MWC Barcelona attracted over 88,500 visitors from 202 countries, including decision-makers and top executives

MWC Barcelona 2023 in numbers: A resounding success for the Mobile Ecosystem

The recently concluded Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona 2023 proved to be a resounding success, attracting over 88,500 attendees from 202 countries and territories. With over 2,400 exhibitors, sponsors, partners, and more than 1,000 speakers and top industry leaders, the event was the largest gathering of mobile industry professionals and enthusiasts.

One of the most remarkable aspects of MWC Barcelona 2023 was the diversity of its attendees. Over 56% of those who attended came from industries adjacent to the core mobile ecosystem, indicating the growing importance of mobile technology in a wide range of industries. More than 40% of keynote speakers were from adjacent industries, and over 40% were women, highlighting the conference's commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity.

The event also drew an impressive number of senior-level executives, with over half of attendees at director level or above. Of these, 21% were C-suite executives, and 26% were women, indicating a growing diversity trend in leadership positions.

The GSMA Ministerial Programme, which convened during the event, attracted the highest number of delegations ever, with 196 delegations from over 150 countries, including nearly 70 ministers and over 100 heads of regulatory authorities. This is a testament to the importance of the mobile industry in driving economic growth and development worldwide.

The 4YFN segment of the conference, which is dedicated to startups and entrepreneurs, welcomed almost 800 exhibitors, more than 375 speakers, and over 250 pitching sessions. This highlights the crucial role of startups and innovation in driving the growth of the mobile ecosystem.

Finally, based on pre-event forecasting, the GSMA expected €350 million of economic impact and 7,400 part-time jobs to be created in the city of Barcelona by MWC Barcelona 2023. The event is expected to exceed this forecast, and an update will be provided in due course.  

Catalan Companies at MWC Expect to Generate Over €15 Million in Turnover

The Catalonia pavilion at MWC Barcelona 2023 saw a record-breaking number of visitors, with over 18,500 people passing through, a 23% increase from the 2019 edition. The 104 Catalan companies and startups held almost 6,000 meetings and business visits at the event. The pavilion hosted 48 companies and a technological demonstration of Artificial Intelligence applied to robots in people's services.

The Minister of Business and Labour, Roger Torrent, highlighted that "these data reinforce the Government's commitment to strengthen the ties of Mobile with the entire technological and digital ecosystem of Catalonia. We have the talent and the ideas, and Mobile is a unique platform to bring them to the world."

According to Torrent, "the impact of MWC in Catalonia, the best international showcase for Catalan companies to present their technology to the world, has an obvious effect on the productive fabric".

According to data from ACCIÓ-Catalonia Trade & Investment, the companies in the Department of Business and Labour pavilions and the 4YFN anticipate generating over €15 million in turnover.

These figures highlight the importance of MWC Barcelona as a platform for showcasing innovative ideas and technology from Catalonia to a global audience.

Source: MWC and Catalonia Trade & Investment