Big Tech Bid‑Fare to the World’s Biggest Tech Show
The MWC 2020 Pop‑Up
Last month’s Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona was set to host a whopping 100,000 attendees, but a looming viral storm forced the biggest brands to pull their weight (and their gear) out of the arena.
Why the Back‑Off?
Tech giants gave a front‑row seat to the risk: the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus a global emergency on Wednesday, Jan 30. “Safety first, folks,” the industry’s gatekeepers said—no compromise on well‑being for customers, partners, media, or employees.
Sony’s Stop‑And‑Think
- What: Sony pulled out of MWC 2020 and chose to host a video press conference instead.
- When: 24 Feb, 2020 at 08:30 CET—right on the dot!
- Why: They’re hog‑twisted by the “own and careful” assessment of the outbreak and decided a virtual launch was safer for everyone.
- Channel: Thought the world over, Sony chose the Xperia YouTube channel to unveil new gems.
- Thanks: They thanked the masses for understanding and their unwavering support during these tough times.
Amazon, Nvidia, LG and Ericsson Follow Suit
- Amazon exited while at the same time letting the event go empty a little more.
- Nvidia and South Korea’s LG Electronics joined the withdrawal brigade.
- Swedish telecommunications titan Ericsson stepped back, citing the risk that even a low chance of infection could endanger thousands of visitors and staff.
GSMA’s “Regret”
The event’s organizer, the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), couldn’t help but feel a pang of disappointment. In a formal statement, they noted:
- “We regret Ericsson’s decision:” the company undeniably a major player.
- They pledged that Ericsson will return in full force next year (MWC 2021).
- GSMA hinted that the cancellation might ripple out, but the overall rebooking trend stays high.
Still, the Tech Bazaar Continues
Despite the corporate exit wave, MWC 2020 remained a vibrant stage with 2,800 companies planning to showcase their stalls from 24‑27 Feb. An event that’s one heck of a tech rollercoaster—though its mood has shifted from “live demo” to a “safety‑first” groove.
