SM Prime Holdings is investing P1.7 billion in another events venue within its Mall of Asia (MOA) complex, aiming to become a regional meetings hub.
The real estate developer, a unit of the SM Group, said the construction of the more than 18,000-square meter SMX Center for International Trade and Exhibitions (SMXCITE) will double the existing SMX Convention Center Manila, also in MOA.
The SMX site offers four exhibition halls, five function rooms and 14 meeting rooms, with a gross leasable space of 17,170 square meters that can accommodate as many as 18,000 attendees.
“The P1.7 billion investment reflects SM Prime’s long-term bet on the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) industry’s growth and Manila’s emergence as a regional hub,” the company said in a statement.
SM Prime targets to complete the SMXCITE by the first quarter of 2027.
“This expansion reflects our confidence in the Philippines’ growing stature in the MICE space,” Peggy Angeles, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. executive vice president, said.
“With world-class infrastructure and a strategic location, we believe Manila can rival regional peers as a go-to venue for international trade events,” Angeles said.
SMXCITE will feature two buildings constructed simultaneously—each capable of hosting more than 18,000 guests.
“Together with SMX Manila, the development will offer over 35,000 square meters of combined space, enhancing the MOA Complex’s appeal as a destination for international exhibitions and business events,” SM Prime said.
“SMXCITE will also carry forward SMX Manila’s sustainability benchmarks, including design elements that maximize natural daylight to reduce energy use,” it added.
The company said that once SMXCITE is completed, it will have nearly 60,000 sqm of gross leasable area for its convention portfolio across eight venues nationwide—including SMX Aura in Taguig, SMX Bacolod, SMX Davao, SMX Clark, SMX Olongapo, Sky Hall Seaside Cebu and Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall.
