The GSMA announced several additional keynote speakers for Mobile World Congress Shanghai

The GSMA announced that executives from leading organisations across the mobile ecosystem will participate in the keynote programme at the 2018 GSMA Mobile World Congress Shanghai. The GSMA also announced the first speakers for the new Leaders Stage, as well as newly confirmed exhibitors, partners, sponsors and events. Mobile World Congress Shanghai will take place 27-29 June at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC).

“With just over two months to go, we have a very exciting programme lined up for Mobile World Congress Shanghai 2018,” said Michael O’Hara, chief marketing officer. “While showcasing the latest developments in mobile, this year’s event will offer attendees a wide range of experiences through the conference, the exhibition and specialised programmes such as Women4Tech, 4YFN and beyond.”

New keynote speakers confirmed
The GSMA announced several additional keynote speakers for Mobile World Congress Shanghai, with executives from leading mobile operators, infrastructure providers and other companies across the broad mobile ecosystem. Recently confirmed speakers include:

* Sabeen Ali, Founder and CEO, AngelHack
* Thaddeus Arroyo, CEO, AT&T Business
* Liu Aili, President and COO, China Telecom
* Borje Ekholm, President and CEO, Ericsson
* Eric Xu, Rotating Chairman, Huawei
* Greg Wyler, Founder and Executive Chairman, OneWeb.

The GSMA also introduced a new element for this year’s Mobile World Congress Shanghai: the Leaders Stage. The Leaders Stage programme is open to Mobile World Congress Shanghai attendees holding VIP, Gold or All Exhibition Passes, and will explore wide-ranging trends that are shaping the mobile future and impacting citizens’ everyday lives. Executives participating in the Leaders Stage include:

* Nicole Richards, Catalyst, Dovetailed
* Kirti Lad, Executive Director, Meraki Executive Search & Consulting
* Jingyi Yu, CEO, Chairman and Chief Scientist, Plex-VR Digital Technology
* Bessie Lee, CEO and Founder, Withinlink.

The GSMA announced the first speakers for the Women4Tech Summit, which will be held Thursday, 28 June at the Leaders Stage. The Women4Tech Summit will bring together senior-level speakers and panelists to discuss how to ensure gender equality in mainstream work environments and share strategic advice on broadening gender diversity in mobile and related industries. The Summit will highlight topics around women’s role in empowering, encouraging, transforming and innovating in technology. The first confirmed Women4Tech keynote speakers and panelists include:

* Nicole Peng, Senior Director, Mobility, Canalys
* Åsa Tamsons, EVP and Head of Emerging Business, Ericsson
* Azita Arvani, Head of Innovation Partner & Venture Management, Nokia* Anna Yip, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, SmarTone
* Mary Clark, CMO and EVP Product, Synchronoss.

New developments in 4 Years From Now (4YFN)
4YFN returns to Asia for the third year, highlighting key technology trends and exploring disruptive innovation with a comprehensive programme for startups, investors and corporations. 4YFN offers unique connecting initiatives, including custom networking activities, inspirational talks, technical workshops, community outreach and the 4YFN Summit.

For 2018, 4YFN is located in the NEXTech Hall, which puts the spotlight on next-generation technologies, products and experiences. Exhibitors at 4YFN include Daejeon Information & Culture Industry Promotion Agency (DICIA), Korea Institute of Startups & Entrepreneurship Development (KISED), Qualcomm Technologies and Shanghai Technology Innovation Center, among others.

Leading venture capital and investment organisations, including DCM Ventures, IBM Venture Capital Group, Legend Capital, Telefónica Open Future, Telstra Ventures and others will participate in the 4YFN Founders and Investors Programme and 4YFN Summit. Executives confirmed to speak in the 4YFN Summit taking place 27-29 June include Minette Navarrete, President, Kickstart, Globe Telecom; David Tang, Managing Partner, Nokia Growth Partners; and Volker Heistermann, Managing Director, Yushan Ventures.