The World Mobile Congress (MWC) organizer GSMA announced today that it will cancel the MWC 2020 Shanghai Conference due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The GSMA said the decision was based on the notice recently announced by the Chinese government regarding the suspension of large-scale gatherings and exhibitions, as well as concerns about the global pandemic of the coronavirus.
The GSMA stated in the statement that health and safety are our most important considerations. In this regard, GSMA has maintained close communication with relevant departments and agencies and has consulted health agencies.
GSMA will consider holding regional meetings and events in the second half of 2020 and will communicate and coordinate with the relevant government and health departments at appropriate times and venues.
GSMA will determine the feasibility of the new arrangement later.
Since the first Mobile World Congress was held in China, GSMA has successfully provided a communication platform for global industries, governments, policymakers, operators, and industry leaders in the broad ecological chain.
MWC Shanghai has also grown into a three-day international exhibition and attracted executives and partners from industry and vertical industries.
On February 13 this year, the GSMA announced its decision to cancel the 2020 MWC (World Mobile Congress) scheduled to be held in Barcelona at the end of February.
The reason for the cancellation was "global concerns about the new coronavirus epidemic, travel concerns and other factors that prevented the GSMA from holding this conference."
Here is the full announcement:
In light of current government guidance1, the global concern regarding the coronavirus outbreak, travel restrictions and other circumstances, the GSMA has cancelled MWC Shanghai 2020. The GSMA has been in regular contact with stakeholders, and sought the advice of health officials and other authorities, as health and safety remain our top priority. The GSMA will work with government and health authorities to find a suitable date and venue to hold regional conferences in China in the latter half of 2020. We will confirm the feasibility of this in the coming months.
Since the first edition of Mobile World Congress in China, the GSMA has successfully convened the industry, governments, ministers, policymakers, operators and industry leaders across the broader ecosystem. MWC Shanghai has grown to a three-day international event, attracting senior executives and companies from a wide range of vertical industry sectors to the region.
We look forward to continuing to engage in the region throughout the year and in the build-up to MWC Shanghai 2021. Further updates from the GSMA, are on our website and can be found on www.mwcshanghai.com.
