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Manila Bulletin devider Property and Living devider SMX Convention Centers soars in H1 2026, expansion underway

SMX Convention Centers soars in H1 2026, expansion underway

With a double-digit growth, the firm sets its sights on major expansion from 2026 to 2027

Published Aug 15, 2026 03:46 pm
Inside SMXCITE (Artist's Perspective: SM Prime)
Inside SMXCITE (Artist's Perspective: SM Prime)
Driven by robust demand for MICE events, SMX Convention Centers, the conferences and exhibitions arm of SM Prime Holdings, Inc., posted strong first-half results in 2026, welcoming 4.3 million visitors across its footprint. This represents an 18 percent year-on-year surge compared to the 3.6 million guests recorded during the same period in 2025.
Between January and June, SMX hosted 807 events nationwide. The SMX Convention Center Manila led the performance, drawing over 2.5 million attendees, while key regional venues in Davao, Bacolod, and Clark delivered steady traffic growth.
"Our locations within SM Prime's larger mixed-use developments give event organizers and attendees direct access to dining, accommodation and transportation options, making events more convenient and attractive," said SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation Executive Vice President Peggy E. Angeles.
Major events hosted during the period included WORLDBEX 2026, International Travel Expo, Philippine Pet Expo 2026, ALT Philippines, Interior Design Manila, BeautyCon 2026, and Franchise Asia Philippines International Franchise Expo.
"Our strong first-half performance supports our ongoing expansion. We are excited to add new capacity in Cebu and Metro Manila," said Angeles.
In Cebu, SMX Convention Center Seaside Cebu is set to become the country’s largest convention center when it opens in the fourth quarter of 2026. The six-level facility has an event space measuring 21,000 sqm with four trade halls, eight function rooms, and 19 meeting rooms.
Located beside the newly launched SM Arena Seaside Cebu and connected to SM Seaside City Cebu via a link bridge, the venue will form part of an integrated MICE, entertainment and retail destination in the Visayas.
Scheduled to open in early 2027, SMXCITE in Pasay City has started booking negotiations with event organizers. Upon completion, the 18,000-sqm facility will offer 900 parking spaces and direct access to SM Mall of Asia via an elevated walkway. Its proximity to Ninoy Aquino International Airport and a broad range of hotels makes it well-suited for local and international events.
The venue will comprise two modern buildings constructed simultaneously, each capable of hosting over 18,000 guests and engineered to support large-format events for both local and global audiences.
These new developments will expand SMX's portfolio to seven convention centers and six trade halls across the Philippines, bringing its combined leasable area to more than 90,000 square meters.

Related Tags

SM Prime SMX Center for International Trade and Exhibitions (SMXCITE) SMX Convention Center SMX Convention Center Seaside Cebu Peggy Angeles
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