The GSMA is considering a date switch for Mobile World Congress, as part of ambitious plans to annoint the city that wins the contract to host MWC from 2013-2017 as Mobile World Capital.
In a FAQ page on its site dedicated to the launch of the Mobile World Capital the GSMA replies to the question, “Will Mobile World Congress still be held in February?” with the answer, “The Congress dates will vary depending on the cities, and we will be reviewing suggestions we receive as part of their responses. We will be looking at date availabilities in the best interest of our customers.”
The potential date switch is just one part of the GSMA’s re-think of the Congress and surrounding activities. The winning bidder for the Congress contract that runs from 2013 to 2017 will also be appointed as Mobile World Capital – and act as host to an expanded range of activities.
The GSMA wants the Capital to act as a centre for mobile innovation and services, with a more consumer-facing identity than the Congress. Congress would become just one part of a permanent (well, for four years, at any rate) mobile exposition/festival/showcase/etc
The GSMA said, “Working closely with a City partner, we will undertake a range of mobile initiatives, and create a cultural and economic centre which benefits not only the mobile industry, but most importantly, citizens of the city and people around the world.”
The GSMA’s vision of the Mobile World Capital includes:
The Mobile World Centre, which will be located in the heart of the city and will be the permanent flagship element of the Mobile World Capital. The Mobile World Centre will include technology exhibits, museum features, a retail area, a mobile café, office space and more.
The Mobile World Festival, a range of festivities that will be targeted to the general public and will take place separate from the Mobile World Congress. Dispersed around the Mobile World Capital city, the Mobile World Festival will incorporate mobile-driven festivities including concerts, music and movie festivals, competitions and awards, and dialogues and debates, among others.
The Mobile World Congress, which is widely considered the industry’s “must-attend” event and is expected to draw more than 50,000 visitors at the 2011 Mobile World Congress. The four-day conference and exhibition attracts executives from the world’s largest and most influential companies across the mobile industry and adjacent sectors, as well as government delegations.
By the way, we at Mobile Europe are still backing Cologne for this, and now with the chance to bear witness to Cologne as Mobile World Capital, we’re even more convinced.