The GSMA, the organiser of the world’s largest mobile trade show, Mobile World Congress (MWC) has announced the 2020 edition of the event has been cancelled due to growing concerns over the coronavirus outbreak.
The organisation made the announcement following the decision of many exhibitors to withdraw from the event to safeguard the health of their employees and customers.
In a statement, GSMA’s CEO John Hoffman, said the concerns over the outbreak “make it impossible” to hold the event. The full statement read:
“Since the first edition of Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in 2006, the GSMA has convened the industry, governments, ministers, policymakers, operators and industry leaders across the broader ecosystem. With due regard to the safe and healthy environment in Barcelona and the host country today, the GSMA has cancelled MWC Barcelona 2020 because the global concern regarding the coronavirus outbreak, travel concern and other circumstances, make it impossible for the GSMA to hold the event. The Host City Parties respect and understand this decision. The GSMA and the Host City Parties will continue to be working in unison and supporting each other for MWC Barcelona 2021 and future editions. Our sympathies at this time are with those affected in China, and all around the world. Further updates from the GSMA, are on our website and can be found on www.mwcbarcelona.com.”
