LONDON, United Kingdom – The screens are up, the stage is built. Nokia World 2011 begins on Wednesday, and we’re expecting some big announcements. 

Over the last few weeks we’ve taken you back through history to remind you about other key Nokia moments. From the days when the Nokia paper company and rubber boot empire transformed into the world’s leading force in mobile technology.  

Now Nokia’s taking the next step in its journey. We’re sworn to secrecy, but we think this year’s Nokia World will be one to remember, and we’ll be there dissecting all the announcements, introducing you to new products, talking to the people who matter – and finding out what you think.  

We’re starting with a bang. Nokia’s President and CEO Stephen Elop opens proceedings on Wednesday 26th October at 9am (UK time) with his keynote address. He’ll finish speaking at about 10:30am, but we think you might want to spend the rest of the morning digesting what he has to say and getting your head around some of the new products. 

After lunch on Day 1 Joe Belfiore, Corporate Vice President of the Windows Phone Program at Microsoft, will be talking about building a different kind of UI. 

Then in the afternoon we’re breaking into panel debates. Nokia’s Senior Vice President of Design Marko Ahtissari, and Microsoft’s Director of Mobile Experience Design Albert Shum will be talking about making smarter smartphones, Ellen Levy from LinkedIn will be discussing business without barriers, and Monster’s Noel Lee is talking about better ways of enjoying music. 

How we take the next steps on Nokia’s new journey will be the focus of Day 2, with speeches and discussion by Nokia’s Colin Giles and Jerri DeVard, and Viacom’s COO Thomas Dooley. After lunch the Chairman of China Mobile,Wang Jianzhou and Karel Pienaar the Managing Director and Chairman of MTN South Africa will be adding a global perspective. 

And here’s an extra tit-bit to whet your appetite – the Speaker’s corners are where it’s all happening. The Might Eagle of Rovio, Peter Vesterbacka, will be there at 14:15 on Day 1 talking about everything-Angry Birds. We’ll definitely be reporting back from that.  

If you’re joining us at Nokia World, we’ll see you at London’s ExCel Centre bright and early on Wednesday morning.  

If you can’t make it this time, we’ll make sure you you don’t miss out –

Stay tuned!