will.i.am to make an appearance at Mobile World Congress

Designed as a forum for leading figures across mobile, technology, music and content, the MMIX commences at Mobile World Congress on Monday, 2^nd March with a high-powered CEO panel exploring the topical issues and challenges of driving, distributing, monetising and growing mobile consumption of entertainment content. The panel, which will be held in the main auditorium in the Hall 4 Conference Village at Fira Gran Via, features speakers including: Philipp Humm, CEO, Vodafone Europe; David Hose, CEO, Rhapsody; Rich Riley, CEO, Shazam; will.i.am, Global Music Artist, Entrepreneur and Founder and Chairman of i.am+; Moderator: Alice Enders, Enders Analysis.

The MMIX continues with the official MWC15 Party on the night of Tuesday 3^rd March, with performances by platinum-selling artists Rudimental headlining with a DJ set, and legendary international DJ and dance music legend Roger Sanchez, among other artists. The MMIX party will be held at the Italian Pavilion at Fira Montjuïc and tickets, which are in high demand, are available for purchase at the MMIX website.

The MMIX debate continues on Wednesday, 4^th March with the dedicated four-session MMIX Forum as part of the 4 Years From Now (4YFN) event, which is devoted to innovation in the digital and mobile ecosystem. The MMIX Forum will explore the current landscape for music content, new and disruptive business models and innovation in the recorded and live music sectors, in both mature and emerging markets.

The MMIX Forum speakers include executives and experts from streaming platforms Deezer, Hungama, Psonar, Rdio, Rightster and Spotify; mobile operators Deutsche Telekom, Digicel, Smart Communications and VimpelCom; and others, including music festivals Sonar and The Great Escape, specialist music app developers BioBeats and Eskimo, and label and dance venue owner Ministry of Sound. The MMIX Forum sessions will be chaired by industry leaders including Paul Brindley, Co-Founder and CEO of renowned music consultancy Music Ally.

Bobby Simms, Founder and CEO, Popshop, commented: “We truly believe that mobile innovation has the potential to revolutionise how music is delivered, consumed and created, from both a creative and commercial point of view; it is the future, so where better to unite the two than at Mobile World Congress.”

Michael O’Hara, Chief Marketing Officer, the GSMA said: “We are delighted to bring an exciting series of high-level speakers to examine the many challenges of content distribution on mobile around the world and to debate the potential of disruptive new business models, new players, new formats and new multi-platform plays from a variety of perspectives.”

Allan Cobb, Managing Director, UK, Momentum Worldwide, commented: “The MMIX is a great new discussion platform with a world-class entertainment experience at the core. Smartphones and the desire for content anywhere is driving global internet access, fan experiences and brand engagement to an unprecedented degree, so there is no better venue for the debate about the future of content than at MWC.”