Thoughts on a visit to MWC22 Barcelona

Last week I was fortunate enough to find myself in beautiful Barcelona to visit MWC22 - where world-leading companies share their latest products and thoughts about the progression and future of connectivity. This is of course a very significant show which has run for many years, but as a first-time visitor, I thought I would share a few thoughts and impressions as seen through my inexperienced eyes.

Whilst this was not my first trip during the pandemic, I must say that it was just nice to be traveling again, and the excitement of being in a significant city never pales for me. I always try to use public transport when traveling to get a sense of a place, and as I joined the metro from Poble Sec (near La Rambla) it quickly filled with people who were clearly also visiting MWC. This throng only grew as the train arrived at the Fira Gran Via.

Not being a hardcore telecom sector expert, I confess to finding some of the language at the show somewhat opaque. What was very clear however was the creativity, confidence, and sheer scale of the major stands at the exhibition. Top marks must go to Nokia for the amazing quality of their gorgeous, huge scale photographic imagery and ‘make you smile’ creativity and the fabulously mesmerizing display wall on the Intel stand. 

It was also interesting to see Fisker were present, with their very impressive electric SUV which was attracting a lot of attention when I visited their stand.

Countless superb product displays and working models of 5G connected smart factories, plus VR tours of the recently restored Notre Dame de Paris all provided further, fascinating exhibits.

The main themes of the show were:

• 5G Connect – with rapidly growing access to 5G, the business models that will shape its growth will be flexible, and tailored to the needs of the user, with industry collaboration the basis for innovation (healthcare, automotive, aviation and manufacturing industries all look to mobile solutions).
• CloudNet - Digital-native disrupters like Uber and Netflix mean that Networks must continue to adapt in order to support seamless service delivery, with cloud seen as a key enabler of large-scale transformation.
• Advancing AI - a key driver of innovation, with its impact to be seen in every aspect of business and industry.
• FinTech – Adoption accelerating globally, it continues to reduce barriers enabling new innovations, as seen in the growth in digital currencies, NFTs and blockchain, with the mobile eco-system at its heart.
• Internet of Everything - The growing range of connected devices and smart technologies enabling a transformation of physical spaces, homes, cities, factories to be more adaptive and customized.
• Tech Horizon - Mobile technology becoming ever more integrated into and transforming our lives with innovations in services, homes and cities.

My main takeaway from the show, other than the inevitable tired feet and shock that a sandwich could cost 21 euros, is that this is clearly a sector that was happy to be back at a face-to-face show.

People I spoke to at the show felt that visitor numbers were strong and getting back towards pre-pandemic levels. The real statistics I guess will be published in due course, but the fact that people were saying this felt encouraging and was perhaps a reflection of how we are rediscovering the value and enjoyment of meeting face to face. Travelling to the event also lead to unexpected conversations – with two very nice people I met on my flights – one with someone from a different area of a global client – who knows where those conversations might lead?

With all the information absorbed, conversations held, and a quick chance to see the exuberant architecture of Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia before flying home, I am for sure pleased that I had a chance to visit MWC22.