SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC) has solidified its dominance in the regional Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector, bringing home multiple prestigious honors from the recently concluded ASEAN Tourism Forum held in Cebu.
The brand’s flagship, SMX Convention Center, was named Best ASEAN Convention Centre at the ASEANTA Excellence Awards 2026. This marks a historic first for the property, signaling its emergence as a premier hub for international delegates and large-scale business tourism in Southeast Asia.
Further highlighting the brand’s consistency, both SMX Convention Center Manila and SMX Convention Center Clark were recipients of the ASEAN MICE Venue Award (Exhibition Venue Category). The double win represents a significant step up from 2024, when only the Manila property was recognized, showcasing a successful effort to standardize world-class hospitality across its provincial locations.
“Being recognized by ASEAN bodies not only validates the hard work of our teams but also strengthens the SMX brand as a preferred venue for regional and international events,” explains Walid Wafik, Senior Vice President for Operations of SMHCC.
The awards come at a pivotal moment for the company as it prepares for an aggressive nationwide rollout. SMX is currently the Philippines’ largest privately-owned convention center operator, and its performance is a key indicator of the country’s global competitiveness in the events industry.
By securing these regional distinctions, SMX positions itself not just as a space provider, but as a critical driver of the “tourism ecosystem,” where high-level business events translate into increased hotel occupancy, retail spending, and international investment.
Looking ahead, 2026 is set to be a transformative year for the brand’s footprint. To bring world-class MICE infrastructure to burgeoning regional economies, SMX is slated to open five new properties this year, located in Cebu, Cabanatuan in Nueva Ecija, Sta. Rosa, Laguna, Sto. Tomas in Batangas, and Pasay
“With the opening of new SMX properties in 2026, we continue to expand our reach and offer world-class venues driving the continued development and global competitiveness of the country’s MICE sector,” Wafik added.
The strategic growth into Batangas, Laguna, and Nueva Ecija is seen to reflect a shift toward decentralizing business events, allowing local industries to host international-standard exhibitions without requiring travel to Metro Manila.
(MAIN PHOTO: Walid Wafik (in black suit), Senior Vice President – Operations of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation receives the Best ASEAN Convention Centre Award 2026 on stage with the rest of the SMX team at the 35th ASEANTA Excellence Awards.)