The 2002 3GSM World Congress, which is the world's largest mobile communications conference and exhibition, begins today in Cannes. With 5,000 paying conference delegates from 120 countries and an expected 25,000 visitors to the exhibition, the event is the annual gathering place of the world's mobile telecommunications industry.

The exhibition continues to grow with a 25% increase in stand space to 25,000 square metres, a 12% increase in exhibitors to 526 and a 25% increase in visitors.

Reflecting the difficulties experienced by the mobile telecommunications industry, delegate numbers are around 30% below 2001. The profit impact of this reduction has been offset by a 13% increase in sponsorship and exhibition revenue and tight cost control.