Coming to Cebu in 2026: SMX Seaside convention center
Property giant SM Prime is targeting to make its P3.6-billion SMX Convention Center Seaside Cebu operational by the latter part of 2026.
The development, seen to be one of the biggest venues of its kind in the Visayas region, will have more than 21,000 square meters (sq m) of leasable space across six levels.
Operated by the group’s hospitality arm SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC), the convention center will likewise have the capacity to accommodate 18,000 guests.
“This regional expansion reaffirms our position as the largest private convention center network in the Philippines,” said Peggy Angeles, executive vice president of SMHCC.
“After recent events, we hope SMX Seaside Cebu will play a meaningful role in revitalizing the province’s tourism and business landscape,” the official said.
She was alluding to the devastating earthquake and flooding that had recently hit Cebu.
This project is situated within SM Prime’s 26-hectare South Coast City development—envisioned as a new lifestyle and business district. It will also house the SM Seaside City Arena.
Once open, the SMX Seaside Cebu will boost the firm’s total convention portfolio to more than 80,000 sq m of event leasable area across 10 venues across the Philippines.
This includes the planned SMXCITE in Pasay, SMX Manila, SMX Aura in Taguig, SMX Bacolod, SMX Davao, SMX Clark, SMX Olongapo, Skyhall Seaside Cebu and Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall.
At present, SMX operates about 42,000 sq m of leasable event space.
SM Prime, the property arm of the SM Group, is a leading developer of malls, residences, offices, leisure resorts, hotels and convention centers.
The group has been beefing up its footprint outside the capital region, as it sees growth opportunities in key provincial markets, such as Cebu.
Cebu, with an international air hub, has been a top tourist destination for both domestic and foreign travelers.
