MWC Barcelona 2027 – Spain

What to expect

MWC Barcelona is one of the world’s largest and most influential connectivity and technology events, bringing together the companies, innovators, policymakers and business leaders shaping the future of communications and digital infrastructure. Organised by GSMA, the event connects mobile operators, technology companies, device manufacturers, cloud providers, software businesses, startups, governments and professionals from industries increasingly dependent on advanced connectivity. The official event positioning highlights opportunities to meet customers, build partnerships and discover technologies transforming industries worldwide.

Visitors can expect a combination of a large-scale technology exhibition, keynote presentations, specialist summits, demonstrations, startup activity, networking and industry-focused programmes. The show floor brings together established technology brands and emerging companies, while dedicated conference themes examine subjects including AI, cloud, telecommunications, data infrastructure, cybersecurity, digital policy and next-generation connectivity.

The event is also expanding beyond the traditional mobile sector. Official figures show that a significant share of attendees now comes from industries adjacent to the core mobile ecosystem, reflecting the growing role of connectivity in healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, finance, media, retail and other sectors.

A particularly important feature is the connection between technology demonstrations and business opportunities. Attendees can see new products and infrastructure in operation, meet technology providers, arrange meetings through the MWC App and explore specialist programmes designed for particular industries.

The upcoming edition also introduces dedicated spaces for automotive, healthcare and aviation, alongside frontier technology showcases covering areas such as AI, robotics and non-terrestrial satellite networks.

Event dates

Event: MWC Barcelona 2027

Dates: 1 – 4 March 2027

Venue: Fira Gran Via, Barcelona

Location: L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain

Organiser: GSMA

Main focus: Connectivity, telecommunications, technology, AI, cloud, data infrastructure and digital transformation

The official MWC Barcelona website confirms the event dates and Fira Gran Via location.

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Venue & exhibition site

MWC Barcelona takes place at Fira Gran Via, a major international exhibition and convention complex located in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, immediately outside central Barcelona. The official venue address is Av. Joan Carles I, 64, 08908 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona. The venue is approximately 10 kilometres from Barcelona Airport.

Fira Gran Via provides the scale required for an event of this size, with multiple exhibition halls, conference areas, meeting facilities, hospitality spaces and dedicated entrances. The large venue allows different technology sectors and conference programmes to operate simultaneously.

The main MWC entrance is on the southern side of the complex, while the northern access is associated with 4YFN. Attendees visiting specific halls should check the official venue information and MWC App before travelling because the most convenient entrance depends on the programme or exhibition area they intend to visit.

The event also uses other Barcelona facilities for selected co-located activities. Talent Arena, for example, is held at Fira de Barcelona Montjuïc, while the main MWC exhibition remains at Fira Gran Via.

Full event programme

The MWC programme combines large keynote sessions with specialist summits, industry theatres, demonstrations, exhibitions and networking opportunities. The final programme develops continuously, but the official programme framework already identifies six major thought-leadership themes.

The main themes are:

• Networks Reinvented: Examining how networks are evolving into intelligent platforms combining connectivity, computing and infrastructure.
• AI in Action: Focusing on practical AI deployment, real-world implementation, operational challenges and scalable AI systems.
• Autonomous Enterprise: Exploring agentic AI, intelligent automation, AI-ready infrastructure and autonomous business operations.
• AI of Tomorrow: Looking at emerging AI technologies, multimodal systems, quantum AI, sovereign AI and responsible development.
• Trust at Scale: Addressing cybersecurity, digital identity, data trust, sovereignty, governance and secure digital infrastructure.
• The Next Era: Highlighting technologies capable of changing established industry boundaries, including space-based connectivity, autonomous systems, advanced interfaces and emerging scientific technologies.

Alongside these themes, the programme includes dedicated industry activities, the startup-focused 4YFN event, the GSMA Ministerial Programme, Talent Arena and other specialist programmes.

Key speakers & keynote speakers

MWC Barcelona traditionally attracts senior executives, technology pioneers, government representatives, investors and influential figures from across the global technology ecosystem. The official website currently highlights senior technology and business leaders associated with the event, including John Stankey of AT&T, Gwynne Shotwell of SpaceX, astronaut Tim Peake, Mickey Mikitani of Rakuten Group, Cristiano Amon of Qualcomm and Peggy Johnson of Agility Robotics.

The speaker programme is designed to combine corporate leadership with technical expertise and policy perspectives. Keynote presentations can address subjects ranging from AI and network infrastructure to robotics, digital policy, cloud, cybersecurity and the future of connectivity.

The GSMA Ministerial Programme adds another important speaker group, bringing together ministers, regulators, intergovernmental organisations and industry leaders to discuss digital policy and connectivity.

Speaker schedules can change, so visitors should consult the official MWC programme and speaker pages when planning which keynote sessions to attend.

Conference sessions & tracks

MWC’s conference programme is structured around its six main thought-leadership themes as well as industry-specific summits and specialist stages.

Networks Reinvented: Covers 5G Advanced, Open RAN, private networks, satellite integration, edge computing, sovereign cloud and the transformation of connectivity infrastructure.

AI in Action: Focuses on practical AI deployment, implementation challenges, operational experience, AI infrastructure and measurable business outcomes.

Autonomous Enterprise: Examines intelligent automation, AI agents, real-time decision-making, employee productivity and autonomous business models.

AI of Tomorrow: Explores emerging AI capabilities, multimodal systems, quantum-enhanced AI, AI-powered devices, drones and responsible AI development.

Trust at Scale: Concentrates on cybersecurity, digital identity, trusted data, digital sovereignty, safety, governance and resilience.

The Next Era: Looks at frontier technologies including non-terrestrial networks, autonomous systems, next-generation interfaces and other technologies that could create new markets.

Additional specialist programming includes Connect Health, manufacturing and production, automotive, aviation, New Frontiers, the Ministerial Programme and startup-focused activities.

Session times & schedule

The official venue information provides general visitor opening hours for the exhibition areas. Exhibition areas open at 8:30 AM for visitors, while exhibitor access begins earlier. On the final exhibition day, visitor access ends earlier than on the preceding days.

Individual keynote, summit and conference-session times are published through the official programme and MWC App. Because several stages operate simultaneously, attendees should plan their schedules in advance rather than attempting to attend sessions on an entirely walk-in basis.

The MWC App is especially useful for building a personalised agenda, discovering speakers and sessions, finding exhibitors and managing professional meetings.

Visitors should also allow time for security checks, movement between halls and walking across the large Fira Gran Via complex. Some programmes and co-located activities are located away from the main exhibition area, so travel time between venues should be considered.

Ticket types & registration

MWC Barcelona offers different access levels depending on how much of the conference, exhibition, networking and premium programme an attendee wants to access. Current official pass information lists the following prices:

• Exhibition Pass: $1,108.68 including applicable VAT
• Leaders Conference Pass: $2,710.65 including applicable VAT
• VIP Pass: $6,163.08 including applicable VAT

The dollar figures are converted from the official listed prices using an exchange rate of approximately $1.1204 per euro.

The Exhibition Pass provides access to the show floor, selected summits, 4YFN, networking tools, selected partner programmes, the Connected Industries stage and other included activities.

The Leaders Conference Pass includes Exhibition Pass benefits plus access to the wider conference programme, keynote sessions, Flagship Sessions, Leaders Lounges, curated networking and additional premium networking opportunities.

The VIP Pass provides the highest level of access and includes premium travel and hospitality benefits alongside conference, exhibition and networking access.

Registration deadlines

There is no single general registration deadline published for all attendee categories. Registration availability depends on the type of pass and participation being sought.

Visitors should register through the official MWC Barcelona website and complete their Digital Access Pass before travelling. All attendees require an active Digital Access Pass for venue entry.

Exhibitors, speakers, press representatives, partners and participants in specialist programmes can have separate accreditation requirements. Press and industry-analyst registration is subject to the applicable accreditation criteria.

Visitors should avoid leaving registration until the last moment, particularly if they require accommodation, international travel arrangements or meetings with exhibitors.

Exhibitor list & major companies

MWC Barcelona attracts a huge international exhibitor community covering telecommunications, cloud, devices, software, AI, infrastructure and connected technologies. The official website currently reports more than 2,400 technology companies and brands represented across the show floor, while broader event statistics indicate more than 2,800 exhibitors, sponsors and partners.

Confirmed new exhibitors announced by GSMA include AWS, ElevenLabs and HP Inc. Returning exhibitors expanding their presence include Agibot, KDDI, Nokia and Unitree.

Major industry participants associated with the event ecosystem include:

• AWS: Cloud infrastructure and digital technology
• Nokia: Telecommunications networks and connectivity infrastructure
• KDDI: Mobile communications and digital services
• HP Inc: Computing and technology solutions
• Unitree: Robotics and physical AI
• Agibot: Robotics and intelligent systems
• ElevenLabs: AI-powered voice technology

The official exhibitor directory should be checked for the complete company list and final stand information.

Exhibition halls & floor plan

Fira Gran Via provides multiple halls for the main exhibition, with specialist areas distributed across the complex. New Frontiers is confirmed to return to Hall 6, while the wider event includes dedicated exhibition and conference areas for different technology themes.

4YFN operates as the major startup platform and occupies dedicated space within the wider Fira Gran Via complex. Talent Arena operates at Fira de Barcelona Montjuïc rather than the main MWC venue.

The official MWC App and venue resources are the best tools for locating exhibitors, stages, lounges, meeting areas and specific demonstrations. Confirmed exhibitors can also access the official event manual containing detailed venue and floor-plan information.

Because the complex is extremely large, visitors should identify the correct hall and entrance before arriving for a meeting or keynote.

Networking & business meetings

Business networking is one of the central purposes of MWC Barcelona. The event brings together senior executives, technology providers, operators, investors, governments and potential customers in a concentrated international environment.

The MWC App provides targeted meeting recommendations, online networking functions and personalised agenda planning. Leaders Conference Pass holders receive additional curated networking opportunities, including moderated topic-focused sessions and Leaders Lounge access.

Exhibitors use the show floor to demonstrate technology and arrange meetings with prospective customers and partners. The event’s enormous international audience makes it particularly useful for companies seeking market expansion, strategic partnerships, investment relationships and technology collaborations.

The networking environment extends beyond the exhibition floor through specialist summits, startup programmes, hospitality areas, industry gatherings and meeting spaces.

Industry sectors & highlights

MWC Barcelona has expanded far beyond traditional mobile telecommunications and now serves a broad technology ecosystem.

• Telecommunications: Mobile networks, 5G, Open RAN, network infrastructure and future connectivity.
• Artificial Intelligence: Generative AI, agentic systems, physical AI, AI infrastructure and responsible deployment.
• Cloud & Data: Cloud computing, edge infrastructure, data platforms and digital architecture.
• Devices: Smartphones, connected devices, wearables, robotics and smart hardware.
• Healthcare: Connected healthcare, digital health, hospitals, health technology and AI-enabled care.
• Automotive: Connected vehicles, intelligent mobility and automotive technology.
• Aviation: Connectivity and emerging technologies for the aviation ecosystem.
• Manufacturing: Smart factories, industrial connectivity and automation.
• Cybersecurity: Digital security, trusted data, cyber resilience and identity.
• Satellite & NTN: Non-terrestrial networks, satellite connectivity and expanded global coverage.
• Robotics: Humanoid robots, autonomous machines, drones and physical AI.
• Startups: Emerging technology businesses, founders, investors and new business models.

The new Connect Health programme creates a dedicated environment for healthcare, technology and connectivity leaders, while New Frontiers focuses on quantum technologies, satellite and non-terrestrial networks and physical AI.

Event rules & visitor information

All attendees need an active Digital Access Pass to enter the venue. The pass is used at the entrance and is linked to the attendee’s event access rights.

The minimum age for attending MWC Barcelona is 16. Event communications and signage are provided in English, although the international audience means many languages are spoken throughout the venue.

Visitors should remain alert to scams and fraudulent accommodation or registration offers. GSMA specifically advises attendees to use official event channels and recognised partners when arranging participation.

Fira Gran Via is designed to provide accessible facilities, including accessible public-transport connections, lifts, automatic doors, wheelchairs and accessible parking spaces.

Comfortable footwear is strongly recommended because attendees can expect substantial walking between halls, stages, meeting areas and demonstrations.

How to get there

Fira Gran Via is located in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, close to Barcelona Airport and well connected with Barcelona’s public transportation network. The official MWC guidance strongly recommends public transport as the easiest way to reach the venue.

Barcelona Airport is approximately 10 kilometres from the venue, making air travel convenient for international attendees. Visitors arriving at the airport can continue by metro, train, taxi or other public transport connections.

For people staying in central Barcelona, the venue can be reached using Metro, FGC trains and city buses. Attendees should check the specific entrance required for their programme because MWC and 4YFN have dedicated access points.

Public transport & parking

Metro: Europa Fira on the FGC/L9S network provides convenient access to the MWC entrance. Fira on L9S and Foc on L10S are also useful for the northern side and 4YFN access.

FGC train: Visitors can travel from Plaça Espanya toward Europa/Fira station for access to Fira Gran Via.

City buses: H16 and V1 provide connections toward the main MWC area, while H12 and V3 serve the northern access area.

Free transport pass: MWC attendees receive a complimentary transport pass providing unlimited travel on buses, Metro and local FGC trains within Zone 1, including a journey to or from the airport.

Taxi: Taxi ranks operate around the venue entrances, with additional availability during event operations.

Private vehicles: Cars and buses can use designated drop-off and pick-up arrangements near the venue. Because traffic around Fira Gran Via can become congested, public transport is recommended by the organisers.

Accommodation areas

Visitors have a wide range of accommodation choices across Barcelona and L’Hospitalet de Llobregat. Staying close to Fira Gran Via is convenient for attendees who want to minimise commuting time and maximise their time at the exhibition.

L’Hospitalet and the areas around Europa Fira are practical choices for business travellers attending primarily for MWC. They provide relatively direct access to the venue and transport connections.

Central Barcelona is better suited to visitors who want to combine the event with restaurants, architecture, museums, shopping and nightlife. Areas around Plaça d’Espanya, Sants, Eixample and the city centre offer strong transport connections toward Fira Gran Via.

Attendees should book accommodation through official or reputable providers because major international events can create strong demand for hotel rooms. MWC provides official travel and accommodation information for registered participants.

Previous year’s highlights

The previous edition demonstrated the enormous scale of MWC Barcelona, with the official event statistics reporting more than 105,000 attendees, approximately 2,900 exhibitors and participation from 207 countries and territories. Around 45% of attendees were director level or above, highlighting the event’s strong business and decision-maker audience.

The event also demonstrated how rapidly MWC has expanded beyond traditional telecommunications. GSMA reported that 58% of attendees came from industries adjacent to the core mobile ecosystem, showing the importance of connectivity across healthcare, manufacturing, automotive, finance and other sectors.

AI was a dominant technology focus, alongside cloud, networks, data infrastructure, robotics, satellite connectivity and emerging digital technologies.

The show floor featured thousands of companies, major country pavilions, product demonstrations and startup activity through 4YFN. Talent Arena also provided a dedicated environment for technology talent and developers.

These developments have helped establish MWC Barcelona as a broader global technology platform rather than simply a mobile communications exhibition.

Official registration & tickets

The official MWC Barcelona website is the primary source for registration, passes, speaker information, exhibitors, programme updates, travel information and venue access.

Visitors should register through the official MWC platform and activate their Digital Access Pass before travelling. The MWC App is also an important part of the attendee experience, providing access to event information, personalised agendas, exhibitor details and networking tools.

Official website: MWC Barcelona (https://www.mwcbarcelona.com/)

The official website should be checked regularly for programme additions, speaker announcements, exhibitor updates, transport information and any changes to access arrangements.