SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC), the hospitality arm of SM Prime Holdings Inc., is targeting a fourth-quarter 2026 opening for the P3.6-billion SMX Convention Center Seaside Cebu.

The company said Thursday that the new convention hub will offer over 21,000 square meters of leasable space across six levels, with seating capacity exceeding 18,000—a major push to expand its meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions footprint in the Visayas.

“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.”

SMHCC added that the facility incorporates comprehensive safety and disaster-preparedness protocols, aligned with SM Prime standards and local regulations. 

The building complies with updated national codes and seismic requirements, supported by regular inspections, evacuation drills, and staff training. Emergency exits, assembly areas, and communication systems are clearly designated to enable a coordinated response with local authorities.

Once SMX Seaside Cebu opens, SMX’s total convention portfolio will expand to over 80,000 square meters across 10 venues nationwide.

These include the upcoming 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. SMX currently operates about 42,000 square meters of leasable event space.

Market interest in the new site has begun to build, with early bookings locked in for Philconstruct Cebu in November 2026 and Wofex Visayas in April 2027.

SMX Seaside Cebu is part of SM Prime’s 26-hectare South Coast City estate, which will also house the future SM Seaside City Arena.