The recent MWC25 in Barcelona, one of the most significant global connectivity events, achieved remarkable success by attracting over 109,000 attendees representing 205 countries and territories. This rapidly expanding platform showcased a range of groundbreaking advancements in mobile technology and artificial intelligence (AI).

Throughout the week, the conference served as a hub for industry leaders and innovators to engage in influential discussions surrounding technology's impact on society, business, and culture. Keynote speeches highlighted the transformative potential of AI, smart mobility, and the future of digital connectivity. John Hoffman, CEO of GSMA Ltd., emphasized the importance of this year’s event, stating, 'MWC is where industries meet, and this year’s event demonstrated the speed at which technology is reshaping our world. The conversations ignited here will reverberate throughout the year, particularly as we look forward to MWC25 in Shanghai this coming June.'

Key Highlights from MWC25 Barcelona:

- **Exhibition Participation**: More than 2,900 exhibitors, sponsors, and partners showcased their innovations.

- **Diverse Representation**: The event featured over 1,200 speakers, with 41% being women, signaling progress in industry representation.

- **Global Ministerial Engagement**: The GSMA Ministerial Programme brought together 188 delegations from 148 nations, including 66 ministers and 111 regulatory authorities, emphasizing the international collaboration present.

- **Startups on Display**: The 4YFN segment attracted over 1,000 startup exhibitors, nearly 380 speakers, and around 900 investors with combined funds exceeding €60 billion, showcasing the vibrant startup ecosystem.

- **Diverse Attendee Composition**: Notably, 56% of attendees hailed from ancillary industries, and the event had a strong representation of senior executives, with 21% at the C-suite level and 27% identifying as women.

The event was not just about discussions; it sparked significant online engagement, with close to half a million unique views of keynotes and live sessions across various platforms, underscoring the expansive reach of MWC Barcelona.

In a separate yet significant occurrence, the Talent Arena, organized by Mobile World Capital Barcelona and in conjunction with MWC25, attracted over 20,000 participants, including 53% senior professionals and 47% students and emerging talent.

Mats Granryd, the outgoing director general of GSMA, expressed pride in the evolution of MWC, stating, 'Each year builds on the last, and this year was groundbreaking. The industry is in a new era, and I’m honored to have contributed to this journey.' As he transitions leadership to Vivek Badrinath, Granryd highlighted the pivotal role of the GSMA in uniting stakeholders to navigate the complexities of the tech landscape.

Looking ahead, MWC25 serves as the starting point for GSMA’s exciting lineup of global events. They recently announced MWC25 Doha, scheduled for November 25-26, 2025, which aims to unify industry leaders and policymakers in advancing digital societies across the Middle East. The next major gathering, MWC25 Shanghai, is set for June 18-20, 2025, featuring the return of 4YFN alongside the new co-location of IOTE.

In conclusion, MWC25 Barcelona has undeniably emerged as a catalyst for future technological advancements and collaborative efforts. Be sure to catch all keynote sessions on-demand and mark your calendars for MWC26, returning on March 2-5, 2026. See you there!