SMX Convention Center is on a regional victory lap, giving the Philippines fresh bragging rights in the competitive Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) arena—and a timely boost to its business tourism narrative.
At the ASEAN Tourism Forum in Cebu, the flagship brand of SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. pulled off a double win that turned industry heads. SMX Convention Center was crowned Best ASEAN Convention Centre at the ASEANTA Excellence Awards 2026, one of the region’s most respected seals of approval for tourism and events excellence.
It is a first for SMX—and a big one. The award signals the venue’s growing clout in hosting high-value conventions and exhibitions, drawing international delegates, and converting business travel into serious economic mileage.
The applause did not stop there. SMX Convention Center Manila and SMX Convention Center Clark both secured wins at the ASEAN Tourism Standards Awards, taking honors in the ASEAN MICE Venue – Exhibition Venue Category. In 2024, only SMX Manila made the list. This year’s dual recognition suggests that SMX’s influence is no longer concentrated—it is multiplying.
For SMHCC senior vice president for operations Walid Wafik, the timing could not be better. The group is pressing ahead with an ambitious expansion, with new SMX venues set to open this year in Cebu, Cabanatuan, Sta. Rosa in Laguna, Sto. Tomas in Batangas, and Pasay.
The strategy is to build more world-class venues, widen the country’s appeal to global event organizers, and spread tourism-fueled growth beyond traditional business districts. With ASEAN accolades now in hand, SMX is not just hosting events—it is hosting the Philippines’ case as a serious regional MICE powerhouse.
