More than 2,300 companies will participate in the exhibition at Mobile World Congress 2018 taking place in Barcelona, Spain the GSMA announced, giving the first details of the event.

Under the theme “Creating a Better Future”, Mobile World Congress will be held February 26 – March 1, 2018 at Fira Gran Via, with events also taking place at Fira Montjuïc. The GSMA expects that more than 108,000 professionals from across the mobile industry and adjacent industry sectors will attend Mobile World Congress 2018.

“With more than 5 billion unique subscribers, mobile now connects over two-thirds of the world’s population. It is fuelling innovation, revolutionising industries and spurring exciting new opportunities, across both developed and developing markets,” said Michael O’Hara, chief marketing officer.

“Mobile provides access to life-enhancing and, in some cases, life-changing services. Reinforcing our industry’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, mobile is providing lifelines to hope, reducing inequalities and preserving our world’s resources. We look forward to Mobile World Congress 2018 and showing how mobile is creating a better future – today.”

Mobile World Congress will bring together the leading players from across the mobile ecosystem, as well as adjacent industry sectors such as automotive and consumer electronics, showcasing the innovative products, services and technologies that are shaping mobile today.

Major brands such as Accenture, AT&T, Cisco Systems, Deutsche Telekom, Ericsson, Facebook, Google, HTC, Huawei, Intel, Lenovo, LG, Mercedes-Benz, Microsoft, NTT DOCOMO, Nokia Solutions and Networks, Ooredoo, Oracle, Orange, Qualcomm Incorporated, SAP, SEAT, SK Telecom, Telefónica, Verizon, Vodafone and ZTE, among others are expected to participate in the exhibition.

The showfloor will also include more than 40 country and regional pavilions.

Building on its success in 2017, NEXTech Hall 8.0 will again put the spotlight on cutting-edge technology trends, such as artificial intelligence, drones, the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics and virtual reality/augmented reality, among others.

The Drone Zone and the Graphene Pavilion will be among the many exciting exhibits in NEXTech. NEXTech will also feature the NEXTech Lab, an open theatre where exhibitors and sponsors can present their latest innovations.

In addition to exhibiting companies, the GSMA announced several sponsors for the 2018 Mobile World Congress. Generalitat de Catalunya has again been confirmed as the App Planet Official Sponsor, while Android, Citi and Visa have all returned as Sponsors for the Networking Gardens at Fira Gran Via.

The GSMA represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, uniting nearly 800 operators with more than 300 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including handset and device makers, software companies, equipment providers and internet companies, as well as organisations in adjacent industry sectors.

The GSMA also produces industry-leading events such as Mobile World Congress, Mobile World Congress Shanghai, Mobile World Congress Americas and the Mobile 360 Series of conferences. – TradeArabia News Service