SMX Convention Center, the meetings and exhibitions arm of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), hosted a record number of events and visitors in 2025, reinforcing its position as the top destination for large-scale events in the country.
Across its eight properties, SMX booked 1,632 events, up 10% from 1,480 in 2024. Booked events during the year were almost evenly divided between Metro Manila and regional venues, reflecting the rising popularity of provincial destinations such as Clark, Bacolod, Davao and Olongapo.
Visitor traffic climbed 34% to 8.54 million from 6.37 million as the expanded lineup of booked events and their strong audience pull translated into higher foot traffic.
“Since the pandemic reopening, we have seen sustained demand not only in Metro Manila but also in key regional destinations.” said Peggy Angeles, Executive Vice President of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC). “The accessible locations of our venues also encouraged walk-in visitors, particularly for exhibitions and consumer shows open to the public.”
Major events staged at SMX venues in 2025 included flagship trade exhibitions and consumer shows such as PhilConstruct, WOFEX, SIGMA, the Manila International Auto Show and the Travel Tour Expo, along with bridal fairs and large-scale cosplay conventions.
“We are scaling capacity in step with demand, while focusing on developments that complement our current portfolio. This allows us to extend growth beyond the capital and strengthen our presence in key provincial markets,” said Angeles.
In Cebu, SMX Convention Center Seaside Cebu will soon rise. It is poised to become the largest convention center in the Philippines, scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2026.
In Pasay City, SMXCITE, or the SMX Center for International Trade and Exhibitions, is under construction within the SM Mall of Asia Complex. The 18,000-square-meter facility is set to open in early 2027 and will be the country’s largest international exhibition venue.
