SMXCITE BY SMX CONVENTION CENTER BREAKS GROUND IN PASAY,
SET TO BECOME THE PHILIPPINES’ LARGEST INTERNATIONAL
EXHIBITION VENUE
April 2025, Manila – SMX Convention Center, the flagship convention center brand under SM Hotels and Conventions Corp., is redefining the landscape of Philippine events with the launch of SMXCITE (SMX Center for International Trade and Exhibitions), a world-class venue now under development by SM Prime Holdings, Inc. within the SM Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City—one of the country’s most connected business and lifestyle districts.
L-R: Mr. Hans “Chico” Sy, Jr. – President, SM Engineering Design and Development Corp.; Ms. Peggy Angeles – Executive Vice President, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp.; Ms. Elizabeth T. Sy – President, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp.; and Mr. Walid Wafik – Senior Vice President for Operations, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp., during the groundbreaking ceremony of SMXCITE, held onsite last April 4, 2025.
The official groundbreaking ceremony of SMXCITE was held on April 4, 2025, marking a bold step forward for SMX Convention Center and strengthening its leadership in the country’s fast-growing MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector. The event was led by Ms. Elizabeth T. Sy, President of SM Hotels and Conventions Corp.; Mr. Hans “Chico” Sy, Jr., President of SM Engineering Design and Development Corp.; Ms. Peggy Angeles, EVP of SM Hotels and Conventions Corp.; and Mr. Walid Wafik, SVP for Operations of SM Hotels and Conventions Corp.—underscoring the strategic vision behind this landmark development.
When completed in early 2027, SMXCITE will introduce over 18,000 square meters of leasable trade hall space to the SMX portfolio—effectively doubling the capacity of SMX Convention Center Manila. Together, both venues will offer over 35,000 square meters of flexible exhibition and event space within a single destination, further positioning the SM Mall of Asia Complex as the country’s premier hub for international exhibitions, trade fairs, and large-scale business events.
Purpose-built to meet international standards, SMXCITE will feature five expansive exhibition halls, designed to accommodate up to 803 standard 3×3-meter booths. Complementing these are four fully equipped meeting rooms, ideal for breakout sessions, closed-door discussions, and strategic planning engagements. Two dedicated VIP lounges will provide an elevated experience for top-level executives, dignitaries, and private delegations—reflecting SMX’s commitment to corporate hospitality and seamless service.
The venue will comprise two modern buildings constructed simultaneously, each capable of hosting over 18,000 guests and engineered to support large-format events for both local and global audiences. Sustainability is also central to the development—SMXCITE will incorporate natural lighting, energy-efficient infrastructure, and environmentally responsible design principles aligned with SMX Manila’s eco-conscious benchmarks.
With this expansion, SMX Convention Center’s total leasable footprint across its national network will grow to nearly 60,000 square meters, spanning key cities including Manila, Taguig, Mandaluyong, Clark, Olongapo, Bacolod, Cebu, and Davao.
“SMXCITE marks a pivotal step in our continued efforts to build future-ready venues that meet global standards,” said Walid Wafik, Senior Vice President for Operations of SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. “With this new exhibition center, along with exciting projects on the horizon in Cebu and in Cabanatuan, we’re expanding our reach and reinforcing our commitment to elevate the Philippine MICE experience across the country.”
As the global events industry continues to evolve, SMXCITE is poised to position Metro Manila as a serious player in Southeast Asia’s MICE arena—ready to host future-forward gatherings that connect, inspire, and elevate industries.
ABOUT SMX CONVENTION CENTER
SMX Convention Center is the premier venue for meetings and events in the country with over 38,000 sq.m. of leasable space. Under the flagship of SMX Manila are SMX Aura, SMX Bacolod, SMX Davao, Olongapo City Convention Center, SMX Clark, and two Trade Halls namely, Megatrade Hall and Sky Hall Seaside Cebu. For more information, please visit www.smxconventioncenter.com