Even though iPhone maker Apple doesn’t take part, Mobile World Congress is the largest mobile device trade show in the world, held annually in Barcelona, Spain. When the next event launches in February, 2011, iOS will get at least some kind of presence thanks to the first-ever Macworld Mobile.
AppleInsider is reporting that IDG World Expo, the organizers of the annual Macworld trade show, have partnered with GSMA, the company who puts together the annual Mobile World Congress show. The result is Macworld Mobile, an event within the giant mobile device trade show that will focus on software developed for iOS devices, including “technical sessions, targeting tools and applications.”
"We're excited to bring Macworld Mobile to Mobile World Congress," said IDG World Expo chief executive officer Mary Dolaher. "Macworld is known around the world for helping to drive and stimulate the Apple products community with educational programs and business development activities. At Mobile World Congress, we will help international iOS developers to strengthen their skills, as well as facilitate connections with other developers and the worldwide audience of mobile decision makers who attend."
Macworld Mobile is a followup to this year’s introduction of “App Planet,” a portion of the trade show focused on mobile developers, which will also be returning for the 2011 event taking place in Barcelona, Spain from February 14-17.
"App Planet proved to be a stunning success in its debut this year at Mobile World Congress, demonstrating the tremendous demand for in-depth content, networking and business development opportunities and information on the cutting-edge technologies and solutions in the mobile application space," said GSMA chief market officer Michael O'Hara. "The developments we are announcing today, particularly the launch of Macworld Mobile which will target the critical Apple developer community, will serve to make App Planet and Mobile World Congress the epicenter for the app world."
Among the keynote speakers for next year’s Mobile World Congress are AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson and Google CEO (and onetime Steve Jobs pal) Eric Schmidt.
While the rest of the mobile device community uses Mobile World Congress to introduce its latest and greatest devices, Apple has chosen to sit the event out since leaping into the mobile pond in 2007, and also ended its participation in the Macworld trade show this year -- but organizer IDG continues to put the show on, despite the presence of the company that makes the technology possible in the first place.
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