APAC Q3 2026 | 14 Southeast Asia’s MICE industry is experiencing significant growth, and the region is today amongst the most competitive in the world for event hosting. Its evolution has been spearheaded by SMX Convention Center, a leading event specialist looking to put the Philippines on the map for MICE travellers. We heard more from Senior Vice President, SM Hotels & Conventions Corp. Walid Wafik as SMX Convention Center is named in the South East Asia Business Awards 2026. Since opening its doors in 2007, SMX Convention Center has built a strong track record as a trusted venue partner for a range of events. The Philippines’ largest privatelyowned convention centre operator, SMX boasts eight venues strategically located in Manila, Taguig, Mandaluyong, Clark, Olongapo, Bacolod, Cebu, and Davao, with this growing nationwide network capable of hosting everything from intimate meetings to large-scale conventions. As part of the SM Hotels & Conventions Corporation (SMHCC), SMX Convention Center provides more than event venues. All of its properties are integrated within the SM ecosystem, providing organisers and delegates with convenient access to hotels, shopping, dining, entertainment, and other essential facilities within a single destination. These venues are also located near major airports, transportation hubs, and key business and tourism districts, making them highly accessible for locals and international travellers. SMX Convention Center has expertly adapted to MICE industry changes, enhancing its facilities and expanding its portfolio to meet evolving market needs. “By bringing global delegates and industry leaders to our shores, we contribute to tourism growth, generate economic opportunities, and showcase the best of what the country has to offer,” Walid told us. The rest of 2026 promises an exciting period of growth, as SMX Convention Center continues to strengthen the Philippines’ capability to host largescale events. Among its key developments are the SMXCITE Center for International Trade and Exhibitions, SMX Seaside Cebu, and new SMX Trade Halls. These projects are designed to increase the country’s event-hosting capacity and provide new opportunities for international conventions, exhibitions, and business gatherings. “The launch of SMXCITE marks a major enhancement to the Philippines’ competitive position in the regional MICE landscape”, said Walid. “By adding 18,000 sqm of modern exhibition space and forming a fully integrated, 35,000‑sqm complex with SMX Manila, the City of Pasay now meets the scale requirements that previously excluded it from major international bids.” This new complex ticks all of the technical boxes for organisers, thanks to its column-free halls, multi-event capacity, and location in a highly accessible district. Whilst competing districts may have larger inventories, what Pasay can offer is integration. The city has a mix of hotels, retail, entertainment, an arena, and airport proximity, meaning its value proposition goes beyond venue size. As for the SMX Convention Center Seaside Cabu, this three-level convention facility will feature 21,000 square metres of leasable event space when it opens in Q4 2026, making it the largest SMX venue in the country. The development will strengthen Cebu’s role as a key hub for international conferences and exhibitions in the Visayas region. Finally, the SMX Trade Halls are further expanding the brand’s reach for specialised exhibitions and regional trade events, and upcoming locations in Cabanatuan, Nuvali, and Santo Tomas will further strengthen SMX’s nationwide network of accessible and flexible event spaces designed to support emerging business and economic hubs across the country. Walid concluded: “Our key advantage at SMX is our ability to offer more than a standalone event venue. We are part of a broader hospitality and lifestyle ecosystem that brings together convention facilities, accommodations, entertainment, dining, retail, and leisure within one connected destination. “This is clearly demonstrated by SMX Convention Center Seaside Cebu, located within the rapidly developing South Road Properties. The venue will be linked directly to SM Seaside City Cebu and complemented by nearby SM Hotels properties, Radisson and Park Inn by Radisson, as well as the adjacent SM Seaside Arena. For event organizers and delegates, this creates a seamless experience where everything they need is conveniently accessible within a compact, well-connected district. “As we expand, we remain committed to combining the warmth of Filipino hospitality with international standards in service, innovation, and sustainability. Our goal is not simply to open more venues, but to help build destinations that elevate the event and travel experience while contributing meaningfully to local and national development.” These endeavours show a company driven by a future-ready vision and an ongoing pursuit of strategic expansion. For its significant strides towards establishing the Philippines as a central hub for the global MICE industry, SMX Convention Center has been rightfully named the Best Convention Centre 2026 – Philippines. Contact: eventsales@smxcc. com.ph Company: SMX Convention Center Web Address: www. smxconventioncenter.com Best Convention Centre 2026 – Philippines
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