MANILA -- SM Prime Holdings is building a P1.7 billion new convention center in the SM Mall of Asia complex in Pasay City.

The SMX Center for International Trade and Exhibitions, or SMXCITE, will consist of two buildings, each capable of hosting more than 18,000 guests.

It will add over 18,000 square meters (sqm) of leasable trade hall space, doubling the SMX Convention Center Manila's footprint.

The company said the venue can accommodate international trade shows, product launches, corporate gatherings, and large-scale consumer exhibitions and is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2027. 

“This expansion reflects our confidence in the Philippines’ growing stature in the MICE space,” said Peggy Angeles, executive vice president of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation.

Once completed, SMXCITE will bring SM Prime’s total convention portfolio to nearly 60,000 square meters of gross leasable area.

In addition to the one in Manila, there are SMX Convention Centers in Taguig, Bacolod, Davao, Clark, and Olongapo. SM Megmall's Megtrade Hall and Sky Hall Seaside Cebu are also part of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation.

SM Prime earlier said it will invest around P6 billion in its hospitality and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) businesses by 2025.

SM Prime bets growth on integrated developments, premium residences