 to 27, while Embedded World is set for February 25 to 27, 2020.