In recent days we have experienced periods of uncertainty about coronavirus expansion worldwide. The virus, which is spreading rapidly in China, has been a cause of concern for any global event.
The New World Congress is different, and in these days we have seen how several important companies have come together to decide the future of the world's largest technology event.
Since many companies have withdrawn from the event, GSMA is planning an emergency meeting next Friday, February 14, a meeting that, given the emergence of the situation, they have decided to move forward. At the emergency meeting it seemed like a confirmation to proceed, but at the last minute they found that the event was canceled.
Mobile World Congress 2020 is canceled
A few days ago we found that LG was leaving its presence at the Mobile World Congress because of the risk of coronavirus infection. LG's decision was adding these days to companies like Nvidia, HP, Amazon, Sony and Vivo, in addition to Sony, Cisco and Nokia, the world's largest telecommunications companies.
Before all GSMA plans to meet with key partners to decide the future of the event, it proposes three scenarios such as canceling, postponing or continuing. Following the departure of Deutsche Telekom, one of the largest telecom giants in Europe, the meeting has improved.
The GSMA has determined that for health and safety reasons, the most logical solution is to avoid any risk of infection and canceling an event, a difficult decision for everyone, but that is very reasonable, given the number of companies that have withdrawn.
These days we have learned how the GSMA has worked tirelessly to ensure the best possible hygiene conditions, reduce aid to those from China and duplicate medical and medical staff at the building, as well as policies to avoid any potential disruption. Finally, since it is not possible to verify these conditions, they have chosen to cancel the event. According to a statement from the GSMA itself "Global concern about coronavirus outbreaks, travel concerns and other conditions, prevents GSMA from hosting the event".
Now what?
What will happen to the leading mobile manufacturers? Well, these days each of them will improve their options. We already know examples like Hon, who decided to hold his event in Barcelona, but without FIRA. Others, such as Nokia, have chosen to showcase their new products through an online event to broadcast
In the next few hours we will know what will be the fate of manufacturers such as Xiaomi, or Huawei, who in these days of uncertainty have announced that they will also attend the event. With the cancellation of its cancellation, these brands will have to think otherwise, whether they postpone what they thought of another day and place, distribute it online or simply calm things down.
What will happen at the cost of the event It seems to be another important point. No insurance including coronavirus and the future of who will pay for the cancellation of the event seems to depend on whether the Spanish government and Generalitat are reporting a coronavirus' emergency health, something that has not happened.
