SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC) announced that SMX Convention Center has been named Best Convention and Exhibition Centre – Philippines at the South East Asia Business Awards 2025, presented by APAC Insider. It is the second consecutive year the venue has received the recognition, having also won in 2024.
SMX, the largest privately owned convention center operator in the Philippines, was cited for its nationwide presence, sustainability initiatives, and consistent commitment to service quality. The South East Asia Business Awards honor companies demonstrating exceptional business performance, service excellence, and innovation in the region, with winners selected after a merit-based evaluation by a panel of judges.
“This award is a proud moment for all of us at SMX,” said Michael Jaey Albaña, vice president and general manager of SMX Convention Center. “It reflects the collaborative spirit and excellence that our team brings to every event, every venue, and every guest experience. This is more than a recognition of our infrastructure—it is a recognition of the people, the culture of service, and the bold vision that drives SMX forward as a catalyst for economic and event industry growth.”
SMX Convention Center opened in 2007 and has since grown into a network of venues across the country hosting international conferences, trade expos, consumer fairs, corporate meetings, and milestone events. The company is expanding to meet demand for professional event spaces, with SMX Convention Center Seaside City Cebu scheduled to open in 2026 as its largest property to date, offering more than 21,000 square meters of leasable space. SMX is also pursuing a strategic pipeline of new venues nationwide.
As part of SMHCC, SMX is positioning itself as a driver of growth for the Philippine meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) sector, with a focus on service excellence, innovation, and destination development to boost the country’s standing as a host for global events.
SMX has also been nominated at the World MICE Awards 2025, a program recognizing excellence in the global MICE industry. Voting is open until Sept. 19 at https://worldmiceawards.com/award/philippines-best-convention-centre/2025. If successful, it will mark the venue’s fifth consecutive win in the category.
