SMX Convention Center Cebu set to elevate Visayas MICE scene

Insider Spotlight

• SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. will open the Philippines’ biggest SMX Convention Center in Cebu in Q3 2026
• The P3.3-billion project adds over 21,000 square meters of leasable event space in the Visayas
• The venue anchors a master-planned MICE and entertainment district in southern Cebu
  

SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC) is expanding its national MICE footprint with the launch of the largest SMX Convention Center in the Philippines, set to open in Cebu City in the third quarter of 2026. 

The landmark development underscores Cebu’s growing role as a regional hub for business events, exhibitions, and large-scale gatherings.

Why it matters

Cebu has long been one of the country’s most in-demand destinations for meetings and conventions, yet large-scale events often required travel to Metro Manila. 

The new SMX Convention Center Cebu directly addresses that gap, allowing international and national organizers to mount major events in the Visayas without compromising scale or quality.

The big picture

Located along the Cebu South Coastal Road, the P3.3-billion project will feature more than 21,000 square meters of leasable event space and can accommodate up to 18,000 delegates. 

Designed with scalable halls and professional support services, the venue aims to set a new benchmark for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) facilities in the country.

“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,” Walid Wafik, senior vice president-operations of SMHCC, said in a press release on Jan. 22, 2026.

What’s around it

The convention center will rise beside SM Seaside City Cebu, offering direct connectivity to retail, lifestyle, and hospitality hubs. 

Its location also provides convenient access to major infrastructure such as the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway and Mactan-Cebu International Airport, strengthening Cebu’s appeal to both domestic and international delegates.

Zoom in

SMX Convention Center Cebu will form part of a larger master-planned development that includes a 300-room Park Inn Hotel, a 200-room Radisson Hotel, and the 16,000-seat SM Seaside Arena. 

Together, these components position the area as a fully integrated MICE and entertainment destination.

“This is our response to the long-standing demand for a convention venue of this scale in Cebu. Soon, Cebuanos and visiting delegates alike will no longer need to fly to Manila for major exhibitions, summits, or concerts—the experience will be right here,” Wafik added.

What’s next

With the Cebu opening, SMX continues to reinforce its status as the country’s premier convention center brand, supporting regional growth while decentralizing large-scale events beyond Metro Manila. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma