ICON is PH’s best convention center for 2025

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Iloilo Convention Center (ICON) has earned international acclaim after being named the Philippines’ Best Convention Centre 2025 by the World MICE Awards, further elevating Iloilo City’s status as a rising global meetings destination.

The award was announced during the World Travel Awards Gala Ceremony held on Dec. 6 at Exhibition World Bahrain.

ICON’s recognition affirms its position as one of the country’s top venues for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions.

“This international recognition […] reflects our commitment to excellence and our dedication to elevating world-class events in Iloilo,” ICON said in a statement.

Department of Tourism Western Visayas (DOT-6) Director Krisma Rodriguez said the award reflects both ICON’s consistent performance and Iloilo City’s growing prominence in the industry.

“With this recognition, Iloilo City has reached yet another major milestone in our MICE story, proving that we are ready for the global stage,” she said.

The MICE Center of Iloilo City said the award highlights ICON’s excellence and reinforces Iloilo’s emergence as “a rising star in the global MICE industry.”

“This recognition places Iloilo City firmly on the global MICE map, showcasing ICON’s excellence in hosting world-class meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions,” it added.

ICON continues to set the benchmark for the Philippine MICE industry with its strategic location, proven record in hosting high-level events, and commitment to service, operational efficiency, and sustainability.

“As Iloilo City’s premier convention venue, ICON not only elevates event experiences but also drives tourism and economic growth in Western Visayas—making our city a preferred destination for global gatherings,” it added.

A decade of world-class hosting

Inaugurated in 2015, ICON has become a venue of choice for major national and international events.

It hosted Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings in 2015, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meetings in 2017, and the CityNet 44th Executive Committee Meeting in 2024.

ICON has also welcomed high-profile events such as the Central Philippines Tourism Expo (2023), the World Food Expo, the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) 14th General Assembly (2022), and the International Planned Parenthood Federation regional meeting (2024).

The convention center is also scheduled to host the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) VisMin Travel Tour Expo, IPSC Action Air World Shoot, and National Food Showdown—all set for 2025.

It has also hosted three consecutive editions of WorldBex Iloilo Trio from 2023 to 2025.

Looking ahead, ICON is preparing to play a central role in 2026 as the Philippines assumes the ASEAN Chairship.

Among the upcoming events is the WONCA Asia Pacific Regional Conference in March 2026, which is expected to bring in hundreds of international delegates.

To further support the city’s MICE momentum, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority awarded a PHP 17.6 million grant to boost Iloilo’s marketing efforts across the Philippines and the ASEAN region.

ICON’s latest award adds to its growing list of recognitions.

In 2024, it received the ASEAN MICE Venue Award for 2024–2026 and was honored by DOT Region VI with the Multidimensional Tourism Product Award during the Pagdayaw 2024 celebration.

Other winners in the 2025 World MICE Awards include Shangri-La Mactan in Cebu as the country’s Best MICE Hotel, Okada Manila as Best Incentive Hotel, and M&SE – MICE and Special Events as Best MICE Organiser.