A year ago, it was decided to abandon the MWC 2020 exhibition in the usual format due to the growing coronavirus pandemic. Apparently, the organizers of the event came to the conclusion that COVID-19 is no longer as dangerous as a year earlier, and now they want to attract about 50 thousand visitors to the MWC 2021 in Barcelona, ​​which is scheduled for June this year.

The GSMA trade organization says all attendees will be required to test negative for COVID-19 in order to gain access to the event venue. It is reported that testing will need to be done every 72 hours. Rapid testing centers will be available right at the MWC location. Additional security measures include the creation of a new COVID-19 contact tracing app, improved ventilation at exhibition venues, and an increased number of medical personnel.

Stephanie Lynch-Habib, director of marketing at the GSMA, said the organization plans to attract 45 to 50 visitors at the 2021 MWC in Barcelona. It is worth noting that MWC Barcelona 2019 attracted 109 thousand visitors, becoming one of the largest European conferences. Lynch-Habib said 17 people this year attended the MWC in Shanghai, which took place in February. She clarified that during the course there were no confirmed cases of COVID-19. According to her, this instills confidence that the event in Barcelona can also pass safely.

It is also worth noting that a Web Summit is also planned for this year. The event, which is usually even larger than the MWC Barcelona, ​​is due to take place in November in Lisbon. It is estimated that it will attract about 70 thousand people from all over the world.

However, not everyone is so optimistic. Peter Diamandis, founder of the XPrize Foundation, said he was very upset when, after holding a small private event in January, many of his attendees became infected with COVID-19, including himself. Diamandis says he envisioned wearing masks, a team of five doctors, and instant testing would keep the participants safe.

Nevertheless, the organizers of MWC Barcelona assure that they have everything under control. Precautions to be taken at the event will include checking body temperature at all entrances, redesigning the eating area to facilitate social distancing, new ventilation and fresh air systems, and regular vigil of medical personnel.

The return of MWC Barcelona is critical to the GSMA as the event accounts for up to 80 percent of the group’s annual revenue. Large companies spend tens of millions of dollars to participate in the MWC, while smaller players in the market pay hundreds of thousands of dollars. Since the cancellation of last year’s conference, the organization has been forced to lay off about 20 percent of its staff.