VIA GRAPHIC PLUS — SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC) continues to strengthen its role in shaping the Philippine MICE industry as its convention center arm, SMX Convention Center, was named Philippines’ Best Convention & Exhibition Center at the 35th TTG Travel Awards, its third consecutive win in the category.
The recognition, presented during the 35th TTG Travel Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner on September 24, 2026 at Centara Grand at CentralWorld in Bangkok, Thailand, underscores the growing presence of SMHCC’s MICE portfolio and its contribution to the Philippines’ business events landscape. The award is determined through voting by TTG’s readership, composed of travel and tourism professionals across the Asia-Pacific region.
For SMHCC, the successive distinction comes as the company continues to invest in venues and destinations that support the growth of trade and corporate events in the Philippines. Through SMX Convention Center, SMHCC is expanding its MICE influence beyond commercial centers and into emerging locations, creating more opportunities for conventions, exhibitions, and professional gatherings across the country.
“SMX’s third repeat win at the TTG Travel Awards reflects the strength of our MICE operations and our continued commitment to investing in key markets where commerce, tourism, and economic activity can grow together,” said SMHCC Senior Vice President for Operations Walid Wafik. “As SMHCC expands its portfolio, we are not simply increasing our footprint. We are creating platforms that connect people and organizations, bring events closer to regional markets, and contribute to the growth of the local economies and communities.”
Set to become the largest convention center in the SMX portfolio, SMX Convention Center Seaside Cebu will bring a major MICE venue to Cebu’s South Road Properties, further supporting the city’s position as a key business and tourism destination. Meanwhile, SMXCITE Center for International Trade and Exhibitions will add a large-scale exhibition within the SM Mall of Asia complex, complementing the existing SMX Convention Center Manila and providing a larger, more integrated destination for major events.
Beyond the major facilities, SMX is also bringing its convention and exhibition offering closer to regional markets through the development of SMX Trade Halls in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija; Sto. Tomas, Batangas; and Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna. The said halls are designed to support exhibitions, corporate gatherings, and other professional activities in emerging growth centers, making MICE opportunities more accessible beyond the country’s traditional commercial hubs.
This growing network reflects SMHCC’s broader approach to MICE development, bringing significant happenings closer to more regional markets and creating opportunities across the wider tourism and hospitality ecosystem, from hotels and restaurants to transport providers, attractions, and local enterprises. As SMX expands its presence across key markets, SMHCC is also able to serve a broader spectrum of events, from international conventions and exhibitions to regional trade fairs and corporate gatherings.
As the Philippines strengthens its position as a competitive MICE hub in Asia, SMHCC remains committed to developing venues, facilities, and experiences that support the growth of the country’s MICE industry. Through its expanding portfolio, SMHCC aims to bring more events and visitors to different parts of the country while creating greater opportunities for local communities and businesses.
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 continues to strengthen its role in shaping the Philippine MICE industry as its convention center arm, SMX Convention Center, was named Philippines’ Best Convention & Exhibition Center at the 35th TTG Travel Awards, its third consecutive win in the category.){kind=link}