LIVE FROM GSMA MOBILE ASIA EXPO 2012: Event organiser the GSMA says its inaugural Mobile Asia Expo event will mark the first time it has opened its doors to so-called ‘prosumers’ (professional consumers) alongside executives from the mobile industry.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the event, John Hoffman, the CEO of the GSMA’s events business, said he anticipates up to 20,000 attendees in Shanghai this week, from both the business community and prosumer segments.

“China is the biggest mobile market in the world, so it is important for us to hold an event here,” added Michael O’Hara, the GSMA’s CMO.

Hoffman said that Shanghai was chosen as the host city because “it was best positioned and most attractive in terms  of access to local (Chinese) companies, and international companies looking to do business in China.”

He estimated that there were approximately 800,000 “tech-savvy” ‘prosumers’ in the Shanghai area alone.

According to Hoffman, this week’s event will include 8,000 square meters of exhibition space housing around 200 companies, while 100 speakers will be represented across 18 conference sessions.

One highlight on the speaker programme is the new CEO of Japanese operator Docomo, Kaoru Kato, who will be speaking in public for the first time at the event.

Other highlights noted by Hoffman and O’Hara include App Planet, which is expected to attract 2,000 developers, the government and regulatory forum, and areas dedicated to mobile gaming and augmented reality.