LONDON-The annual 3GSM World Congress is moving to Barcelona, Spain, from its home of 10 years, Cannes, France, beginning in 2006, according to the GSM Association.
The 2005 event will be held in Cannes Feb. 14-17.
Relocation comes in response to rising attendance and growing demand for exhibition and conferencing space as Cannes has reached full capacity. In 2004, the 3GSM World Congress attracted more than 600 exhibitors, 28,000 visitors, 4,600 conference delegates, and nearly 1,000 media.
The venue selected for 2006, the Fira de Barcelona, offers nearly 100 percent more space than Cannes and can accommodate the 40,000 visitors expected annually within the next few years, the trade association said.
“With its unique ambiance, Cannes has been an outstanding host over the last decade: indeed, it has become synonymous with the Congress,” said Rob Conway, chief executive officer and board member of the GSM Association. “As our industry has grown to serve more than a billion people, the scale and scope of Congress has increased equally dramatically.”
