Newly-opened SMX already booked big events

THE second SMX Convention Center in the Philippines was finally opened, as SM Lanang Premier also opened its doors to Dabawenyos Friday.

Charry Casabar, director of sales of SMX Convention Center, said a number of organizers have already booked big events at the convention center.

Some of these are the 4th Davao Trade Expo next month and Investment Conference (Icon) on November 14 to 17, this year.

For next year, she said there will also be the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Anniversary in January; and meeting, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (Micecon), one of the biggest events on March 6 to 9, 2013.

SMX Convention Center Davao has a gross floor area of 7,835 square meters and can accommodate around 5,000 people in theatre seating.

SMX has three function rooms with collapsible walls with a total floor area of 4,746.

Dexter Deyto, vice president and general manager of SMX Convention Center, said the SMX in Davao is way different from that of the SM Mall of Asia's (MOA).

He said convention center in SM Mall of Asia is a stand-alone building, unlike in Davao that is conveniently located at the third floor of SM Lanang Premier.

He added most of the event organizers from Metro Manila are eyeing to hold events in SMX Convention Center in the city.

"We have encountered organizers that they are looking for Davao for their events. What we did is to look into this facility that will be found in Davao," he said.

Deyto added that the third SMX Convention Center will be opening in the first quarter of next year in The Aura of the SM City Taguig.

Casabar added that they are expecting more inquiries in December this year. Some of the local companies that made inquiries for bookings are Phoenix Fuels Philippines, Synnex-Concentrix, and Holcim Philippines.

She added that they are expecting around P15 million in revenues for the events this year.