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    GSMA outlines MWC 2020 refund policy

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    After the cancellation of MWC Barcelona 2020 due to coronavirus, the GSMA has outlined the financial compensation package for clients who had been due to attend.

    Companies are eligible for credit towards future events or a partial cash refund – but for the latter, only if they weren’t among those that dropped out before the show was officially cancelled. Smaller exhibitors are being offered a full cash refund.

    In a statement, the GMSA said it believes the package “demonstrates genuine goodwill and also ensures the longevity and sustainability of the GSMA and MWC series of events”.

    Clients who spent over £5,000 are eligible for a full cash refund of 2020 fees paid or a cumulative fees credit of 125% over three years (MWC2021: 65% fees credit; MWC2022: 35%; MWC2023: 25%).

    Clients who spent above £5,000 can get a cash refund equivalent to 50% of 2020 paid fees, capped at a maximum £150,000 or the same cumulative fees offer as above. However, eligibility for a cash component to this financial package is only available for those exhibitors who did not cancel their attendance at MWC Barcelona 2020.

    No admission

    MWC2021 rates will also roll-back to those of 2019. The purchase price of all attendee tickets will be returned, 100%, via the original method of payment.

    “The GSMA values the loyalty and support of our members and partners in the mobile ecosystem worldwide. We are grateful to have the full support from our operator Board of Directors and already have formal exhibition support for MWC Barcelona 2021 from NTT DOCOMO, Orange, Telefonica and Vodafone”, said John Hoffman, CEO GSMA Ltd.  “More than ever, our sincere thoughts remain with those affected around the world in these trying times.”

    A GSMA statement added: “Our plan to provide this goodwill gesture is not an admission of any liability, and the GSMA stands behind the decision it took to cancel MWC Barcelona 2020. It was the only option at the time, as has been made clear by subsequent events. It is a recognition that, without attendees, exhibitors and sponsors, there wouldn’t be MWC Barcelona.”