Last summer, Barcelona was named the Mobile World Capital 2012-2018. Not only will the Catalan capital host the world's largest and most important mobile industry event – the GSMA Mobile World Congress – during this time, but it will also present a series of programmes and activities throughout the year benefitting the local community as well as the global industry.

Barcelona was selected as the Mobile World Capital for a number of reasons. The quality of its conference and exhibition facilities. The excellent transportation network. The city's commitment to extending the reach of mobile technology, and a very supportive public and private sector. Organisers also mentioned the wide range of top-notch hotels and quality tourist apartments in Barcelona as a motivating factor. And, of course, the mild winter weather, celebrated restaurants and rich, cultural heritage provided an additional incentive!

In 2011, the Congress celebrated its biggest and brightest edition to date, with more attendees than ever before and a strong, international presence representing 200 countries. 1400 companies showcased their products, and more than 10,000 app developers presented innovations in the industry's fastest growing sector.

2012 looks even more promising and given the industry's constantly changing and expanding panorama and the rate of innovation, it is definitely a must for anyone working in mobile technology or related sectors.

And the number of related sectors is also skyrocketing. After all, mobile devices are no longer simply aimed at communication. Our mobile devices now fulfil so many functions: we read books on them, monitor our health, pay our bills, connect with friends and colleagues. They are our social networks, travel guides, translators, maps, cameras, cookbooks and entertainment centres. No wonder the congress' motto for 2012 is “Redefining mobile”!

The event boasts a diverse and tightly packed agenda of conferences, exhibitions, networking events and parties designed to bring industry professionals and business leaders together. Adding to the prestige to the event is the line-up of keynote speakers, which includes executives, CEOs and presidents of leading companies in the mobile, internet and entertainment sector as well as the strategists, scientists and visionaries of the future. Up-and-coming companies and innovators will be joining important mobile players like Google, Samsung, Blackberry, Nokia, HTC, Microsoft, Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone and many others at the Fira de Montjuic in Barcelona from February 27 to March 1, 2012.

Looking for accomodation during the Mobile Congress? BCNinternet.com offers a range of attractive, high-quality and well located apartments in Barcelona that are ideal for the business traveller!