2021 FEBRUARY, MANILA – The effects of the pandemic have limited the tourism industry and left a big impact on the economy. It made everyone re-think their business models, strategies, and goals. Versatility has become a key ingredient to adapt and move forward. Driven by a creative and an enterprising mindset to steadily propel the industry forward, SMX Convention Center (SMXCC) has repurposed its spaces to help other industries with their venue requirements.
SMX Convention Center’s spaces were redefined into innovative and fully functional concepts that address guests’ need for space and provide suitable site options. #SMXSwingSpaces serves as extended offices for companies undergoing renovations or temporarily providing an easily accessible office location for their staff, which are being offered both in SMX Manila and Megatrade Hall. #SMXSoulKitchen provides food business owners and caterers an option to minimize overhead cost for business operations by renting a clean and functional kitchen with complete amenities. The complete kitchen set up also targets commissaries and restaurants operating food deliveries. #SMXStudio is equipped with lights, sounds and chroma backdrop for photo shoots, TV commercial shoots, and events. Rehearsals and virtual concerts can also be held in all SMXCC properties. SMXCC likewise offers #SMXams, a stress-free examination or licensure venue that can accommodate anywhere from 30 to 3,000 examinees. These repurposed spaces have rates that vary on a daily, weekly, and a monthly basis.
Coupled with creativity is the assurance that guests’ safety will never be compromised. The SustainablySafe Program is SM Hotels and Conventions Corp.’s (SMHCC) intensified health and hygiene initiative with rigid protocols aimed to ensure the utmost safety and wellbeing of its guests. Following the said program, SMXCC implements strict and customized measures within its facility dubbed as #SMXsafespaces. Less physical contact, stringent policy on wearing of face mask and face shield, contactless Health Declaration and Contact Tracing forms, monitored crowd movement via CCTV with face recognition function and event marshals, reduced seating capacity to implement safe crowd management, equipping building staff with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), frequent disinfection of venues and high-contact surfaces, and making use of live-streaming platforms for hybrid events to name a few.
“With a different ball game in the current pandemic playing field, we had to reimagine, reengineer, and repurpose our event spaces to remain relevant and cater to today’s needs. Safety and security remain our utmost priority with the implementation of #SMXsafespaces. We aim to bring back the confidence of organizers and consumers, while also helping to jump start the Philippine economy.” said SMX Convention Center Vice President and General Manager, Agnes Pacis. “SMX Convention Center is ready to host both business and social events,” she added.
More concepts are underway and will be offered including: #SMXhybrid for blended, online, and offline events; #SMXmilestone for intimate social gatherings and small weddings; #SMXfitness catering to fitness enthusiasts and #SMXbazaar for the “passionate fashionistas” who can still afford to shop until they drop while following proper safety guidelines.
SMX Convention Center upholds its commitment in providing safe spaces throughout its seven (7) properties located in Manila, Cebu, Bacolod, Davao and Olongapo City.
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Nian Liwanag-Rigor
Asst. Vice President for Public Relations
SM Hotels and Conventions Corp.
+63 917 855 7253
About SMX Convention Center
SMX Convention Center is the premier venue for meetings and events in the country with over 38,000 sq.m. of leasable space. Under the flagship of SMX Manila are SMX Aura, SMX Bacolod, SMX Davao, Olongapo City Convention Center and two Trade Halls namely, Megatrade Hall and Sky Hall Seaside Cebu. For more information, please visit www.smxconventioncenter.com
About SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC)
SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC) was established in April 2008 with the primary purpose of developing and managing the hotel and convention properties of SM Prime, one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia. SMHCC is guided by its mission to be the leading hotel and convention company in the Philippines and its vision to build and operate hotels and convention centers that take pride in Filipino warmth and hospitality.
SMHCC’s encouraging growth has propelled the company’s goal to double its portfolio throughout the country within the next five years. It is geared towards becoming a brand powerhouse that ultimately seeks to create an indelible mark in the country’s tourism industry.
Currently, the SMHCC portfolio is comprised of eight (8) hotel properties with a combined inventory of 1,960 rooms and over 38,000 sqm. of leasable convention space. The list of properties under SMHCC includes Taal Vista Hotel, Pico Sands Hotel, Conrad Manila, Radisson Blu Cebu, Park Inn by Radisson Clark, Park Inn by Radisson Davao, Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo, Park Inn by Radisson North EDSA, and the SMX Convention Centers and trade halls.
About SustainablySafe
SustainablySafe is SM Hotels and Conventions Corp.’s (SMHCC) health and hygiene program designed to provide its guests and staff with utmost safety and comfort. Ultimately, the program is aimed at ensuring the wellbeing of everyone under the care of SMHCC. SustainablySafe includes intensive and holistic sets of policies, following efficient and methodical procedures. It heralds a guest-centric approach in the prevention and mitigation of COVID-19 and other diseases. The program is a reflection of SMHCC’s ideals that drive the company to remain dedicated, grateful, and mindful.
