GSMA announces packages for cancelled MWC attendees, exhibitors

MWC 2020 cancelled
A man rides at Fira de Barcelona after the Mobile World Congress (MWC) was cancelled, in Barcelona, Spain February 13, 2020. REUTERS/Nacho Doce

Following the cancellation of MWC in Barcelona 2020, the GSMA has given much consideration to a financial package for its clients which demonstrates genuine goodwill and also ensures the longevity and sustainability of the GSMA and MWC series of events.

The vision at the GSMA is to unlock the power of connectivity so that people, industry and society thrive. It has never been more critical to ensure the continuity of its convening, advocacy and technology efforts to advance the world.

The GSMA said it was grateful for the loyalty of attendees, exhibitors and sponsors over the years and that it was pleased to announce a plan to provide the following goodwill financial package:

  • The purchase price of all attendee tickets will be returned, 100%, via the original method of payment.
  • Clients with spend up to £5,000 will have one of two options:
    • Option one: cash equivalent to 100% of 2020 paid fees; OR
    • Option two: A cumulative fees credit of 125% of 2020 paid fees over three years as follows:
      • MWC2021: 65% fees credit
      • MWC2022: 35% fees credit
      • MWC2023: 25% fees credit
  • Clients with spend above £5,000* will have one of two options:
    • Option one: cash equivalent to 50% of 2020 paid fees, capped at a maximum £150,000; OR
    • Option two: A cumulative fees credit of 125% of 2020 paid fees over three years as follows:
      • MWC2021: 65% fees credit
      • MWC2022: 35% fees credit
      • MWC2023: 25% fees credit

As a further gesture of goodwill to support its clients, MWC2021 rates will roll-back to those used in 2019.

“The GSMA values the loyalty and support our members and partners in the mobile ecosystem worldwide. We are grateful to have the full support from our operator Board of Directors and already have formal exhibition support for MWC Barcelona 2021 from NTT DOCOMO, Orange, Telefonica and Vodafone”, said John Hoffman, CEO GSMA Ltd.  “More than ever, our sincere thoughts remain with those affected around the world in these trying times.”

Our plan to provide this goodwill gesture is not an admission of any liability, and the GSMA stands behind the decision it took to cancel MWC Barcelona 2020. It was the only option at the time, as has been made clear by subsequent events. It is a recognition that, without attendees, exhibitors and sponsors, there wouldn’t be MWC Barcelona. The GSMA thanks its colleagues in the industry for their continued support. The approach seeks to ensure a long-term relationship with the whole MWC ecosystem for the years to come and has been created to give everyone the best possible opportunity to return for MWC Barcelona 2021.

*Eligibility for a cash component to the financial package is for those exhibitors who did not cancel their attendance at MWC Barcelona 2020.

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