SM Hotels and Convention Corp. (SMHCC), the hospitality arm of SM Prime Holdings Inc., today announced a substantial P5.3 billion investment plan over the next five years, signaling a significant ramp-up of its Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) footprint across the Philippines. This strategic expansion will commence with two major developments in Cebu and Pasay, poised to redefine the country’s MICE landscape.
The first of these groundbreaking projects, SMX Convention Center Seaside Cebu, is slated to open in the third quarter of 2026. This state-of-the-art facility is set to become one of the largest and most advanced convention venues in the Visayas region. Its strategic location in Cebu, recognized as one of the Philippines’ top 10 provincial economies, underscores SMHCC’s commitment to supporting regional growth. The Cebu venue will boast over 21,000 square meters of leasable space across six levels, seamlessly integrated with the SM Seaside Arena and SM Seaside Cebu Mall. Designed for large-scale events, it will feature spacious pre-function areas, extensive back-of-house facilities, and complete digital infrastructure, positioning it as a premier regional hub for conventions, events, and exhibitions.
In Metro Manila, SMHCC recently broke ground on SMXCITE at the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City last April. Scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2027, SMXCITE will add an impressive 18,000 square meters of leasable space, significantly augmenting the existing 17,000 square meters at SMX Manila. This expansion will empower SMHCC to host large-scale, concurrent events, further solidifying its position as a leading MICE provider in the capital.
“Our expansion into Cebu and Pasay reflects our strong belief in the potential of these cities,” stated Peggy Angeles, SMHCC Executive Vice President. “By building next-generation venues with scale and flexibility, we are enabling more communities to benefit from the business and tourism opportunities that MICE events bring.”
These pivotal projects are integral to SMHCC’s broader strategy to diversify its events portfolio beyond Metro Manila and stimulate economic activity in emerging urban centers. Each new SMX venue will be strategically co-located with hotels, malls, and transport infrastructure, ensuring seamless access and convenience for event organizers and attendees alike.
