SMX Convention Center Manila
A premier convention center in Pasay City, hosting diverse events from book fairs to business expos, conveniently located within the Mall of Asia Comp...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Attend events that match your interests
SMX Convention Center Manila
Best Time
Attend events that match your interests
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A premier convention center in Pasay City, hosting diverse events from book fairs to business expos, conveniently located within the Mall of Asia Complex.
"It's one of the better venues in Metro Manila for large gatherings, spacious, modern, and well-maintained."
🎯 Check Event Schedules
Always check the SMX website for upcoming events before you go.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Parking fills up fast! Consider MOA parking or ride-sharing.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Manila International Book Fair
SMX Convention Center Manila
A book lover's paradise with massive discounts on books and stationery. A must-visit for students and avid readers.
+1
Franchise Asia Philippines Expo
SMX Convention Center Manila
Explore business opportunities and franchise options. Ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs looking for investment ideas.
Philippine Travel Mart
SMX Convention Center Manila
Discover incredible travel deals for local and international destinations. Book your next adventure at discounted prices.
Pet Expo
SMX Convention Center Manila
A haven for pet owners, featuring everything from pet supplies to animal exhibits. A fun day out for the whole family.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Event-Driven Destination
Location & Accessibility
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Event Schedules
Always check the SMX website for upcoming events before you go.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Parking fills up fast! Consider MOA parking or ride-sharing.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
📱 Download Apps
Use ride-sharing apps for easy transport. :iphone:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Event Schedules
Always check the SMX website for upcoming events before you go.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Parking fills up fast! Consider MOA parking or ride-sharing.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
📱 Download Apps
Use ride-sharing apps for easy transport. :iphone:
💰 Budget for Deals
Many expos offer great discounts, especially book fairs! :moneybag: +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
SMX Convention Center Manila is a well-regarded venue for large events, praised for its spaciousness, modern facilities, and effective air-conditioning. Its prime location within the Mall of Asia Complex offers excellent accessibility and numerous dining and accommodation options. However, attendees often note that parking can be difficult during major expos, and crowd flow can be challenging, leading to long queues for amenities and a congested atmosphere during peak times.
"I’ve been to SMX Convention Center Manila many times for different events—book fairs, expos, and conventions—and I’d say it’s one of the better venues in Metro Manila for large gatherings. The place is spacious, modern, and well-maintained. The air-conditioning usually holds up even with big crowds, and the halls are flexible enough to host anything from trade shows to smaller breakout sessions.
What I really like is the location. Since it’s right by Mall of Asia, you don’t have to worry about food options or hotels nearby. After an event, you can easily walk to the mall for dinner, or stay at a hotel just across the street. The connecting walkways to parking and nearby buildings also make it easier to get around, especially if you don’t want to deal with Manila’s unpredictable weather.
That said, parking can still be tricky. SMX has its own slots, but during major expos they fill up quickly. You’ll often need to park at MOA or nearby areas, which means extra walking time. Another downside is the crowd flow—lines for restrooms or food kiosks can get long during peak hours, and it sometimes feels a bit congested at entry and exit points.
Overall though, SMX delivers what you’d expect from a convention center. It’s accessible, professional, and versatile. If you’re attending, just plan ahead for parking and crowds. If you’re organizing, the prestige of the venue plus the convenience of the MOA Complex is a huge plus."
Eugine Carlo Pascual
"We attended DRT Dive Resort Trade here and it was good. If you're looking for resorts and want to talk to the operators personally to ask your questions. There are also international operators from Indonesia and Maldives. There is also an ongoing photo contest and scuba gear and equipment sale.
Parking was full so we parked in nearby buildings which had a bridleway connecting it to SMX."
ia likes_eats_travels
"Visited the DRT (Diving Resort Travel) Show at SMX this week. The well maintained and modern venue was perfect for the expo and the exhibits were organized well. Toilets were clean too."
Ced Aquino
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
SMX Convention Center Manila is located at the Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. You can reach it via taxi, ride-sharing apps like Grab, or public transport. Buses and jeepneys going to Mall of Asia are frequent.
SMX has its own parking facilities, but they can fill up quickly during major events. Additional parking is available at the Mall of Asia complex. Consider using ride-sharing services to avoid parking hassles.
Yes, SMX Convention Center Manila is accessible by public transport. Numerous bus and jeepney routes serve the Mall of Asia area, which is adjacent to the convention center.
Yes, taxis and ride-sharing services can drop you off directly at the entrance of SMX Convention Center Manila.
Absolutely! The Mall of Asia Complex and surrounding areas offer a wide range of hotels, from budget-friendly to luxury options. Airbnb is also a popular choice.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry fees vary depending on the event. Some events are free to enter, while others, like expos and fairs, may have admission fees. For example, the Pet Expo 2025 had an on-site ticket price of Php 250 per person for all 4 exhibits.
Tickets are typically sold on-site at the event venue. For some events, you might be able to purchase tickets online in advance through the event organizer's website or ticketing partners.
The operating hours of SMX Convention Center Manila are dictated by the events being held. It's best to check the specific event schedule for their operating hours. +1
For most expos and fairs, booking in advance is not strictly necessary, but it can save you time. Some popular events might offer early bird discounts or require advance booking.
Discounts may be available for certain events, especially for students, seniors, or during early bird promotions. It's advisable to check the specific event details for any available discounts. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
SMX Convention Center Manila hosts a wide variety of events, including trade shows, expos, conventions, book fairs, travel marts, and even graduation ceremonies.
Yes, there are usually food kiosks and concession stands within the SMX Convention Center, offering various food and drink options. Additionally, the adjacent Mall of Asia provides a vast array of dining choices. +1
Yes, SMX Convention Center Manila is well-air-conditioned, ensuring a comfortable experience even with large crowds. +1
Yes, ample restrooms are available throughout the SMX Convention Center, and they are generally kept clean.
For events like the Pet Expo, pushcarts are provided but can make navigation difficult due to crowds. Some events may allow personal strollers or carts, but it's best to check event-specific rules.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies vary by event. Some events allow personal photography for non-commercial use, while others may restrict it. Always check the specific event's guidelines.
The grand entrances, exhibition halls during setup, and event-specific backdrops often make for great photo opportunities. Look for visually interesting booths or displays.
Professional photography usually requires prior authorization from the event organizers. Unauthorized professional shoots may be prohibited.
Drone usage is typically prohibited inside convention centers for safety and security reasons. Always adhere to venue regulations.
Events like car shows (Manila Auto Salon), book fairs with vibrant displays, and cultural expos often provide excellent photographic subjects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Book Fair provides a stimulating environment with a wide selection of children's books and educational materials. When attending with children, be mindful of crowd density, particularly during popular events. Consider bringing a stroller or a comfortable carrier for younger children, and ensure they have comfortable footwear. Staying hydrated is also important, so bring water bottles or be prepared to purchase them from vendors.
💼 Business Professionals & Entrepreneurs
Attending these events often involves business meetings and presentations. Ensure you have your business cards ready and are prepared to engage in discussions. The venue's professional setting and proximity to business amenities in the Mall of Asia Complex further enhance its appeal for business-related gatherings.
📚 Bookworms & Students
+1 It's a great opportunity to stock up on reading material for the year. Be prepared for large crowds, especially on weekends. Arriving early can help you snag the best deals before they sell out. Comfortable shoes are a must, as you'll be browsing for hours.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the SMX Convention Center Manila
When attending an event at SMX, it's crucial to be aware of the crowd dynamics. During major expos like the Manila International Book Fair or the Pet Expo, the venue can become extremely packed, leading to long queues for amenities and a slower pace of movement. Visitors have noted that navigating through dense crowds, especially with pushcarts or multiple pets, can be challenging.
The air-conditioning is generally effective, but some attendees have reported it feeling warm during peak times. To enhance your experience, planning ahead is key. Check the event schedule and consider attending on weekdays or during off-peak hours if possible to avoid the largest crowds. Familiarize yourself with the venue layout and be prepared for potential parking challenges by opting for ride-sharing services or utilizing the extensive parking facilities at the adjacent Mall of Asia.
Attending Major Expos at SMX
+1 Similarly, the Franchise Asia Philippines Expo attracts entrepreneurs looking for business opportunities. +2These events often feature numerous exhibitors, making them vibrant and engaging. However, they can also lead to congestion. For instance, the Pet Expo has been noted for its overwhelming crowds, long payment queues, and the difficulty of navigating with pushcarts, which can be cumbersome in tight spaces.
Attendees have suggested improvements like providing alternative shopping bags and increasing the number of cashiers to manage the flow better. When planning to attend these major expos, it's advisable to arrive early, wear comfortable shoes, and be prepared for queues. Having a clear list of what you want to purchase or see can help maximize your time.
Logistics and Amenities
Food and beverage options are typically available through on-site kiosks and concession stands. For a wider variety of dining choices, the adjacent Mall of Asia provides numerous restaurants and cafes.
Connectivity is also important for attendees. While not explicitly detailed in all sources, convention centers like SMX usually offer Wi-Fi services, though it's always a good idea to have a mobile data plan as a backup, especially during busy events.
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