MANX Telecom managing director Chris Hall will be at the World Mobile Congress in Barcelona, Spain, next week.

The three day congress - which runs from February 14 to 17 - attracted 49,000 visitors in 2010 with a similar number expected this year.

A central part of the congress is a conference featuring speakers from major global players in the industry.

Among the key speakers at this year's event will be chief executive officers and chief executives from companies such as AT&T, China Mobile, Cisco, Ericsson, Google, HTC, Intel, Microsoft, Nokia, Telefónica, Twitter, Vodafone and Yahoo!

Chris Hall said attending the conference was vital to keep up to date with the latest technological developments and to talk to representatives from the telecoms industry.

He said: "Attending the World Mobile Congress also offers opportunities to reinforce Manx Telecom's position as a leader in innovation.

"A key part of our strategy is to develop new markets off-Island so it is important to have a presence at major international events for the telecoms industry."

Chris will be attending the congress with Manx Telecom business development manager Joanne Roberts.

The latest developments in mobile technology will feature in an exhibition which each year gives a glimpse into the future of the telecommunications industry.

More than 1,300 exhibitors are scheduled to attend this year's exhibition including integrated solutions providers, hardware and device manufacturers, network infrastructure businesses, service providers and software developers.

The congress ends with the Congress Party and Awards Celebration at the National Palace in Montjuïc.

The party is the culmination of the Global Mobile Awards 2011 and will be hosted by TV presenter Jonathan Ross with entertainment from Duffy and Metric.

The World Mobile Congress is organised by the Global System for Mobile Communications Association.