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The number of businesses attending Mobile World Congress this year continues to decline, with Google the latest to announce that it will not attend the annual event. The event is supposed to take place in person this summer, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a number of exhibitors have pulled out.
Google released a statement (via The edge) citing the ongoing pandemic and its concerns for the safety of employees and attendees as the main reason for not exhibiting at this year’s show.
“Following our current COVID-19 travel restrictions and protocols, Google has made the decision not to exhibit at Mobile World Congress this year. We will continue to work closely with the GSMA and support our partners through virtual opportunities. We look forward to this year’s activities and to seeing you in Barcelona in 2022. ”
This is another blow to the GSMA, the organization that hosts the annual event. Previously, Sony, Nokia, Ericsson and Oracle announced that they would not attend this year’s Mobile World Congress. Some companies have said they will support virtual opportunities instead of in-person exposure.
“We are aware that it will not be possible for everyone to attend MWC Barcelona 2021,” the GSMA previously said. “This is why we have developed an industry-leading virtual event platform that will ensure that everyone can enjoy the unique experience of MWC.”
The GSMA was forced to cancel Mobile World Congress last year as the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the world. Although still in the grip of the same pandemic, the GSMA has insisted it is moving forward with this year’s event.
Organizers said they have a multi-layered plan to ensure a safe environment for attendees, including requiring attendees to test negative for COVID-19. But there is still the potential for the virus to spread, prompting these companies to give up very cautiously.
COVID-19 vaccines are increasingly available in some parts of the world. But with the Mobile World Congress kicking off in June, that’s not enough time for large crowds to start gathering safely in indoor venues. Hopefully at this time next year it will be a different story.
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