Seven groundbreaking venues in Asia-Pacific are setting new standards for space, technology, and sustainability across the region
The global events industry is entering a high-growth phase with the arrival of several new convention centres in Asia-Pacific designed for a new era of connectivity.
From the New Zealand International Convention Centre to the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre, these landmarks aim to set new benchmarks in spatial versatility, technological infrastructure, and ESG-led design. We profile seven latest openings poised to reshape the international exhibition market.
Taichung International Convention and Exhibition Center
As the industrial heart of Taiwan, Taichung serves as the primary base for clusters in machine tools, optoelectronics, aerospace, bicycles, and hand tools. To capitalise on this concentration of “Made in Taiwan” manufacturing, the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) chose Taichung as the location for its first major convention and exhibition hub outside of Taipei. The result is the Taichung International Convention and Exhibition Center (TICEC), which officially entered trial operations in late 2025.
In addition, TICEC was designed to bridge the gap between tradeshows and production, by allowing international buyers to visit an exhibition, and tour a nearby factory within the same day.
The complex is divided into two primary structures – Exhibition Hall and Convention Center – spanning a total usable area of nearly 39,000m². This scale allows for up to 1,633 standard booths, with the flexibility to host gatherings ranging from 30 to 10,000 participants. Key spaces include the C101 Conference Room, which seats 3,000 people and can be subdivided into six independent meeting rooms.
To support the modern requirement for hybrid programming, the centre is equipped with high-speed fibre optic networks and venue-wide Wi-Fi. The infrastructure is built to ensure virtual participants can engage seamlessly with on-site attendees through high-specification audiovisual systems, including simultaneous interpretation and LED video walls.
This operation is led by a veteran management team from TAITRA’s Taipei venues, ensuring that international operational standards are applied to every facet of the venue, from security to catering.
Sustainability was a core component of the venue’s development. TICEC holds the Diamond-level Certificate for Green Building, and Diamond-level Candidate Certification for Building Carbon Footprint. Its environmental features include a rooftop solar array of 4,945 panels that powers the equivalent of 600 households annually, and a condensate recycling system that recovers 480 cubic metres of water monthly for irrigation. Additionally, the complex incorporates 200,000 plants that absorb approximately 140 tons of carbon dioxide every year.
Following its 2025 debut, the centre’s 2026 calendar is already heavily booked.TICEC’s director, Kevin Wu, confirmed that over 50 exhibitions – such as the Taiwan International Machine Tool Show, and Taichung Industrial Automation Exhibition 2026 – have been secured. Altogether, an estimated 350 events, including conferences and corporate functions, and three million visitors are expected in the first full 12 months of operation. – Rachel AJ Lee
Mactan Expo
Mactan Expo officially opened in January 2026 and is the largest purpose-built convention facility in Mactan, Cebu.
Located at the heart of Megaworld’s 30-hectare Mactan Newtown in Lapu-Lapu City, the two-storey venue anchors business events within a fully master-planned township that integrates business, hospitality, lifestyle and beachfront components.
According to a spokesperson from Mactan Expo, the venue was conceived to place meetings and conventions at the intersection of accessibility and resort-style appeal.
“Just 15 minutes from Mactan-Cebu International Airport, delegates can arrive with ease and move seamlessly into the township, where the 550-room Mercure Mactan Cebu and the 546-room Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown offer accommodation within walking distance of the venue.
“A wide range of dining and leisure options at Mactan Newtown Beach further adds an island dimension to the business events experience,” the spokesperson said.
The venue features a 2,600m² main hall that can host up to 1,850 guests in a banquet setup, complemented by a 1,426m² pre-function area, three VIP rooms, high-speed connectivity, a dedicated service kitchen, and in-house catering with local, international, and halal selections. The mezzanine level adds two breakout rooms, a pre-function space, and an open-air balcony ideal for networking and socials.
Built in compliance with the Philippine Green Building Code, Mactan Expo incorporates rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient lighting and a materials recovery facility designed to support on-site waste segregation, ensuring proper handling and preparation of municipal solid waste for collection and recycling.
Major events that have already been held at Mactan include the ASEAN Tourism Forum and Megaworld Hotels & Resorts Sales & Marketing Conference, with the former marking the venue’s first regional event. Upcoming events include ASEAN Summit in May, and Ironman 70.3 in August. – S Puvaneswary
