VIA GRAPHIC PLUS — SMX Convention Centers, the conferences and exhibitions arm of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), continues to post strong growth as demand for business events remains robust.
In the first half of 2026, SMX venues welcomed 4.3 million visitors, up 18% from 3.6 million in the same period last year.
“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 SMHCC Executive Vice President Peggy E. Angeles.
During the first half of the year, SMX Convention Centers hosted 807 booked events nationwide. SMX Convention Center Manila recorded the highest visitor traffic, welcoming more than 2.5 million visitors during the period.
Regional venues, including SMX Convention Center Davao, SMX Convention Center Bacolod and SMX Convention Center Clark, likewise recorded healthy growth in visitor traffic.
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. Located beside 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.
Meanwhile, SMXCITE in Pasay City slated to open in early 2027 and has started booking negotiations with event organizers. Upon completion, the 18,000-square-meter 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.
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.
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