MWC 2026

March 2-5 at Fira de Barcelona, Gran Via

MWC 2026 Figures

Visitors

Exhibitors

Speakers

MWC 2026: Everything an exhibitor needs to know

The Mobile World Congress (MWC) is the premier global showcase for the tech and digital industries. Held every year in Barcelona, it brings together thousands of leading companies, emerging startups, investors, and key professionals. If you’re considering exhibiting at the 2026 edition, this guide will help you plan everything smoothly—from key dates and booth reservations to deadlines, logistics, sustainability, and practical tips.

What is MWC?

Hosted by the GSMA, Mobile World Congress is more than just a tech fair—it’s the key meeting point for the global digital ecosystem. Every edition in Barcelona sets the tone for innovation in fields like connectivity, AI, 5G, cybersecurity, IoT, and mobility. For four days, major companies, startups, investors, governments, and industry media come together to present new developments, debate emerging trends, and create business opportunities.

By exhibiting at MWC, your company steps into the center of the global tech conversation. It’s an opportunity to connect with top-tier visitors, strengthen your brand among influential audiences, and access real growth opportunities. For many businesses, MWC is more than an event—it’s a statement: we’re ready to compete at the highest level and invest in the future.

How was MWC 2025? Results that set the course ahead

Before looking ahead to 2026, it’s worth taking a moment to recap the overwhelming success of the last edition:

109,000 attendees from 205 countries, matching the record set in 2019.
Over 2,900 exhibitors, sponsors, and partners.
More than 1,200 speakers, with 41% female representation.
A growing focus on talent and startups:
- Over 1,000 startups featured in the 4YFN space.
- 900 investors with combined funds of €60 billion.
- The debut of Talent Arena, which brought together over 20,000 professionals and young talents.

With numbers like these, there’s no doubt: exhibiting at MWC 2026 is a strategic investment to boost your brand and connect with clients, partners, and the media.

Exhibitor and visitor profile

MWC 2025 closed with over 2,800 exhibitors and 109,000 industry professionals. The numbers for 2026 haven’t been finalized yet, but attendance is expected to match or exceed those figures.

Typical attendees include:

CTOs, CEOs, heads of innovation, and procurement leaders
Mobile operators, device makers, and integrators
Investors and investment funds
Governments, business clusters, and multilateral institutions
Media and specialized journalists

How to exhibit at MWC 2026

1. Request your space through GSMA

You’ll need to contact the GSMA sales team and specify the type of presence you’d like: raw space, a modular stand, sponsorship, or participation in 4YFN (the startup zone).

More information here

2. Choose your participation format

Format	Stand Pack
Space only	Raw space for a fully customized stand. Requires technical plans, insurance, and specialized construction.
Schell scheme	A predefined modular booth. Less customization, but simpler and quicker to set up.
National or regional pavilions	Exhibit under a country or regional brand, coordinated by a local organizing body.
4YFN	A dedicated area for startups and scaleups, with its own eligibility requirements.

3. It's not just about the booth: strategy matters

Proposal for Showcase Your Innovation: September 19, 2025
Technical plans & documentation (Space Only): November 24, 2025
Registration for national pavilions (e.g., Switzerland): September 30, 2025
Other deadlines depend on your participation type and will be communicated by GSMA after your space is confirmed

4. Find a stand supplier

If you’re going for raw space, it’s highly recommended to hire an external partner to design and build your booth. MWC is known for its impressive stands—if you want to stand out, your booth must balance originality with functionality.

At Servis, we can help you manage every step of your booth setup to ensure a smooth and successful exhibition experience.

MWC and Sustainability: What’s Expected from Exhibitors

GSMA is pushing for a more sustainable event model, with concrete actions that go beyond theory and make a real impact:

Cutting down on single-use plastics, with reusable alternatives and refill stations to reduce disposable bottles.
Promoting recyclable and reusable materials, such as PVC-free signage and modular designs intended for reuse.
Measuring and monitoring environmental impact, particularly in energy consumption, water efficiency, transportation, and waste.
The “Donation Room,” a dedicated space to donate or repurpose furniture, materials, and equipment at the end of the event, reducing waste and supporting local communities.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Starting too late – Prime spaces are allocated early. Delays mean fewer options and higher costs.
Lack of clear objectives – Are you there to capture leads, launch a new product, or strengthen your brand? Without defined goals, your booth becomes just a static display.
Poor booth design – A flashy but impractical or brand-inconsistent stand won’t deliver results. Effective design should balance impact, usability, and brand identity.
Ignoring technical regulations – GSMA and Fira Barcelona enforce strict technical requirements. Non-compliance can cause costly delays or even halt your build. Work with a partner who knows the rules.
Weak logistics planning – Accommodation, transport, passes, schedules, and external services all require advance coordination. At MWC, last-minute improvisation is expensive.
No follow-up strategy – The event doesn’t end on the last day. Without a plan to follow up on contacts and leads, much of your investment goes to waste.

If you need a trusted partner to simplify your participation and maximize your results, Servis is here to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you book an exhibition space?

Reservations are not made through a direct online purchase. You’ll need to contact the GSMA sales team via the official Sponsor or Exhibit portal. They allocate spaces based on availability and priority criteria.

What’s included in a modular stand (Shell Scheme)?

This format usually covers the basics: walls, carpet, name board, standard lighting, and in some cases simple furniture. Anything extra—such as electricity, internet, audiovisual equipment, or decoration—must be booked separately.

What’s the difference between 4YFN and the main MWC exhibition area?

4YFN is a dedicated program for startups and scaleups. Its participation terms are different from those of the main exhibition, and it’s managed as its own space—although it takes place within the same venue and under the MWC brand