SMX Seaside Cebu boosts capacity for major trade exhibitions

Insider Spotlight

• SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. is expanding Cebu's capacity to host large-scale trade exhibitions and business events through SMX Convention Center Seaside Cebu
• The 21,000-square-meter facility is set to become the Philippines' largest convention center, strengthening Cebu's position in the meetings and exhibitions market
• PHILCONSTRUCT Visayas and Visayas Business Connect Expo 2026 will bring together more than 1,500 brands from Nov. 26 to 28
  
  
  

Cebu is expanding its capacity to attract large-scale trade exhibitions and business gatherings, with additional convention infrastructure expected to create opportunities for commercial activity, industry partnerships, and investment networking across the Visayas.

SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC), the hospitality arm of SM Prime Holdings Inc., is set to introduce SMX Convention Center Seaside Cebu with two major trade exhibitions scheduled for Nov. 26 to 28, 2026.

The new convention center offers 21,000 square meters of flexible, leasable event space designed to accommodate large exhibitions, corporate functions, and industry gatherings.

Located at Cebu's South Road Properties, the facility sits beside SM Seaside City Cebu and the SM Seaside Cebu Arena, forming part of an integrated destination for business, leisure, and entertainment.

PH’s largest convention center

SMX Seaside Cebu is expected to become the Philippines' largest convention center, expanding the country's infrastructure for meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE).

The development also strengthens SMHCC's convention portfolio, which currently provides more than 42,000 square meters of leasable space across its existing facilities.

Specialized trade shows 

The inaugural events will feature more than 1,500 brands across two levels of the convention center.

Organized by Global-Link MP Events International Inc. and its industry partners, the exhibitions include the 15th anniversary edition of PHILCONSTRUCT Visayas and Visayas Business Connect Expo 2026.

The latter combines four specialized trade shows covering printing, packaging and plastics; transport and logistics; hotel and food service supplies; and beauty, health, and wellness.

Walid Wafik

SVP for operations, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp.

Diverse industries 

SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. senior vice president for operations Walid Wafik said the events reflect confidence in the facility's commercial potential.

"Beyond opening a new convention infrastructure, we are particularly pleased that its first major events will bring together diverse industries and exhibitors, creating opportunities for trade, collaboration, and commercial activity," he said in a press statement. 

The exhibitions will bring together contractors, developers, manufacturers, hospitality operators, and trade buyers from Cebu and the broader Visayas region. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma