MANILA, Philippines — SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) has appointed Janytte Siega as General Manager of the upcoming SMX Convention Center Seaside Cebu, the country’s largest convention and exhibition venue currently under development within the SM Seaside Cebu complex.
Set to open in November 2026, the new SMX property is expected to further strengthen Cebu’s position as a major hub for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) in the Philippines and the Asia-Pacific region.
Siega brings more than two decades of experience in the hospitality, banquet, and MICE industries, with expertise spanning operations leadership, guest experience, and large-scale convention management.
Prior to her appointment, she served as Director of Banquets and Event Services and Officer-in-Charge for Operations at SMX Convention Center Manila, where she played a key role in overseeing high-volume events operations and enhancing service standards at one of the country’s leading MICE venues.
Her hospitality career also includes extensive experience in luxury hotels and internationally recognized brands across the Philippines and the Middle East, particularly in Cebu, Dubai, and Ras Al Khaimah, where she handled high-profile corporate, government, and social events attended by international dignitaries and delegates.
Known for her collaborative leadership and hands-on management style, Siega will oversee the convention center’s pre-opening operations, including operational readiness, talent development, strategic partnerships, and service delivery aligned with the SMX brand.
“I am honored to take on this new role and be part of bringing SMX Convention Center Seaside Cebu to life,” Siega said. “Cebu continues to be a vital hub for tourism, business functions, and international gatherings, and I look forward to working alongside our team and partners in establishing the venue as a premier destination for meetings, conventions, exhibitions, and large-scale activations in the Philippines and the Asia-Pacific region.”
Located within the SM Seaside Cebu complex, the convention center will feature more than 21,000 square meters of leasable space across six levels. It will also be directly connected to the SM Seaside Arena and SM Seaside Cebu Mall, creating an integrated destination for exhibitions, conventions, entertainment, and hospitality events.
“With Janytte’s appointment, SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation further reinforces its commitment to expanding world-class MICE destinations across the country and supporting the continued growth of Cebu and the Philippines as leading hubs for business events and tourism in the region,” said Peggy Angeles, Executive Vice President of SMHCC.
