How to Nail Your MWC Speaker Submission - First Time
Every February, Barcelona becomes the epicentre of activity for mobile and connectivity - drawing tens of thousands of delegates from some of the biggest tech brands on the planet, and delivering a packed agenda covering the challenges and opportunities within the industry.
It’s no wonder that competition for speaking slots is fierce. With hundreds of submissions flooding the organisers every year, only the most eye-catching and compelling offerings will make it on to the stage at the event itself.
So, how do you make sure that your submission is one of the chosen few? At Babel, we’ve helped clients secure everything from keynotes to panel debates and solo presentations, and we know what it takes to cut through the noise.
The key is aligning your pitch to talk about “hot topics” for the year ahead and how you're contributing to the future of the industry. The good news is that the GSMA, which curates the programme, offers multiple routes to involvement, so there should be an ideal fit for you - just make sure you select the right one.
Build your submission around the key themes
Your first step is to anchor your proposal in the GSMA’s agenda themes, which you can find here.
From its mobile network roots, MWC has evolved to now focus more on how connectivity underpins transformation across industries. From manufacturing and logistics to healthcare, finance, and beyond - both organisers and delegates are keen to hear how new technologies are improving efficiencies across these sectors and opening up new opportunities for growth. The most exciting sessions come from organisations showcasing how technologies like private 5G, AI and intelligent infrastructure are being applied to unlock new efficiencies, drive revenue and deliver entirely new business models.
When crafting your speaking submission, think about:
- How your story paints a picture for the future role of mobile technology beyond connectivity.
- What business transformation it enables. Are you improving efficiency, innovation, or creating new revenue streams?
- Whether your story clearly aligns with one of the GSMA’s key themes.
Choosing the right submission format
The GSMA offers several ways to get on stage - each with its own advantages:
- Moderator – Best suited to analysts, journalists, or commentators, rather than brands. The opportunities are limited too, and you’ll get less time to present your company’s viewpoint.
- Solo – A powerful format but difficult to secure unless you’re a recognised executive from a major brand. Your idea needs to be truly exceptional to crack the lid on this one.
- Joint – Teaming up with a customer is a strong route to entry. A compelling case study with tangible results gives your submission weight and credibility. If you’re a vendor, you should be thinking about a joint case study with an operator on an issue that really is groundbreaking, pushing the boundaries of technology or societal impact.
- Panel – The most accessible option and an attractive opinion for brands/individuals that don’t have huge pieces of news to splash. You won’t control the full agenda, but you’ll gain visibility alongside other respected industry voices.
Be flexible and follow up
It’s a seriously busy schedule, so even if you don’t land the exact slot you pitched for, you may still be invited to contribute elsewhere on the programme. Being flexible is key and creates a reputation for being easy to work with - something that will stand you in good stead for future speaking submissions.
It also pays to build a relationship with the GSMA content team. At Babel, for example, we always follow up with organisers to explore where our clients’ stories best fit within the evolving agenda. This proactive approach often makes the difference between getting overlooked and securing a place.
But while you may need some flexibility to land a speaking spot, the GSMA doesn’t afford such leeway. Get your submission in on time. Don’t make the mistake of assuming they’ll offer an extension; they didn’t last year. So, 29th September 2025 (23:00 CET) is the absolute deadline.
Diversity Matters
The GSMA is committed to showcasing diverse voices on stage. Putting forward female executives or leaders from underrepresented groups not only strengthens your submission but also contributes to a more inclusive industry conversation - something we should all be promoting regardless.
Getting it right first time
Landing a speaking slot at MWC isn’t easy, but the rewards are significant - so it really is worth putting some additional time into getting your submission right, first time. Speaking at this event will elevate your brand, establish your executives as thought leaders, and open the door to numerous new and exciting opportunities.
The formula is pretty simple when you know how:
- Align with the GSMA’s themes
- Showcase a tangible impact
- Choose the right format for your brand
Add in flexibility, diversity and persistence into the mix and you’ll maximise your chances of getting on stage in Barcelona, shaping the future of mobile and connectivity.
