MWC — Los Angeles vs. Barcelona
Comparing and contrasting 2021 MWC LA and Barcelona
With MWC 2022 round the corner, it seemed timely to look back and reflect on our experience at the two MWC’s we attended in 2021 — as we prepare to go head out to Spain at the end of February.
Though it is widely known and most associated with the city of Barcelona, the Mobile World Congress (or MWC) is not just limited to the Fira de Barcelona Gran Via. In fact, you can now attend MWC in both Shanghai, China — and Los Angeles, USA. The original lives in Barcelona, however, how do these events compare? Having visited MWC Barcelona last year in June, the mojitok team also headed to sunny Los Angeles in October of 2021 to see if MWC LA would be as noteworthy as its original successor.
However, before any comparisons are made — it should be noted that last year’s events were …unique, to say the least. Owing to the global COVID-19 pandemic, neither the Barcelona, nor the LA conference counterpart can be considered as “normal”, compared to past years. However, that isn’t to say that either event was unsuccessful — in fact, quite the opposite. Despite less than normal attendance, it was still possible to have an entirely productive and fruitful experience at both events (at least in our own experience).
Therefore, today — we will briefly compare the two events, as well as give some of our tips for how get the most out of either event. (The opinions stated below are those of the author’s — based on their experience. Your mileage may vary!)
Los Angeles:
Having only started in 2017 — and moving to Los Angeles in 2018, the event is still very young. Perhaps because of this, despite being sponsored by big names like T-Mobile, Verizon, and large players of the like — actual attendance was relatively light. Don’t be mistaken, industry leaders may have been in attendance — but not necessarily with a booth or exhibition space. The upside? The cost to attend and/or exhibit doesn’t look so bad when compared to Barcelona.
Tip: Even if you don’t have a meeting with someone in the back meeting rooms, going back to this area isn’t roped off — or requiring additional permissions to walk around. If you find the meeting room of a company who you’d like to meet (and if they don’t look particularly busy), you might be able to knock on their door and introduce yourself!
If you check out GSMA’s coverage of the event — you’ll see that a lot of what dominates their feed about the event comes down to the keynote speeches that were given. Unfortunately, we didn’t have much opportunity to attend (so we can’t give much insight as to how useful they were), but checking the keynote speakers and content should be enough to pique anyone’s interest. Make sure you check them out if you have a chance (we wish we did)!
Tip: It isn’t hard to take full advantage of all the tech companies that are headquartered in LA. And if you can schedule it in before or after the event — Silicon Valley is only a short flight away, so if like us you are flying in for the event, you might as well try and set up some meetings with local California-based companies.
Barcelona:
There are definite pros and cons to the popularity of the MWC in Barcelona. Pros? It is well attended, from small startups to large corporation- meaning it is a great place to network and make some great connections. The con — it definitely comes at a (hefty) price. Whether you are exhibiting or just attending, be prepared to shell out for the opportunity to attend.
Tip: In 2021 — the public was able to visit the event at a much more affordable rate (due to the pandemic and travel concerns). Keep an eye out for possible future deals!
Comparing the size of the events is a bit unfair — but to give an idea, in 2021, during a very reduced event — there were still three convention halls teeming with people. Though the big players may have dropped out, the event still felt very international and with a certain “excited” energy (something the LA event lacked in, by comparison).
Tip: The event is usually so well attended, that finding accommodation can be difficult, even months in advance! So, unless you want to be busing into the event 1.5 hours in and out everyday, it is recommended that you secure your hotel rooms at least 4 months in advance (if not much earlier — though I guess that doesn’t help you if you’re reading this now, a month before the event).
In conclusion
Even if it’s more expensive (by more than a small fraction), the size and buzz of BCN’s MWC increases the likelihood of achieving a healthy return on your investment. Specifically last year (2021), both events were smaller and less attended due to health and safety concerns — but there was still no comparison between the scope and scale between the two events.
However, though the event itself is more impressive in Barcelona — the sheer number of companies in LA and nearby Silicon Valley makes MWC LA a very attractive option for business travel. On the other hand, being in Barcelona means you’re similarly only a short flight away from nearby London or Paris. Ultimately, which location suits you better will depend on you and your business.
When all is said and done, there is a reason that MWC is synonymous with Barcelona — it is the home of the original. That isn’t to say that it isn’t worth your time to visit the City of Angels to see a West Coast MWC, rather — if you want the full experience, there is no substitute for el Mobile in Barcelona.
mojitok will once again be packing up and will be at MWC 2022, so please come find us, or say hi if you see us around the con!
mojitok
Developed by Platfarm Inc. in South Korea, mojitok is the ultimate sticker solution for all communication platforms. Preloaded on Samsung smartphones and Google’s official content partner, mojitok transforms digital communication through 200,000+ GIF stickers and advanced AI technology. We hope to connect our 300 million users around the world emotionally through the universal visual language of stickers.
