The upgraded facility will cover 40,879 square meters, with 24,213 square meters dedicated to leasable spaces, making it one of the group’s largest SMX venues.
“Through the combined efforts of SM’s business units such as Park Inn by Radisson Clark, SMX Convention Center, and SM City Clark, we help support the vision to transform Clark into a thriving hub for MICE activities,” Eduardo Miguel Morato, cluster senior branch manager for SMX Clark, said in a statement.
“In addition to driving growth for MICE in the region, it also generates livelihood opportunities within the community and spurs local tourism activities,” he added.
Big picture
Regions are increasingly tapping into the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry, a key driver of business activity and economic growth.
“The MICE industry in Central Luzon’s Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone continues to flourish, as the SM group’s presence in Clark creates a seamless experience for MICE participants,” SM said.
“With SMX’s proximity to the Clark International Airport—a 20-minute drive via Manuel Roxas Highway, travelers, whether leisure or business professionals, can easily access SM’s one-stop hub for world events, accommodations, and modern retail services,” it added.
This is also reflected in Clark’s growing tourism numbers.
Data from the state-run Clark Development Corporation (CDC) revealed that 16.3 million tourists visited Clark, categorized as overnight stays, same-day guests, and airport arrivals.
Same-day guests surged to 14,586,705, a staggering 1,869 percent increase from 740,783 in the same period last year.
SM complements its convention center facilities with the Park Inn by Radisson Clark, which is being expanded from its current 200 rooms.
“In anticipation of this potential growth, the hotel taps into local talent, seeking individuals who truly understand the community. This is reflective of Park Inn’s staff members, 80 percent of whom are locally hired from Pampanga,” SM said.
Booming events scene
Clark saw 115 events over the past year. These include 36 running events, 13 biking, duathlon, and triathlon events, 9 spectator shows, 7 festivals, and 50 other activities.
SMX Clark was the venue for the prestigious MICECON 2024 last July that brought together leaders, stakeholders, and experts to discuss the future of the MICE industry in the Philippines.
“This journey isn’t just about infrastructure,” said Morato. “It is also about building a thriving community where business, tourism, and local talent come together in providing world-class facilities and services that meet the evolving needs of our clients and partners.”
Growing SMX footprint
SMX Convention Center currently operates eight branches nationwide, namely SMX Manila, Megatrade Hall, SMX Aura, SMX Clark, SMX Olongapo, SMX Bacolod, Sky Hall Seaside Cebu, and SMX Davao.
In the coming years, SMX is also set to open the SMX Convention Center Cebu in South Road Properties, Cebu City, by the fourth quarter of 2026.
Miguel R. Camus has been a reporter covering various domestic business topics since 2009.
