THE last time I went to a social gathering with more than 100 people was in December 2019, having gone all the way to Bulacan just to watch the “greatest rock band of all time,” U2, in concert for the first time in Manila. I was standing the entire night, while dancing and singing (okay, screeching mostly) along with my friend, as Bono belted out the Irish group’s most popular hits.
It was still a time when people fearlessly kissed and hugged each other, chatted incessantly and lovingly shared their food, without the need for face masks or face shields, while any chance for a “groufie” had us cramming tightly together, making sure we had squeezed into the tiny frame of the mobile phone camera.
It feels more than a lifetime ago, with large group gatherings such as concerts, festivals, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) events having been put on hold as Covid-19 rages on.
The MICE industry has certainly been one of the most impacted by the pandemic, having suffered as much as the economy in general. As such, companies have had to rethink 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, the SMX Convention Center has repurposed its spaces to help other industries with their venue requirements. Speaking with SMXCC vice president and general manager Agnes Pacis via Zoom recently about the company’s plans, she said their convention spaces have been redefined into “innovative and fully functional concept spaces that address guests’ needs” and suitable site options, as the company awaits for more MICE events to be permitted, with prospective clients feeling more confident to mount their events.
For instance, #SMXSwingSpaces serve as extended offices for companies undergoing renovations or temporarily providing an easily accessible office location for their staff, which are offered both in SMX Manila and Megatrade Hall.
For another, #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 setup 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, she noted.
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 monthly basis.
“Coupled with creativity is the assurance that guests’ safety will never be compromised,” Pacis underscored. The “SustainablySafe” program is the SM Hotels and Conventions Corp.’s (SMHCC) intensified health and hygiene initiative with rigid protocols aimed to ensure the utmost safety and well-being of its guests. Under the program, SMXCC implements strict and customized measures within its facility, dubbed as #SMXsafespaces.
She said there is less physical contact, a stringent policy on wearing of face mask and face shield, contactless health-declaration and contact-tracing forms, monitored crowd movement via CCTV with facial recognition function and event marshals, reduced seating capacity to implement safe crowd management, building staff equipped with Personal Protective Equipment, the frequent disinfection of venues and high-contact surfaces, and 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,” said Pacis.
“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. We are ready to host both business and social events,” she added.
She said 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.
With the recent government decision to allow essential meetings and social events in areas under general community quarantine, things may finally be looking up for venue owners and event organizers. The Joint Memorandum Circular 2021-001 between the Department of Tourism and the Department of Trade and Industry issued on February 20, allows DOT-accredited stand-alone venues like SMXCC to hold such meetings and social events up to 50 percent of venue capacity.
“This is a much-awaited and favorable news not just for the MICE industry but also for the economy,” said Pacis. “We can now assist in rebuilding the confidence of both the local and international markets, slowly but surely. Our #SMXsafespaces across the country [SMX Manila, SMX Aura, SMX Bacolod, SMX Davao, Megatrade Hall, Sky Hall Seaside Cebu and Olongapo City Convention Center, soon SMX Clark)]are ready to host events again.”
SMX Convention Center is the premier venue for meetings and events in the country with over 38,000 square meters of leasable space. It operates under SMHCC, a unit of Sy-led SM Investments Corp.
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