Mobile World Congress 2026 returns to Barcelona from 2–5 March 2026, once again turning the city into the global capital of connectivity, innovation, and deal-making. Alongside the packed conference agenda, MWC week has also become famous for its vibrant ecosystem of side events: from private dinners and curated networking receptions to startup showcases, founder meetups, and industry parties happening across Barcelona before, during, and after show hours. For anyone attending MWC 2026, these moments outside the halls are often where the most valuable conversations actually happen.
That’s why Akommo curated this MWC 2026 Parties & Events Guide: a hand-picked list of the best side events, networking opportunities, and social gatherings taking place around Mobile World Congress 2026. Whether you’re looking to meet investors, connect with founders, deepen partnerships, or simply unwind with peers after long days on the show floor, this guide is designed to help you make the most of your time in Barcelona during MWC 2026.
GLOBALS Tech Festival 2026 (GSTF26)
Hosted by: Club GLOBALS
Date & Time: Sunday, March 1, 2026
Location: The Social Hub Barcelona Poblenou, Barcelona
Registration Link: https://www.gstfestival.com/
Kicking off the MWC 2026 week in style, GLOBALS Tech Festival 2026 (GSTF26) is a full-day gathering designed for people who are actually building things: founders, operators, investors, C-level leaders, and ecosystem players who want meaningful conversations, not surface-level networking. Taking place on Sunday, March 1, just ahead of Mobile World Congress 2026 and 4YFN, this event blends the energy of a festival with the focus of a high-quality business forum, complete with curated sessions, matchmaking, and a closing afterparty.
Expect a lively mix of talks, panels, roundtables, and spontaneous encounters across multiple thematic hubs covering tech, AI, growth, partnerships, talent, and education. The atmosphere is intentionally relaxed but high-intent: ideal for exchanging real playbooks, testing ideas, and building partnerships that carry into the rest of your MWC 2026 experience. If you’re looking for a pre-MWC 2026 event that prioritizes depth of connection over sheer crowd size, GSTF26 is built for exactly that.
ShowStoppers @ MWC 2026
Hosted by: ShowStoppers
Date & Time: Sunday, March 1, 2026
Location: Barcelona (exact venue to be announced)
Registration Link: https://showstoppers.com/
ShowStoppers @ MWC is a high-profile media showcase that connects innovative brands and startups with some of the world’s most influential technology journalists. Known globally as one of the most effective platforms for product launches and press exposure, the event is designed for companies that want their announcements seen, covered, and talked about during Mobile World Congress 2026.
The atmosphere blends exhibition, networking, and discovery, with media, founders, and industry leaders moving between hands-on demos and curated showcases across themes like AI, smart cities, mobility, robotics, and immersive tech. If your goal during MWC 2026 is visibility, credibility, and meaningful press engagement, ShowStoppers remains one of the strongest strategic moments of the week, both for exhibitors looking to generate coverage and for attendees eager to spot what’s coming next.
Hosted by: Ecosystem Services (with Digital Holland, Innovation Quarter & NBSO Barcelona)
Date & Time: Sunday, March 1, 2026
Location: CDLC Barcelona, Pg. MarĂtim de la Barceloneta, 32, Barcelona
Registration Link: Sign Up Here
Organized for the official Dutch delegation attending MWC 2026 and 4YFN, this invitation-based reception and dinner marks the 10th anniversary of NL@MWC in Barcelona. The evening brings together founders, partners, presenters, and ecosystem stakeholders connected to the Netherlands Pavilion for a more intimate, relationship-driven gathering ahead of a busy week at Mobile World Congress 2026.
Beyond networking over food and drinks, the program includes short welcome addresses and practical briefings from delegation leaders, public sector representatives, and ecosystem partners, covering key moments across the MWC 2026 and 4YFN agenda. Set at a waterfront venue in Barceloneta, the event offers a relaxed but purposeful environment to align expectations, reconnect with peers, and strengthen cross-border collaboration before the wider conference momentum takes over.
Hosted by: Benetel, Druid Software, Alpha Wireless & SRS
Date & Time: Monday, March 2, 2026
Location: The George Payne Irish Pub, Plaça d’Urquinaona, 5, Barcelona
Registration Link: Click Here
A long-standing favorite on the MWC social calendar, the Irish Reception Evening returns for MWC 2026 with its trademark blend of warm hospitality, easy conversation, and strong industry connections. Held at the much-loved George Payne Irish Pub in central Barcelona, this casual reception offers the perfect way to unwind after a full day at Mobile World Congress 2026 while still keeping your networking game strong.
Co-hosted by key players from the Irish 5G ecosystem, the evening brings together innovative Irish tech companies alongside international industry leaders, partners, and peers attending MWC 2026. Expect a relaxed, business-friendly atmosphere, good drinks, light bites, and plenty of opportunities to reconnect with familiar faces or spark new conversations without the formality of a traditional conference event.
Hosted by: Ecosystem Services & Digital Holland (with partners Spie, Zscaler, Amrop, FrontierEU & CleverMobi)
Date & Time: Monday, March 2, 2026
Location: Restaurant VRABA, Moll d’Espanya, 8, Barcelona
Registration Link: Request Here
The NL@MWC Community Night returns during MWC 2026 as one of the key social gatherings for the Dutch telecom and ICT ecosystem in Barcelona. Bringing together members of the Netherlands delegation, industry partners, sponsors, and Dutch professionals attending Mobile World Congress 2026, the evening is designed for relaxed, high-quality networking in a scenic harbor-side setting.
Hosted at Restaurant VRABA near Port Vell, the event blends informal conversation with purposeful connection, attracting more than 200 participants in previous editions. Whether you’re part of the official NL delegation or a Dutch professional visiting MWC 2026 independently, this community-focused gathering offers a natural space to exchange ideas, strengthen relationships, and stay connected to the broader Netherlands presence
Hosted by: Bain & Company and the Financial Times
Date & Time: Monday, March 2, 2026
Location: Barcelona, Spain (exact venue to be announced)
Registration Link: Sign Up Here
Positioned as an exclusive, senior-level gathering during MWC 2026, Driving Innovation in Global Connectivity brings together decision-makers from across the connectivity ecosystem, including mobile operators, hyperscalers, device manufacturers, platform leaders, and technology partners. Attendance is free but highly curated, with all applications reviewed by Bain & Company and the Financial Times to ensure a focused, peer-level audience.
The event is designed for strategic conversation rather than open-floor networking, offering a setting where leaders can exchange perspectives on the future of global connectivity, industry transformation, and cross-sector collaboration. For executives attending Mobile World Congress 2026 who value depth over volume, this is a strong opportunity to step into a more private, high-caliber dialogue alongside peers shaping the industry’s next phase.
Hosted by: Superconnectors
Date & Time: Monday, March 2, 2026
Location: Barcelona, Spain (exact venue to be announced)
Registration Link: Request to Join Here
Superconnectors Barcelona returns during MWC 2026 with a highly curated, interactive format designed to generate real outcomes rather than passive networking. The event brings together selected startup founders and a vetted group of “superconnectors” — individuals known for the strength and relevance of their networks — to create meaningful, high-impact introductions on the spot.
Each startup presents a focused seven-minute “ask,” outlining their most critical challenge, while the audience competes to offer the most valuable connections in response. The result is a fast-paced, high-energy environment where introductions happen immediately and conversations carry real intent. For founders, investors, and ecosystem builders attending MWC 2026 who value precision over volume, this is one of the most practical and outcomes-driven events of the week.
Hosted by: Enchant – Gaming & AI Accelerator
Date & Time: Thursday, March 5, 2026
Location: MWC Barcelona – Fira Barcelona, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat (exact venue to be announced)
Registration Link: Click Here
Taking place during the heart of MWC 2026, the Enchant AI Pitch Party brings together founders, investors, and industry leaders for an evening focused on discovering standout AI and tech projects. Designed as both a pitch showcase and a high-quality networking event, it’s a strong pick for anyone looking to connect with the people shaping what’s next in AI, SaaS, and digital innovation during Mobile World Congress 2026.
Backed by a global accelerator community with ties to companies like Oracle, Microsoft, Ubisoft, Sony, Supercell, and more, Enchant curates a crowd that includes promising startup teams, active angels, VCs, and ecosystem builders. Expect live project showcases, structured introductions, and a relaxed afterparty where conversations can continue beyond the pitches. If you’re looking for a focused MWC 2026 event where deal flow, talent, and ideas intersect, this one should be firmly on your radar.
Hosted by: Mobile World Capital Barcelona
Date & Time: Monday–Wednesday, March 2–4, 2026
Location: Fira Barcelona Montjuïc – Hall 8, Plaça Espanya, Barcelona
Registration Link: Click Here
Running alongside MWC 2026, Talent Arena positions itself as Europe’s go-to meeting point for developers, digital professionals, tech leaders, and companies looking to connect with the people shaping the future of technology. Hosted by Mobile World Capital Barcelona and co-located with Mobile World Congress 2026, the event transforms Hall 8 at Fira Montjuïc into a vibrant hub for learning, career growth, and high-value networking across the tech ecosystem.
Across multiple stages and themed spaces, attendees can expect inspiring keynotes, practical talks, and interactive sessions covering everything from emerging technologies to real-world innovation. A major highlight is the GSMA Open Gateway DevCon and hackathon, offering developers a rare opportunity to explore mobile network APIs in depth and experiment with building more scalable, intelligent applications. New for MWC 2026, the XPRO zones introduce dedicated experiences for senior and expert-level profiles, including advanced technical sessions and curated networking with industry specialists.
Access is seamless for MWC 2026 and 4YFN pass holders, and the dedicated shuttle between venues makes it easy to include Talent Arena in your daily schedule. If your focus during MWC 2026 is on talent, technology, and long-term opportunity rather than just deal-making, this is one of the most valuable stops on the week’s agenda.
Hosted by: GSMA
Date & Time: Monday–Thursday, March 2–5, 2026
Location: Fira Barcelona Gran Via – Hall 8 (North Entrance), L’Hospitalet de Llobregat
Registration Link: Click Here
Running alongside MWC 2026, 4YFN is the beating heart of the startup ecosystem during Mobile World Congress week. Designed specifically for founders, investors, corporates, and innovation leaders, it’s where early-stage ambition meets serious opportunity. With direct access to the wider MWC 2026 audience, the environment is purpose-built for high-impact networking, quality lead generation, and meaningful conversations that go beyond the pitch stage.
The 2026 edition introduces the theme Infinite AI, shifting the focus from hype to substance and exploring how artificial intelligence can drive real-world impact across industries. Attendees can explore curated tracks spanning gaming, health tech, fintech, climate tech, cybersecurity, corporate innovation, and more, while hearing from globally respected founders, investors, and operators on stage. Whether you’re looking to fundraise, discover the next breakout startup, or plug your company into the innovation pipeline, 4YFN remains one of the most strategically valuable platforms of MWC 2026.
Hosted by: GSMA
Date & Time: Monday–Thursday, March 2–5, 2026 (sessions run throughout MWC week)
Location: Fira Barcelona Gran Via, MWC Barcelona venues (including the Johnson Stage)
Registration Link: Click Here
Diversity4Tech (D4T) returns to MWC 2026 as a dedicated platform for advancing equality, diversity, and inclusion across the global tech ecosystem. Embedded within the wider Mobile World Congress 2026 programme, D4T brings together senior leaders, policymakers, innovators, and advocates to explore how inclusive leadership and diverse perspectives are not only ethical priorities, but powerful drivers of business performance, innovation, and sustainable growth.
Across a series of curated sessions, talks, and discussions, D4T tackles practical topics such as inclusive AI, bias mitigation, accessibility, belonging, and the future of work. The programme aligns closely with the broader MWC 2026 theme of Tech 4 All, highlighting how technology can, and should, serve a wider range of voices and communities. For attendees who want their MWC 2026 experience to go beyond product launches and deal-making, Diversity4Tech offers thoughtful, high-impact conversations shaping the future culture of the industry.
Hosted by: FC Barcelona Innovation Hub (Barça Innovation Hub)
Date & Time: Monday, March 2, 2026
Location: Lamarr Stage, Hall 6, Fira Barcelona Gran Via
Registration Link: (Invitation Required - Sign Up Here)
Held during MWC 2026, the Sports Tomorrow Congress is an invitation-only gathering for senior leaders across sport, technology, investment, and media. Designed for decision-makers rather than general attendees, the congress brings together executives from clubs, federations, performance organizations, brands, and innovation partners to explore how technology is reshaping strategy at the highest level of global sport.
The 2026 edition is built around the theme “Tech Your Edge”, exploring how data, AI, and emerging technologies influence the critical balance between building talent internally and acquiring it externally. Across curated sessions and discussions, the focus is on smarter athlete development, advanced performance systems, predictive analytics for scouting and investment, and long-term organizational strategy. If your MWC 2026 agenda includes high-level thought leadership and cross-industry insight rather than open-floor networking, this is one of the most intellectually valuable events of the week.
Attending MWC 2026?
Planning your week around MWC 2026 doesn’t stop at finding the right events; logistics matter just as much. If you’re heading to Barcelona for Mobile World Congress 2026, Akommo can support you with everything from curated accommodation near the venue to airport transfers, chauffeur services, meeting space, and on-the-ground support throughout the week. We work with companies of all sizes attending major international events and understand how intense MWC week can be when every meeting slot counts.
Whether you’re organizing travel for a leadership team, hosting private client meetings, or coordinating a full company presence at MWC 2026, our team helps make the experience smoother, more reliable, and less stressful. If you’d like help planning your MWC trip, feel free to get in touch with us, and in the meantime, bookmark this guide and check back regularly as we continue to update it with new events and opportunities across Barcelona.
MWC Barcelona 2026 (Mobile World Congress) takes place from March 2–5, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. It is the world’s leading event for the connectivity ecosystem, bringing together global leaders across mobile, AI, cloud, telecom, startups, investment, and emerging technologies. Alongside the official program, hundreds of networking events, private receptions, side events, and industry parties take place across the city throughout the week.
MWC 2026 runs from Monday, March 2 to Thursday, March 5, 2026 at Fira Barcelona Gran Via in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat. Many additional events happen across central Barcelona in hotels, rooftops, restaurants, beach venues, and private spaces.
The Akommo MWC 2026 Parties & Events Guide is a curated list of the best networking events, side events, private dinners, startup meetups, investor gatherings, and social experiences taking place during Mobile World Congress week. We maintain this guide to help attendees discover where meaningful conversations and high-quality connections happen beyond the exhibition halls.
Many events are invite-only or require RSVP approval, while others allow open registration. Each listing in our guide includes access details when available.
Tip: Register early whenever possible. Guest lists during MWC week tend to fill up fast.
Yes. If you're organizing an event during MWC 2026 and would like it considered for inclusion, please share:
Event name
Host or organizer
Date and time
Location and address
Short description
Registration or RSVP link
Send your entries to contact@akommo.com. We manually review all submissions to keep the guide relevant and high quality.
No. Akommo is not affiliated with MWC Barcelona, GSMA, or most third-party organizers unless explicitly stated. We do not organize the listed events and cannot guarantee entry. For access questions, always use the official registration links and contact the event hosts directly.
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