Village Connect
SM Prime Holdings Inc. is strengthening its footprint in the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) sector with a ₱3.6-billion investment to construct the SMX Convention Center Seaside Cebu—set to become one of the Visayas region’s largest events facilities when it opens in the fourth quarter of 2026.
The project, unveiled through SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC), will deliver more than 21,000 square meters of leasable event space across six levels and accommodate over 18,000 attendees. Positioned within the emerging South Coast City development in Cebu, SMX Seaside Cebu is envisioned to anchor the estate’s role as a new business and lifestyle hub in the southern Philippines.
The addition of SMX Seaside Cebu will expand SMX’s nationwide portfolio to over 80,000 square meters of leasable events space across 10 convention destinations. These include SMX Manila, SMX Aura in Taguig, SMX Bacolod, SMX Davao, SMX Clark, SMX Olongapo, Skyhall Seaside Cebu, Megatrade Hall in Mandaluyong, and the upcoming SMXCITE in Pasay. At present, the SMX network offers approximately 42,000 square meters of leasable event areas.
SMHCC Executive Vice President Peggy Angeles said the Cebu expansion underscores SMX’s commitment to supporting the country’s tourism recovery and economic revitalization. “This regional expansion reaffirms our position as the largest private convention center network in the Philippines. After recent events, we hope SMX Seaside Cebu will play a meaningful role in revitalizing the province’s tourism and business landscape,” she said.
Early interest in the new venue is already strong, with major events pre-booked ahead of its opening. Among the confirmed events are Philconstruct Cebu in November 2026 and Wofex Visayas in April 2027—signaling robust demand from regional and national MICE organizers.
SMX Seaside Cebu is designed with comprehensive safety and security measures aligned with SM Prime’s strict standards and local government regulations. The facility complies with current national building codes and seismic requirements, reinforced by regular structural inspections, emergency drills, and staff training. Clearly marked emergency exits, designated assembly areas, and efficient communication systems ensure coordinated evacuation procedures in partnership with local emergency response teams.
The new convention center complements the broader vision for South Coast City, a 26-hectare master-planned estate that will also feature the upcoming SM Seaside City Arena. Cebu’s strong connectivity through the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, its status as a top tourism destination, and its ranking among the country’s 10 leading provincial economies further enhance its appeal as a MICE hub.
SM Prime said SMX Seaside Cebu forms part of its long-term strategy to expand in high-growth regional centers and support Cebu’s evolution into a premier business and lifestyle destination.
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