introduction
the event industry is no stranger to disruptions-economic crises, natural disasters, and global pandemics have all reshaped the way we work. But through it all, bnetwork has stood firm, ensuring our clients and partners could rely on us even in the most difficult moments.
here is how we navigated three major industry crises and emerged stronger each time.
2008 financial crisis: supporting mwc through uncertainty
barcelona | february 2008
as the subprime mortgage crisis sent shockwaves through the global economy, the event industry faced a wave of cancellations. Almost 100,000 overnight stays were booked for
Mobile World Congress-but by the first day, only 60,000 remained.
for many companies, this was a breaking point. But at bnetwork, we worked alongside GSMA and our hotel partners to adapt strategies, manage last-minute changes, and ensure a seamless experience for the remaining attendees.
2015 cannes floods: a race against time
cannes | october 2015
with just days to go before
MIPCOM, the french riviera was hit by devastating storms, flooding our servers. The event was at risk of total disruption.
instead of accepting defeat, we moved our servers to lyon overnight, restored the data, and ensured all hotels received their rooming lists on time.
"it was one of the most challenging moments in our history," recalls Abdelkrim Rguib, COO. "but our team pulled together, proving that service is more than just technology - it's dedication."
2020 covid-19 pandemic: adapting to a new reality
global | march 2020
when the Mobile World Congress, Geneva International Motor Show, and the Olympic Games were cancelled within weeks, the industry was thrown into chaos.
at bnetwork, we pivoted quickly:
✔️ helping clients reschedule & manage cancellations
✔️ developing digital-first booking solutions
✔️ supporting a hybrid event model for the post-pandemic world
lessons in resilience
overcoming these crises taught us invaluable lessons that continue to guide our approach today:
- flexibility is fundamental.
the ability to quickly adapt strategies and operations is critical during unforeseen disruptions. Our agile response allowed us to swiftly realign resources and priorities.
- clear communication creates trust.
honest, proactive, and transparent communication with clients, partners, and staff helped us navigate uncertainty together and strengthened our relationships.
- innovation drives recovery.
investing in technology and digital solutions enabled us to adapt rapidly and efficiently, turning disruptions into opportunities for growth.
- teamwork makes the difference.
the dedication, collaboration, and resilience of
our global team were essential. Our people proved to be our strongest asset during challenging times.
moving forward with confidence
as we look toward the future, we remain committed to staying resilient and proactive. While the event industry will undoubtedly face new challenges, our experiences have prepared us to meet them head-on, ensuring continued success for our clients and partners worldwide.
april 2025