MWC Barcelona 2025 came to a successful close on March 6, with the GSMA reporting an impressive turnout of 109,000 attendees. This year’s event attracted top tech industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers from around the world, solidifying its status as the most influential connectivity event globally. John Hoffman, CEO of GSMA, reflected on the event's impact, emphasizing how discussions at MWC shape future technological advancements. He remarked, "MWC is where industries meet, and this year’s event showed just how fast technology is reshaping the world around us. From AI-powered networks to the future of smart mobility, the discussions this week in Barcelona will set the tone for the year ahead. What happens at MWC doesn’t stay at MWC, it sparks real change. I can’t wait to see where this momentum takes us next, particularly as we head to MWC25 Shanghai in June this year."
 

Key Highlights from MWC Barcelona 2025

The GSMA revealed that this year's MWC Barcelona saw participation from 205 countries and territories, with over 2,900 exhibitors, sponsors, and partners presenting innovative solutions and services. The event attracted more than 1,200 thought leaders and speakers, with an encouraging 41% of the speaker lineup being women. The GSMA Ministerial Programme hosted delegations from 148 countries, uniting 66 ministers and 111 regulatory authorities. This significant gathering aimed to promote dialogue between public and private sectors, fostering discussions on key policy and industry developments. The event’s startup-focused platform, 4YFN (4 Years From Now), hosted over 1,000 startups and nearly 380 speakers, attracting more than 900 investors managing collective funds worth €60 billion.
 

Media Engagement and Digital Reach

MWC Barcelona 2025 drew extensive media attention, with over 2,900 journalists and analysts reporting on the event. The conference’s digital presence also flourished, with nearly 500,000 unique views of keynote addresses and live sessions across MWC platforms and partner media outlets.
 

Talent Arena Brings Together Professionals and Students

The Talent Arena, co-organized by Mobile World Capital Barcelona (MWCapital), played a significant role in engaging future talent. The arena welcomed over 20,000 attendees, comprising 53% senior professionals and 47% students and young professionals, highlighting the growing interest in the tech sector among emerging talent.
 

Mats Granryd’s Final MWC as Director General

Reflecting on the event’s success, Mats Granryd, Director General of GSMA, expressed pride in the continued evolution of MWC. In his farewell speech, Granryd shared, "I've attended every MWC since the early days and, with this being my last as Director General, I am incredibly proud of how it has evolved. The industry is embarking on a new era, and I'm profoundly grateful to have played a small role. Each MWC builds on the last, and this year was truly groundbreaking." Granryd’s departure marks the beginning of a new leadership era, with Vivek Badrinath set to take over as the new GSMA Director General.
 

Future GSMA Events: MWC Shanghai, Doha, and Barcelona 2026

Following the success of MWC Barcelona 2025, the GSMA has confirmed dates for its upcoming events:

• MWC25 Shanghai is scheduled for June 18-20, 2025.
• The inaugural MWC25 Doha will be held from November 25-26, 2025.
• The next MWC Barcelona is set to take place from March 2 to March 5, 2026.

These events are expected to continue the tradition of showcasing cutting-edge innovations and driving crucial conversations around global connectivity, AI advancements, and sustainable tech solutions.
 

MWC Barcelona 2025 successfully demonstrated how rapidly evolving technology is transforming industries worldwide. With discussions on AI-powered networks, smart mobility, and future tech trends, the event has paved the way for innovations that will shape global connectivity in the years to come. As GSMA prepares for its upcoming events in Shanghai, Doha, and Barcelona 2026, the momentum created by MWC 2025 is expected to spark transformative ideas, partnerships, and technological breakthroughs across industries.