MWC Barcelona 2025 came to a grand close on March 6, marking yet another successful edition of one of the most influential global technology events. Organized by the GSMA, this year’s conference saw an overwhelming response, drawing 109,000 attendees from 205 countries and territories. With its reputation as a hub for innovation, networking, and industry-shaping discussions, MWC Barcelona once again lived up to expectations, showcasing cutting-edge advancements in mobile technology, artificial intelligence, connectivity, and smart mobility.
John Hoffman, CEO of GSMA, reflected on the event’s profound impact, stating, “MWC is where industries meet, and this year’s event showed just how fast technology is reshaping the world around us. From AI-powered networks to the future of smart mobility, the discussions this week in Barcelona will set the tone for the year ahead. What happens at MWC doesn’t stay at MWC—it sparks real change. I can’t wait to see where this momentum takes us next, particularly as we head to MWC25 Shanghai in June this year.”
The scale of MWC Barcelona 2025 was impressive, featuring participation from more than 2,900 exhibitors, sponsors, and partners. The event also boasted over 1,200 thought leaders and speakers, with a significant milestone in gender representation—41% of the speaker lineup consisted of women, reflecting the industry's ongoing push for diversity and inclusion.
One of the standout elements of MWC Barcelona 2025 was the GSMA Ministerial Programme, which brought together key policymakers and government representatives from 148 countries. Among the attendees were 66 ministers and 111 regulatory authorities, making it one of the most influential platforms for discussions on global digital policies, spectrum allocation, AI regulations, and the future of connectivity.
Startups were also in the spotlight at MWC, with 4YFN (Four Years From Now) providing a platform for over 1,000 emerging companies. Nearly 380 speakers and more than 900 investors were in attendance, collectively managing funds worth over €60 billion. This made MWC an essential venue for fostering innovation, securing investments, and facilitating collaboration between startups and major industry players.
MWC Barcelona 2025 also saw extensive media coverage, with more than 2,900 journalists and analysts reporting on the latest announcements, product launches, and high-profile keynote sessions. The event’s online engagement reached record levels, with nearly half a million unique views of keynote speeches and live sessions across MWC platforms and global media outlets.
Reflecting on the event’s remarkable success, Mats Granryd, Director General of GSMA, expressed his deep pride in MWC’s evolution over the years. “I've attended every MWC since the early days, and with this being my last as Director General, I am incredibly proud of how it has evolved. The industry is embarking on a new era, and I’m profoundly grateful to have played a small role. Each MWC builds on the last, and this year was truly groundbreaking. As I hand the baton to Vivek Badrinath, I know the GSMA is uniquely positioned in this increasingly complex world to bring together policymakers, startups, and businesses to fuel private-public discourse on the topics that matter.”
Looking ahead, GSMA has already mapped out an exciting schedule for the rest of 2025. The next major event, MWC25 Shanghai, is set to take place from June 18-20, bringing cutting-edge developments in mobile technology and AI to the Asian market. Additionally, GSMA announced the launch of MWC25 Doha, scheduled for November 25-26, 2025. This marks the first time the MWC brand will expand to the Middle East, a region increasingly recognized as a growing hub for technology and digital innovation.
Meanwhile, GSMA has confirmed the dates for the next edition of MWC Barcelona, with MWC26 scheduled to take place from March 2-5, 2026. As the flagship event of the GSMA, MWC Barcelona continues to set the standard for the global tech industry, serving as a premier platform for industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers to collaborate, share ideas, and drive the future of digital transformation.
With each passing year, MWC cements its reputation as more than just a trade show—it is a catalyst for change. The 2025 edition provided a glimpse into the future of mobile technology, AI, and connectivity while reinforcing the importance of global collaboration in shaping the digital world. As GSMA prepares for the next chapter, it is clear that MWC will remain at the forefront of technological advancements, driving conversations that will define the industry’s trajectory in the years to come.
