SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC), the hospitality arm of SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime), is set to open the SMX Convention Center Seaside Cebu in the fourth quarter of 2026.
SM Prime is investing P3.6 billion to build one of the largest MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) venues in the Visayas Regions. The SMX Convention Center Seaside Cebu will offer over 21,000 square meters of leasable space spread across six levels with over 18,000 seating-capacity.
With the launch of SMX Seaside Cebu, SMX’s total convention portfolio will expand to over 80,000 square meters of event leasable area across 10 venues nationwide. This includes the planned SMXCITE in Pasay, SMX Manila, SMX Aura in Taguig, SMX Bacolod, SMX Davao, SMX Clark, SMX Olongapo, Skyhall Seaside Cebu, and Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall. Currently, SMX’s footprint stands at approximately 42,000 square meters of leasable event space.
“This regional expansion reaffirms our position as the largest private convention center network in the Philippines,” said Peggy Angeles, Executive Vice President of SMHCC. “After recent events, we hope SMX Seaside Cebu will play a meaningful role in revitalizing the province’s tourism and business landscape.”
Pre-booked events are already lining up for SMX Seaside Cebu. Among them are Philconstruct Cebu in November 2026 and Wofex Visayas in April 2027, showing strong early demand from MICE clients across the region.
SMX Seaside Cebu prioritizes the safety and security of its clients. It has comprehensive emergency and disaster preparedness protocols that align with the standards of SM Prime and local government regulations.
It is structurally compliant with the latest national building codes and seismic safety requirements. Safety inspections, emergency evacuation drills and staff training to ensure immediate and orderly response during unforeseen events such as earthquakes are regularly conducted.
Emergency exits, assembly areas and communication systems are clearly designated and maintained for efficient evacuation and coordination with local emergency response units.
The SMX Seaside Cebu is part of SM Prime’s South Coast City project, a 26-hectare master-planned estate in Cebu that also features the upcoming SM Seaside City Arena. South Coast City is envisioned as a major lifestyle and business hub in the southern Philippines.
Cebu’s connectivity through the Mactan-Cebu International Airport and its status as a top tourism destination further strengthen its position in the industry. Cebu is one of the country’s top 10 provincial economies in both size and share of national GDP in 2023, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.
SMX Seaside Cebu supports SM Prime’s strategy of expanding in high-growth regional centers while contributing to the long-term development of Cebu as a premier business and lifestyle destination.
Started in 1927, the Philippines Graphic is the longest-running printed magazine of national circulation that provides relevant news and features and promotes Philippine literature.
, the hospitality arm of SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime), is set to open the SMX Convention Center Seaside Cebu in the fourth quarter of 2026.){kind=link}