Did you enjoy it then?
I had a mixed bag of comments from people who did go. Mostly it was ‘so-so’ which is, actually, what I might have felt if I went. I decided not to go because of their steadfast rubbish policy of not allowing any bloggers. I could have gone incognito. I could have solicited a pass one way or another or, worse, I could have paid.
But, to go along and listen to the latest drivel from the mobile industry, nahhhhh. It didn’t appeal. I’m feeling pretty good as a result. I caught all the press releases. None of the stress of arsing around getting to and from Barcelona.
The only arse was the lack of networking. I would have, I think, enjoyed the parties and meeting folk.
I would have been rather put out if Arrooooooooon from Vodafone had actually given a market-leading Steve Jobs style speech. He didn’t. I didn’t bother reading about it. I just saw that hardly any news outlets covered what he had to say: Ergo it never happened (in the context of an industry commentary).
Microsoft dribbled out the latest version of Windows Mobile. Right. Next. Cool. I hope it’s faster. If it is, I’ll be a big fan.
And Nokia knocked out their new handsets — that is, possibly, the only element I’d have really liked to have seen visually. The do usually put on a good show, Nokia. Very professional.
If you think I missed a particular highlight or announcement from the week, knock me over a mail and I’ll fix that. In the meantime: 3GSM, take it or leave it? Leave it.
Thank you and good night…
It definately lacked a buzz and generally has a much more commercial feel. More expensive to exhibit, more expensive to get in, more noise, less clarity.
Highlights were the T-Mobile hospitality bar and getting back on the plane without getting mugged.
I thoroughly enjoyed it but it was all about the networking for me. I didn’t spend very much time at the exhibition and when I did I caught up with folks I don’t normally see (because they’re not based in London) and spent quality time with folks I don’t normally get to spend quality time with. And of course, Swedish Beers, was a rip-roaring success (well that’s what our visitors told me and there are plenty photos on flickr too). I would have liked another day to actually check out some of the exhibits that I just didn’t get chance to go and look at.
There were no really big news stories at the event but the buzz was the fact there was a lot more of everything which suggests confidence in the industry. And there were a lot more media companies there this year than last which means content is gaining ground.
Would I recommend it to anyone and would I go again – absolutely yes on both counts. I’m a fan.
I’m gutted I didn’t go.
My CEO assures me that I would’ve hated it – but I had Swedish Beers pencilled in and everything…
:o(