Mobile World Congress (MWC) kicks off later this month, and LG has announced that it is withdrawing from the conference and that it will not be exhibiting this year.
This decision comes in response to the recent coronavirus outbreak. LG has decided that it would be safer for its employees if they did not travel to MWC due to the outbreak.
LG’s Official Statement
LG Electronics is closely monitoring the situation related to the novel coronavirus outbreak, which was recently declared a global emergency by the World Health Organization as the virus continues to spread outside China.
With the safety of its employees and general public foremost in mind, LG has decided to withdraw from exhibiting and participating in MWC 2020 later this month in Barcelona, Spain. This decision will prevent needlessly exposing hundreds of LG employees to international travel, which most health experts have advised.
The decision by LG to withdraw from MWC 2020 is a significant one, as the event is one of the largest and most important gatherings in the mobile industry. Companies from around the world use the platform to showcase their latest innovations, network with industry peers, and set the stage for the year’s technological advancements. LG’s absence will undoubtedly be felt, but the company has emphasized that the health and safety of its employees and the general public are of paramount importance.
Alternative Plans for Product Announcements
LG has also announced that it will be holding its own press events to reveal its new range of 2020 mobile devices. While the exact dates for these events have not been disclosed, the company has assured its customers and stakeholders that they will not miss out on the exciting new products LG has in store. These events are expected to be held in safer environments, possibly through virtual platforms, which have become increasingly popular in the wake of the pandemic.
The decision to hold separate events allows LG to maintain control over the environment and ensure that all necessary precautions are taken to protect attendees. This approach also provides an opportunity for more focused and detailed presentations of their new products, without the distractions and time constraints that often accompany large-scale events like MWC.
Impact on the Industry
LG’s withdrawal from MWC 2020 is part of a broader trend of companies re-evaluating their participation in large events due to health concerns. Other major companies have also expressed reservations or pulled out of similar events, highlighting the widespread impact of the coronavirus outbreak on global business operations.
The absence of key players like LG from MWC could lead to a shift in how such events are conducted in the future. Virtual conferences and online product launches may become more common, offering a safer and potentially more cost-effective alternative to traditional in-person gatherings. This shift could also democratize access to these events, allowing a broader audience to participate and engage with the latest technological advancements.
In conclusion, while LG’s decision to withdraw from MWC 2020 is a prudent one given the current health crisis, it also underscores the need for the industry to adapt to new realities. The company’s commitment to holding separate press events ensures that its innovations will still reach the market, albeit through different channels. As the situation continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how other companies respond and what long-term changes may emerge in the way industry events are conducted.
Source LG
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