GSMA Mobile World Congress, MWC 2014

- an initial view of Mobile World Congress 2014

The 2014 GSMA Mobile World Congress, MWC is to be held at the new MWC venue at the Fira de Barcelona Gran Via, Barcelona, Spain.

Mobile World Congress is held each year and it is a the place for those in the mobile industry to gather, network and conduct business.

The GSMA Mobile World Congress has established itself as the major global mobile telecommunications event. It provides a conference featuring the major figures from the industry; panel discussions proving insights into the thinking behind future trends. It also features a very large exhibition at which more than 1700 companies have taken space to exhibit the very latest in mobile telecommunications technology. In addition to this, the annual Global Mobile Awards ceremony is held where awards are presented for the most innovative mobile solutions and initiatives from around the globe.

2013 event

The Mobile World Congress held in 2013 was a particular success. With over 1700 companies exhibiting and more than 72 000 visitors it was the cellular conference.The new venue provided some significant benefits and enabled exhibitors and visitors to have the space that was needed.

To see what it was like, check out our video report.

As can be seen from the MWC report, there was plenty to see, the latest innovation was on show, and almost everyone associated with mobile technology was there.

Transport

The move to the new venue created some concerns for visitors for the first year. However any small difficulties should be solved for MWC 2014.

GSMA organised a frequency shuttle bus service between the old and new Firas during peak times. However the most convenient method, even if rather packed was to take the transport to Placa Espanya and then take the frequent train L8 service (covered by the TMB tickets) to Europe/Fira. It was then just a short walk following the crowds and directed by the plentiful guides to the Fira Gan Via.

Being just off the main road between the airport and the centre of Barcelona road transport (including taxis) was quick, although the taxi queues in the evening were long.

Fira Gran Via Barcelona

Gran Via Europe Hall Entrance