SM Prime’s SMX sets record for events hosting last year

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March 5, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — SMX Convention Center, the meetings and exhibitions arm of SM Prime Holdings Inc., has reinforced its position as the top destination for large-scale events in the country after hosting a record number of events and visitors in 2025.

SMX booked 1,632 events across its eight properties last year, 10 percent more than the 1,480 events recorded in 2024.

Events booked during the year were almost evenly divided between Metro Manila and regional venues, reflecting the rising popularity of provincial destinations such as Clark, Bacolod, Davao and Olongapo.

Visitor traffic saw a 34 percent jump to 8.54 million from 6.37 million, driven by the expanded lineup of booked events and their strong audience pull.

Among the major events staged at SMX venues in 2025 included flagship trade exhibitions, consumer shows, bridal fairs and large-scale cosplay conventions.

“Since the pandemic reopening, we have seen sustained demand not only in Metro Manila but also in key regional destinations.” SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. executive vice president Peggy Angeles said.

“The accessible locations of our venues also encouraged walk-in visitors, particularly for exhibitions and consumer shows open to the public,” she said.

Angeles said SMX is scaling capacity in step with demand, while focusing on developments that complement Its current portfolio.

She said this allows the company to extend growth beyond Metro Manila and strengthen its presence in key provincial markets.

In Cebu, SMX Convention Center Seaside Cebu is poised to become the largest convention center in the Philippines, scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2026.

In Pasay City, SMXCITE, or the SMX Center for International Trade and Exhibitions, is under construction within the SM Mall of Asia Complex.

The 18,000-square-meter facility is set to open in early 2027 and will be the country’s largest international exhibition venue.