The upcoming Mactan Expo Center, boasting a 2,500-seating capacity, is poised to significantly elevate Cebu’s MICE tourism sector. Megaworld, a leading real estate developer, is spearheading the construction of this two-level standalone convention center within its expansive 30-hectare The Mactan Newtown township in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.
Nestled adjacent to the recently unveiled Belmont Hotel Mactan along Newtown Boulevard, the P1.5-billion Mactan Expo Center will offer nearly a hectare of dedicated space for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE).
On its ground level, a spacious convention hall will accommodate up to 2,500 attendees in a theater-style setup or 1,600 in a banquet arrangement. Moreover, this hall can be partitioned into three smaller sections, each accommodating 700 to 900 individuals theater-style or 500 to 600 banquet-style. Complementing this main hall will be expansive foyer and pre-function areas, two drop-off zones, a service kitchen, cafes, and an event showroom for clients to preview setups.
The mezzanine level will house two intimate meeting rooms, each capable of hosting up to 100 guests in a banquet setting or around 150 in a theater-style configuration. Additionally, these rooms can merge into a single space. The mezzanine will also feature its own pre-function area, an outdoor balcony, and storage facilities.
The center’s facade, designed with minimalist elegance and illuminated at night, will reflect Cebu’s rich cultural heritage, festivals, arts, and natural beauty. Utilizing locally sourced design elements, it aims to become an iconic landmark for Mactan and Cebu province as a whole.
Kevin L. Tan, Megaworld’s Chief Strategy Officer, envisions the Mactan Expo Center as a pivotal contributor to Cebu’s burgeoning MICE industry. The facility will boast two passenger elevators, escalators, a service elevator, 100% backup power, and WiFi access throughout.
Equipped with fixed video screens, advanced audio-visual systems, and video conferencing technology, the center will cater to modern event needs. It will also prioritize sustainability, adhering to the Philippine Green Building Council’s standards with features like low-emissivity facade glass, water-saving fixtures, rainwater recycling, and waste management facilities.
Scheduled for completion by 2025, the Mactan Expo Center will complement Megaworld’s existing hotel properties within The Mactan Newtown, ensuring seamless accommodation arrangements for event attendees. Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, highlights the center’s proximity to the beach as an additional draw.
Construction is set to commence this year, marking a significant milestone in Cebu’s journey towards becoming a premier MICE destination.
