Cebu is set to strengthen its position as a major hub for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions with the opening of the Philippines’ largest SMX Convention Center in the third quarter of 2026.
Developed by SM Hotels and Conventions Corp., the Php3.3-billion landmark project will rise along the Cebu South Coastal Road, beside SM Seaside City Cebu. Once completed, the new convention center will offer more than 21,000 square meters of leasable event space, setting a new benchmark for large-scale MICE facilities outside Metro Manila.
Designed with flexibility and scale in mind, the venue will feature adaptable halls, professional event support services, and world-class amenities capable of accommodating events of up to 18,000 delegates. The development directly responds to Cebu’s long-standing demand for a convention facility that can host major exhibitions, summits, and large-format gatherings without the need to travel to Manila.
“Cebu has always been one of the most in-demand destinations for events, and we are proud to finally bring SMX’s trusted brand of service to this dynamic market. It’s the culmination of more than two decades of experience in delivering professional and high-impact events,” said Walid Wafik, Senior Vice President for Operations of SM Hotels and Conventions Corp.
The SMX Convention Center Cebu benefits from strong locational advantages. Its proximity to SM Seaside City Cebu places it within a broader lifestyle, retail, and hospitality ecosystem, while direct access to key infrastructure such as the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway and Mactan-Cebu International Airport enhances convenience for both local and international delegates.
The project forms part of a larger master-planned district that will also include a 300-room Park Inn Hotel, a 200-room Radisson Hotel, and the 16,000-seat SM Seaside Arena. Together, these components reinforce Cebu’s positioning as a fully integrated MICE and entertainment destination, capable of supporting multi-day conventions, exhibitions, and major live events within a single, connected precinct.
Internationally recognized as a leading convention center brand in the country, SMX has built a reputation for professionally managed venues tailored to large-scale exhibitions, conferences, corporate events, and celebrations. The Cebu development expands this footprint beyond Metro Manila and underscores the growing role of regional cities in driving business tourism and economic activity.
With its scale, connectivity, and integrated planning, the SMX Convention Center Cebu marks a significant addition to the city’s evolving urban and events landscape—firmly placing Cebu at the center of the country’s next phase of MICE growth.
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