GSMA Statement on Financial Package for MWC and 4YFN Barcelona 2020

London: Following the cancellation of MWC Barcelona 2020, the GSMA has given much consideration to a financial package for its clients which demonstrates genuine goodwill and also ensures the longevity and sustainability of the GSMA and MWC series of events. Our vision at the GSMA is to unlock the power of connectivity so that people, industry and society thrive. It has never been more critical to ensure the continuity of our convening, advocacy and technology efforts to advance the world. 

We are grateful for the loyalty of our attendees, exhibitors and sponsors over the years and are pleased to announce our plan to provide the following goodwill financial package:

• The purchase price of all attendee tickets will be returned, 100 per cent, via the original method of payment.
• Clients with spend up to £5,000 (€5,545) will have one of two options:
  • Option one: cash equivalent to 100 per cent of 2020 paid fees; OR
  • Option two: A cumulative fees credit of 125 per cent of 2020 paid fees over three years as follows:
    • 4YFN2021: 65 per cent fees credit
    • 4YFN2022: 35 per cent fees credit
    • 4YFN2023: 25 per cent fees credit 
• Clients with spend above £5,000* will have one of two options:
  • Option one: cash equivalent to 50 per cent of 2020 paid fees, capped at a maximum £150,000 (€166,350); OR 
  • Option two: A cumulative fees credit of 125 per cent of 2020 paid fees over three years as follows:  
    • 4YFN2021: 65 per cent fees credit
    • 4YFN2022: 35 per cent fees credit
    • 4YFN2023: 25 per cent fees credit 

As a further gesture of goodwill to support our clients, 4YFN2021 rates will roll-back to those used in 2019.

“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.”

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. The GSMA thanks its colleagues in the industry for their continued support. The approach seeks to ensure a long-term relationship with the whole MWC ecosystem for the years to come and has been created to give everyone the best possible opportunity to return for MWC Barcelona 2021.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors
* Eligibility for a cash component to the financial package is for those exhibitors who did not cancel their attendance at MWC Barcelona 2020.

About the GSMA
The GSMA represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, uniting more than 750 operators and nearly 400 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 the industry-leading MWC events held annually in Barcelona, Los Angeles and Shanghai, as well as the Mobile 360 Series of regional conferences.

For more information, please visit the GSMA corporate website at www.gsma.com. Follow the GSMA on Twitter: @GSMA.

Media Contacts
GSMA Press Office
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