In spite of rising costs, Chinese tech companies see value in attending big industry gatherings

The Mobile World Congress remains a highly regarded networking event for mainland Chinese companies, with the industry showcase in Barcelona drawing a strong turnout during its four-day run to March 2, although some attendees highlighted concerns saying the costs of maintaining a presence had become prohibitively expensive.

Among the unique exhibiting companies at the event, 196 were registered in the mainland, up from 183 mainland companies which attended last year’s event.

The growth in attendence helped to boost mainland companies into the No 4 spot in terms of company origin by nationality.

Analysts said that MWC and the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), held in Las Vegas, Nevada each January, remain popular networking events for mainland companies.

“Chinese brands are investing in CES and MWC because of their global visibility and the buzz it can create with media in the US and western Europe. Some Chinese brands lack brand personalities there and for those who want to grow abroad, this can generate indirect value,” said Thomas Husson, principal analyst with Forrester Research.

Companies attending this year’s Barcelona event noted spiralling prices for peripheral amenities and services such as hotel rooms, where a single night’s stay in a downtown four-star hotel cost more than US$1,000, significantly higher than the daily average rate throughout the year.