Davao City's booming economy is set to gain another landmark with a massive P500-million convention center planned for the Maa area. This major investment by a local developer promises to compete directly with the established SMX Convention Center, highlighting the surging demand for large-scale events infrastructure in the region.
A New Giant in Davao's Events Scene
Christian Cambaya, head of the Investor Assistance Servicing Unit at the Davao City Investment Promotion Center (DCIPC), confirmed the project's scale. He revealed that the upcoming facility in Maa will be "almost as big or bigger than SMX". Cambaya shared this update during the Business Insights Forum at Probinsya Restaurant in Bajada on November 21, 2025, noting the investor is finalizing the necessary permits.
The new center will not only offer convention space but will also include commercial establishments within its premises, creating a comprehensive venue complex. This development enters a market where SMX Davao, located inside SM Lanang Premier, has been the dominant player. SMX Davao currently offers:
- Three function rooms and five meeting rooms.
- A total of 5,200 square meters of leasable space.
- The capacity to host events ranging from an intimate 10-person meeting to a large gathering of 5,550 people.
Cambaya also noted that SMX Davao is planning its own expansion, a clear indicator of the sustained growth in the city's events and exhibitions industry.
Why Investors Are Betting on Davao
The choice of Davao City for this half-billion-peso project was deliberate. Cambaya emphasized that the investor was drawn by the city's economic stability, reliable power supply, and secure environment. The developer is reportedly very positive about Davao's robust economic trajectory and considers the local peace and order situation, as well as the competitive landscape, as key advantages.
This confidence underscores Davao's strengthening position as a prime destination for major capital investments in Mindanao. The city's ability to attract such significant private funding is a testament to its improving business climate and infrastructure.
Transforming Davao into a Premier MICE Hub
The Maa convention center is part of a larger wave of venue development sweeping Davao. The most notable among these is the upcoming KJC King Dome Arena, projected to seat a staggering 75,000 people. Upon completion, it is poised to surpass the Philippine Arena in capacity, potentially making it one of the world's largest indoor venues.
This expansion, coupled with upgrades from hotels and private facilities, is creating a more robust and geographically diverse MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) infrastructure across the city.
The economic impact of a thriving MICE sector is substantial. Davao hosts numerous conventions, trade expos, and government summits annually, which generate widespread activity. These events provide direct benefits to:
- Hotels and accommodation providers.
- Restaurants and food services.
- Transportation and retail businesses.
- Tourism operators and local guides.
This creates a powerful multiplier effect, supporting thousands of jobs and strengthening interconnected industries. With the new Maa center, the expansion of SMX, and the rise of the King Dome, Davao City is dramatically increasing its capacity to host national and international events. This strategic development firmly positions Davao as the premier MICE destination in Southern Philippines and a central driver for Mindanao's continuing economic momentum.
