The world’s biggest mobile phone show (MWC 2020) has officially been cancelled. The event organizer, GSMA, has decided to call off the annual event this year amid coronavirus threat, a global health emergency as declared by the WHO.
The event had already seen many companies pull out, as they prioritize the safety of their teams. Previously, GSMA had been implementing new restrictions to help ensure the attendees are not affected. The risk factor, however, seemed too big with GSMA CEO, John Hoffman saying it will be “impossible” for the event to happen this year.
MWC 2020 was to take place in Barcelona, Spain, between February 24th and the 27th.
To date, many participating companies who had conferences at the event had cancelled their meetings. Last week, LG, NTT, Sony, NVIDIA, ZTE, and Amazon pulled out of the event.
More companies have joined the list this week with MediaTek, Vivo, Ulefone, HMD Global, Umdigi, Cisco, Intel, AT&T, and more pulling out amid fears of the Wuhan coronavirus that has put tens of millions under quarantine in China.
“With due regard to the safe and healthy environment in Barcelona and the host country today, the GSMA has cancelled MWC Barcelona 2020 because the global concern regarding the coronavirus outbreak, travel concern and other circumstances, make it impossible for the GSMA to hold the event,” said John Hoffman CEO GSMA Limited in a statement.
Featured Image credits: The Verge
