Insider Spotlight
Organizers are increasingly looking for ways to move exhibition materials, construction supplies and personnel efficiently across multiple locations, creating opportunities for providers that can offer end-to-end transport and supply chain services.
Against this backdrop, 2GO and SMX Convention Center have strengthened their collaboration to provide logistics and shipping support for exhibitors, event organizers and corporate clients nationwide. The arrangement integrates 2GO’s logistics and sea travel services into SMX’s offerings across its venues in Manila, Clark, Bacolod, Davao, SM Aura and SMX Seaside Cebu.
Why it matters
The Philippine meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector has been seeing increased activity outside the capital, requiring organizers to coordinate cargo movement and personnel deployment across an archipelago where transport remains a key operational challenge.
Under the collaboration, exhibitors from the Philippines and overseas will have access to logistics support for transporting booth equipment, event materials and other cargo to venues nationwide. The service package includes freight handling, transport solutions and customs brokerage services.
By the numbers
SMX Convention Center operates more than 42,000 square meters of leasable event space through its network of venues and trade halls across the country, underscoring the scale of logistics requirements associated with large exhibitions and conventions.
“Events today require speed, reliability, seamless coordination, and most importantly, convenience for exhibitors and organizers managing operations across different parts of the country,” said Walid Wafik, senior vice president for operations of SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. “Through this collaboration with 2GO, we aim to elevate the exhibitor and organizer experience by providing more efficient logistics support and integrated services across our SMX venues nationwide.”
The big picture
Beyond supporting exhibitions, the collaboration could also extend to logistics requirements for future SMX developments and expansion projects nationwide, reflecting how transport and supply chain capabilities are becoming increasingly intertwined with venue development and event operations.
“With this partnership, we are bringing more than just logistics services to exhibitors and organizers across the Philippines,” said Will Howell, chief operating officer and chief financial officer of the 2GO Group. “We provide convenience, reliability, and assurance that event materials and equipment arrive where and when they are needed. Through our end-to-end logistics capabilities and 2GO Travel services, we help move not only cargo, but also the people behind every successful event, forward.”
What’s next
As organizers pursue events across multiple regional markets, integrated logistics providers will play a larger role in enabling the next phase of growth in the country’s exhibition and convention industry.
— Edited by Daxim L. Lucas
