The question is not “who‘s exhibiting at WMC 2010 but who’s not? – The 2010 Mobile World Congress starts next week Monday the 15th -18 th of February, in Barcelona and provides 1,300 companies with the chance to present solutions for the mobile future. MWC Passes are outstandingly expensive (one pass ranging from € 599 to € 4,999) but it offers the opportunity to meet with approximately 50,000 key decision-makers.

When I arrived last Wednesday at Plaza España, to take the bus to my beach volleyball lesson at Inefc, (Institut nacional d’educació física de Catalunya ) 5 days before the actual staging, the exciting atmosphere of an international event was already noticeable. People were running around, setting things up, wanting to be ready in time for when the MWC opens its doors on Monday morning. Even when I arrived up at the Inefc building, cars were parked up the mountain and everything was choc-a-bloc. So being here in Barcelona, while the world watches the MWC is an exciting experience which I want to share with you. On Monday we will provide you with the first inside fair Impressions of 2010 – so stick with us.

What’s it about?

For those of you who aren’t yet aware of the latest mobile technology trends I’ll give you an idea of what we are talking about. I think everybody knows the major players in this industry: Basically it’s all about a big catfight between RIM/BlackBerry, Apple’s iPhone , and Google’s Android OS. At last year’s event, we also saw new devices from most of the major players, including Samsung, HTC, Sony Ericsson, and LG, and even some fresh faces, such as Acer.

Who will be there this year?

Besides specified mobile technology companies from all around the world, big global players such as Micosoft, Google, Samsung, Adobe, Bosh, Sony Ericsson, Fuji, Intell, Nokia, Samsung, SAP, Skype, Sun, T-Mobile, Toshiba, Visa, etc. will present their latest products for mobile market solutions. And what about Apple? – Well Apple, which doesn’t seem to need to participate at any major event these days, including MacWorld, has never been to Mobile World Congress and won’t be there this year either.

Interesting events

• Everybody uses them. I am talking about the funny little Apps on e.g. mobile devices and social networks. This year the focus will be on the dynamic mobile applications market  The conference has an entire day and series of sessions for application developers, called App Planet. Motorola, Google, and others are creating developer labs or similar events.

• Microsoft is holding a press conference on Monday (Feb. 15) afternoon and the rumours have the company producing everything from Windows Mobile 7 to a Zune phone.
• Adobe’s CEO, Shantanu Narayen, will also speak; some may be expecting announcements regarding Flash.
• Google has said it isn’t making any announcements in Barcelona. Well, last year, Google didn’t even motioned Android units. This year, all the buzz (NO not that Buzz!) is about how many new Android devices we’ll see, and if that’s true, Google won’t need to say a word.
• Also, for the first time Google CEO, Eric Schmidt, is making the trek to keynote at the event. Perhaps he’ll paint an inspiring vision of where the Android platform is heading.

• Like last year the global Mobile Awards will take place on the first days of the exhibition and will present a range of nominies in the category Mobile Entertainment, Mobile Advertising and Marketing, Best Mobile Services, Best Use of Mobile for Social and Economic Development, Green Mobile Award, Best Technology and Best Mobile Handset or Device.
• And last but not least , the English rock band Duran Duran is going to perform – wow, what a happening

You are coming to MWC? Fira de Barcelona is located at Avenida Reina Maria Cristina s/n 08004 Barcelona. Check for more Information about Barcelona Metro-System and insider tips for metro newbies.