The MWC 2021 is planned to be held in person in June, however Samsung and Lenovo have ruled out their participation
Due to Covid-19 the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2020 had to be canceled. For this year its organizers decided to postpone it from February to June, this in the hope that the situation will normalize and it could be carried out in a face-to-face.
Although there is a delay in the vaccination process around the world, the GSM Association – in charge of the technology fair – have maintained their position and have only increased security measures.
Now participants must show their negative coronavirus test. It was also revealed that there will be “specific entry and exit circuits, a non-contact environment will be promoted, spaces such as restaurants will be redesigned to ensure social distancing, the flow of people will be controlled and proper ventilation will be guaranteed.”
The organizers even revealed that “they will increase the medical staff in the enclosure to carry out evaluations, administer rapid tests and coordinate, when necessary, with the health authorities of Spain.”
Samsung and Lenovo withdraw from the face-to-face version of MWC 2021
Despite the new rules and one month after the MWC 2021, Samsung Y Lenovo announced that they would not participate in a face-to-face.
It’s a statement Samsung He stressed that he will not exhibit his products in person in Barcelona. The South Korean-based company says it will not risk the health of employees, partners and customers.
“The health and safety of our employees, partners and customers is our number one priority, so we have made the decision not to exhibit in person at this year’s MWC.”
However, the company pointed out that this does not mean that it will not participate in the MWC 2021, as it will do so virtually.
“We look forward to participating virtually and continuing to work with the GSM Association and our industry partners to drive new mobile experiences.”
A spokesperson for Lenovo revealed to The Verge that he will only attend virtually and that the organizers were already informed.
Samsung Y Lenovo They are not the only companies that have announced that they will not participate in a face-to-face in the MWC 2021, Sony, Nokia, Google, Oracle and Ericsson have also indicated that they will not attend due to the coronavirus.
When is MWC 2021 held?
It is planned that the MWC 2021 takes place from June 28 to July 1. It should be remembered that it is one of the largest global technology fairs together with the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas and the IFA in Berlin.
This year it is estimated that between 45,000 and 50,000 visitors will attend, half the average figures in the past.
