World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM), one of the country’s most prominent event venues, is embarking on a ₱3-billion expansion to increase capacity and meet the growing demand for international exhibitions and trade shows.

WTCMM said in a statement that the investment will expand its total indoor exhibition space from the current 8,300 square meters (sqm) to nearly 20,000 sqm.

In line with the expansion, the outdoor space will be reduced to approximately 7,000 sqm from its current area of 8,200 sqm.

WTCMM chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) Pamela Pascual said the ₱3-billion investment is part of the company’s contribution to reinforcing the country’s growing role as a top destination for world-class events.

“It reflects our confidence in the market, our commitment to helping our partners scale, and our determination to ensure that the Philippines remains competitive in attracting major regional and international events,” she said.

WTCMM said the expansion would respond to sustained demand from organizers whose events continue to grow in scale, complexity, and audience reach.

As such, expanding the current capacity is a timely and necessary investment that will provide a larger and more flexible event space capable of hosting major trade shows, conferences, and industry events.

In addition, the expanded facility is expected to create more room for returning flagship shows and new market entrants that require large-scale and reliable venue capabilities.

“More than just additional space, the expansion is envisioned to elevate the Philippines’ position as a competitive destination for international exhibitions and business events,” said WTCMM.

“With increased capacity and improved infrastructure, WTCMM is poised to welcome more foreign organizers, attract global trade shows, and further strengthen the country’s footprint in the regional and international MICE landscape,” it said.

The expansion work on WTCMM is expected to be completed by 2028, with advanced bookings for the expanded venue expected to be available soon.

Since opening in 1996, WTCMM has hosted international events such as the summits of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

WTCMM is under the Investment & Capital Corp. of the Philippines (ICCP), a conglomerate engaged in investment banking, venture capital, industrial estate development, township development, and exposition facility complex management. (Dexter Barro II)