Mobile World Congress 2026 returns to Barcelona from March 2–5, 2026, once again turning the city into the global hub of mobile innovation and technology. For four days, industry leaders, startups, investors, and digital professionals gather to explore the latest trends, build partnerships, and shape the future of connectivity.
But MWC goes far beyond the halls of Fira Gran Via. As the sun sets, Barcelona comes alive with exclusive gatherings, networking drinks, private parties, and curated side events that bring the ecosystem together in a more relaxed setting.
In this 2026 guide, we’ve rounded up the most relevant MWC side events to help you plan your schedule and make the most of your time in the city. Stay tuned, we’ll keep updating the list as new events are announced. 🚀
GLOBALS Tech Festival 2026 (GSTF26) is widely regarded as the unofficial kickoff to MWC week. Designed for builders — founders, operators, tech leaders, and investors — this festival-style forum centers on high-value conversations around AI, growth, and international expansion. The agenda brings together scaleup founders and industry experts to share actionable strategies, build meaningful partnerships, and explore how to scale sustainably across global markets.
ShowStoppers @ MWC is a three-hour, invitation-only media reception held the evening before the official start of the show. Recognised as one of the most influential press events of the week, it connects technology brands with more than 500 qualified journalists, analysts, and industry influencers in a high-impact networking environment. For companies aiming to increase media exposure during MWC, this event plays a key role in shaping early visibility and coverage.
Hosted by Ecosystem Services in collaboration with Digital Holland, InnovationQuarter and NBSO Barcelona, the NL@MWC Delegation Kickoff Reception & Dinner is organised for the official Dutch delegation attending Mobile World Congress 2026 and 4YFN 2026.
Marking the 10th anniversary of NL@MWC in Barcelona, this invitation-based gathering brings together founders, partners, presenters, and ecosystem stakeholders connected to the Netherlands Pavilion. The evening combines relationship-driven networking with short welcome remarks and practical briefings from delegation leaders and public sector representatives, covering key milestones across the MWC and 4YFN agenda. Set in a waterfront venue in Barceloneta, the event provides a relaxed yet purposeful setting ahead of a busy conference week.
Organised by Barça Innovation Hub, Sports Tomorrow Congress (STC) takes place alongside Mobile World Congress 2026, positioning sports technology at the heart of the world’s leading connectivity event. In 2026, the congress brings together global industry leaders, technology providers, and sports organisations to explore how data, AI, and emerging technologies are reshaping the industry.
Recognised as a key meeting point for innovation in sport, STC focuses on personalisation, performance analytics, fan engagement, and medical and analytical advancements. Through expert insights and real-world case studies, the event highlights practical strategies transforming clubs, athletes, and sports organisations worldwide.
gsmX Barcelona: After MWC Hours! is a series of networking evenings taking place during Mobile World Congress 2026. Designed as a relaxed end-of-day gathering, the event brings together industry professionals to connect and expand their networks in a more informal setting.
Held over multiple evenings, it offers a consistent meeting point for attendees looking to continue conversations beyond the exhibition floor in one of Barcelona’s most distinctive venues.
Taking place after the first day of MWC 2026, the Sip & Sizzle Supper Club brings together senior mobile marketers and OEM leaders for one of the week’s most exclusive private gatherings. Hosted as a partnership between AVOW and Xiaomi, the event is known for its curated atmosphere — replacing high-volume parties with a carefully crafted, sensory-driven dining experience designed to foster meaningful conversations.
Please note: This is a private event with strictly limited capacity.
Superconnectors Barcelona returns during Mobile World Congress 2026 with a highly curated, interactive format built to generate tangible outcomes. Selected founders present a focused seven-minute “ask,” while a vetted group of well-connected industry operators compete to provide the most valuable introductions in real time.
The result is a fast-paced, high-intent environment where meaningful connections happen on the spot — making it a practical option for those who prioritise precision and impact over traditional networking volume.
Hosted by Bain & Company and the Financial Times, this exclusive, senior-level gathering during Mobile World Congress 2026 brings together decision-makers from across the global connectivity ecosystem. Attendance is complimentary but curated, creating a focused environment for strategic discussions on industry transformation and cross-sector collaboration.
Hosted by SquareTrade and Allstate Protection Plans, this cocktail reception marks the start of Mobile World Congress 2026 with an evening of drinks and light bites. The menu is designed by the Michelin-starred Torres brothers, adding a culinary highlight to a relaxed networking setting for industry peers.
Attendance is limited and subject to confirmation.
The NL@MWC Community Night returns during MWC 2026 as one of the main social gatherings for the Dutch telecom and ICT ecosystem in Barcelona. Hosted by Ecosystem Services and Digital Holland, together with partners SPIE, Zscaler, Amrop, FrontierEU and CleverMobi, the evening brings together members of the Netherlands delegation, sponsors, industry partners, and Dutch professionals attending Mobile World Congress 2026.
Held at a harbour-side venue near Port Vell, the event combines informal conversation with purposeful connection. With more than 200 participants in previous editions, it has become a natural meeting point for those looking to exchange ideas, strengthen relationships, and stay closely connected to the wider Dutch presence during MWC week.
Taking place on the second day of MWC 2026, 22@ Afterwork offers a relaxed setting to connect with both national and international professionals. Set in one of Poblenou’s most distinctive venues, the evening is designed for exchanging ideas and building new connections while enjoying curated cocktails in a unique atmosphere.
Hosted by the Rural Wireless Association (RWA) and the Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA), this exclusive reception gathers wireless and infrastructure leaders during MWC week for an evening of tapas and conversation. Complimentary for RWA and WIA members and invited guests, the event offers an intimate setting in a traditional Spanish venue to connect with peers across the industry.
A long-standing highlight of the MWC social calendar, the Irish Reception Evening returns in 2026 with its signature mix of warm hospitality and strong industry connections. Hosted by Benetel, Druid Software, Alpha Wireless and SRS, the reception brings together leaders from Ireland’s 5G ecosystem alongside international partners and peers attending Mobile World Congress 2026.
Held at a centrally located Irish pub, the evening offers a relaxed, business-friendly environment to unwind after a full day at MWC while continuing meaningful conversations. Expect informal networking, drinks, light bites, and the opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces or meet new contacts without the structure of a traditional conference setting.
Beyond 4YFN: Angel Investors Networking Dinner takes place during 4YFN 2026 and Mobile World Congress 2026 week. The event brings together angel investors, investor networks, VCs, founders, and ecosystem leaders for an informal, high-quality networking dinner in Barcelona.
Designed as a relaxed social evening, the gathering focuses on meaningful conversations, peer exchange, and potential collaboration opportunities. The ticketed format includes dinner and drinks, with limited capacity to maintain a curated atmosphere.
Mobile Marketing Dinner offers a curated escape from the mid-week conference rush. Hosted by web2wave and AdQuantum, this private gathering is designed for focused, in-depth discussions around Web2App funnels and performance marketing — all in a setting intentionally free from sales pitches and surface-level networking.
BCN #18 marks 20 years since the first Swedish Beers gathering took place in Barcelona during MWC week. A long-running fixture of the mobile industry’s social calendar, the event brings together executives and professionals working in and around the mobile ecosystem for an informal evening of networking.
Held at Space Cowboy, the format remains intentionally relaxed — no presentations or formal agenda, just open conversation, familiar faces, and new connections in a laid-back setting. Entry is limited, and no admission is permitted after 01:00.
Organised by Enchant, the Enchant AI/Mobile Pitch Party brings together founders, investors, and tech leaders for an evening focused on AI and mobile innovation. The event features a VIP networking and pitch session spotlighting high-potential AI and tech projects, alongside live showcases where startups can present their solutions.
Backed by experts from companies such as Oracle, Microsoft, Ubisoft, King, Sony and Supercell, Enchant connects a global community of 500+ startups and 400+ active angels and VCs across AI and entertainment. The evening concludes with an open afterparty designed for informal networking across the ecosystem.
Organised by PWN Barcelona, Women Leading in 2026 is an exclusive global networking evening held during Mobile World Congress 2026 and 4YFN 2026 week. Timed just ahead of International Women’s Day, the event gathers 150 professional women from across tech, telecom, AI, startups, venture, and leadership for a focused, relationship-driven experience.
Designed without panels or pitches, the evening prioritises meaningful conversation and authentic connection in an intimate setting — offering space to build lasting relationships beyond the conference agenda.
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