INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
MWC organising body the GSMA has confirmed it will not provide refunds to exhibitors following the cancellation of this year's show.The
annual industry showpiece was due to be held this week in Barcelona, but organisers pulled the plug earlier this month due to concerns about
the coronavirus outbreak.Several companies, including Amazon, Ericsson, Facebook, Intel, LG, Nokia Nvidia and Sony had already announced
they would be withdrawing from the event
Nonetheless, the GSMA was adamant that the show would go ahead right up until the formal cancellation on February 13.A statement from the
GSMA said the organisers came to the conclusion that the show was "impossible" to hold after recent events.GSMA CEO, John Hoffman, said,
because the global concern regarding the coronavirus outbreak, travel concern and other circumstances, make it impossible for the GSMA to
the convener of an entire industry and related ecosystem, the financial implications of these circumstances are hugely significant for the
majeure situation, no refunds will be provided under clause 21.10 of our Standard Terms and Conditions for Exhibition, Advertising and
rely on the vent to showcase their wares and hold meetings with other members of the mobile ecosystem.Some companies will also have paid for
transport, accommodation, and exhibition stands, while resources would have been spent on creating demos and prototypes.The GSMA told
TheIndianSubcontinent Pro that it was asking exhibitors for patience as it came up with proposals that might mitigate the potential fallout
from the cancellation and allow for the continuation of mutually beneficial relationships
It plans to communicate further details at the end of March.Via Mobile Marketing
