THE SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) is looking at hosting international events at the proposed SMX Convention Center Clark which will be constructed inside the SM City Clark compound.

Walid Wafik, vice president and general manager of SMX Convention Center, said they hoped to benefit from the increase in international flights and the opening of a new passenger terminal at the Clark International Airport.

The company launched Tuesday, November 20, SMX Convention Center Clark and the Park Inn by Radisson Clark (PIRC) expansion with 100 additional rooms.

Both SMX Clark and Park Inn by Radisson Clark are a 16-minute drive from Clark airport.

Aside from this, Wafik disclosed that event organizers in Metro Manila are requesting the SMHCC to build a convention center in the Northern Luzon area.

SMX Clark will have three trade halls, three function rooms, and 14 meeting rooms, according to the SMX executive.

Similar to its flagship property in Manila, SMC Convention Center Clark's facilities like bathrooms, lighting system and escalators will have eco-friendly features.

A connecting bridge from the SM City Clark will provide access to the convention center and Park Inn by Radisson Clark hotel.

Peggy Angeles, SMHCC executive vice president, said that the company's various developments in Pampanga are in line with the government's thrust to promote the country as the next major destination for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibition (MICE) events.

For her part, PIRC general manager Ann Olalo said the hotel will add another 100 to its current inventory of 150 rooms.