The SM Group is ramping up its investments in the burgeoning Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry with a major expansion plan for its SMX Convention Center Clark. Set to be completed between 2026 and 2028, the expansion will significantly increase the venue’s capacity, making it one of the largest SMX sites in the Philippines.
The move is part of the SM Group’s integrated property development strategy to support Clark’s transformation into a leading MICE destination. Eduardo Miguel Morato, cluster senior branch manager for SMX Clark, emphasized the importance of this expansion in fostering both regional growth and job creation.
“Through the combined efforts of SM’s business units, such as Park Inn by Radisson Clark, SMX Convention Center, and SM City Clark, we help support the vision to transform Clark into a thriving hub for MICE activities,” Morato said. “This development will not only enhance the MICE sector but also create livelihood opportunities within the local community and stimulate tourism activities.”
The MICE industry in Central Luzon’s Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone has flourished, largely thanks to SM’s strategic presence. SMX Clark’s prime location, just a 20-minute drive from the Clark International Airport, offers seamless access to world-class facilities, retail services, and accommodation, making it a one-stop hub for global events.
The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) noted that the SM Group’s influence has helped boost tourism in the area. From January to June 2024, Clark saw a staggering 16.3 million tourist arrivals, a substantial increase from the same period in 2023, with same-day guests rising by an impressive 1,869 percent.
Park Inn by Radisson Clark, another key player in SM’s Clark operations, currently offers over 200 rooms and has plans for expansion to meet growing demand. In keeping with its commitment to the local community, the hotel employs 80% of its staff from Pampanga, helping ensure that local talent benefits from the region’s growth.
The region’s rising prominence as a MICE destination was further underscored by the 115 events hosted in Clark last year, which included 36 running events, 13 biking and triathlon events, and numerous festivals and shows. A major highlight was the MICECON 2024, held at SMX Clark last July, which brought together industry leaders to discuss the future of the MICE sector in the Philippines.
Looking ahead, SMX Clark is not the only venue expanding under the SM Group. The company also plans to open the SMX Convention Center in Cebu in late 2026. With a gross floor area of 40,879 square meters, the new Cebu venue will significantly enhance SMX’s nationwide offering.
“This journey isn’t just about infrastructure,” Morato concluded. “It’s about creating a thriving community where business, tourism, and local talent converge to provide world-class facilities and services that meet the evolving needs of our clients and partners.”
As the SM Group continues to invest in Clark’s MICE infrastructure, its vision for the region is clear: to establish Clark as a premier global destination for business, events, and tourism.
