Cebu City is gearing up for a major boost in the world of events and exhibitions as the Philippines’ largest SMX Convention Center is set to open in the third quarter of 2026.
Situated along the Cebu South Coastal Road, the P3.3 billion SMX landmark promises more than 21,000 square meters of leasable event space, making it a game-changer for MICE—meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions—in the country.
Scalable halls, world-class amenities, and professional support services will allow organizers to host events for up to 18,000 delegates, all under one roof.
“Cebu has always been one of the most in-demand destinations for events, and we are proud to bring SMX’s trusted service to this vibrant market,” said Walid Wafik, senior vice president of Operations at SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. “This is the culmination of over two decades of experience delivering professional, high-impact events.”
SMX has long been recognized as the premier convention center brand in the Philippines, known for tailored, professionally managed spaces suited to exhibitions, corporate conferences, and celebrations of all sizes.
The new Cebu venue will sit beside SM Seaside City Cebu, offering direct access to major retail and lifestyle hubs, as well as key infrastructure like the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) and Mactan-Cebu International Airport.
The development is part of a larger master plan that includes a 300-room Park Inn Hotel, a 200-room Radisson Hotel, and the 16,000-seat SM Seaside Arena, positioning Cebu as a fully integrated MICE and entertainment destination.
“This project responds to the long-standing demand for a convention venue of this scale in Cebu,” added Wafik. “Soon, delegates and visitors alike won’t need to fly to Manila for major exhibitions, summits, or concerts—the experience will be right here.”
SMX Convention Center is the flagship brand of SM Hotels and Conventions Corp., a subsidiary of SM Prime Holdings, with a total of over 41,000 square meters of leasable space across multiple properties, including SMX Aura, SMX Bacolod, SMX Davao, and SMX Clark.
The hospitality arm of SM Prime Holdings currently manages ten hotels, offering more than 2,600 rooms and over 42,000 square meters of convention space nationwide, reinforcing the group’s position as a leader in Philippine MICE and hospitality.
