The PHILSME trade show provided entrepreneurs with network opportunities as well as business solutions and inspirational talks. 

The 15th Philippine SME Business Expo (PHILSME), the country’s largest B2B trade show, was held last November 22 to 23, gathering 12,000 entrepreneurs at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. The expo’s theme was “Unlock Upliftment: Taking on Innovation, Coalition, and Excellent Client Relations for an Empowered Nation,” and it gave participants valuable opportunities to network with one another. It likewise provided an opportunity to learn from industry experts as well as discover solutions that can help businesses grow.

“While PHILSME primarily provides a platform for business solutions, we are going beyond that—we also care about one’s overall upliftment,” said Trixie Esguerra-Abrenilla, PHILSME CEO and Managing Director. “We are also very grateful to have many repeat sponsors whose confidence, trust and commitment we value.”

Exhibitors and Panelists 

A total of 120 exhibitors and sponsors were on hand at PHILSME to provide 180 business solutions to entrepreneurs. 

Industry leaders such as GCash for Business, Security Bank, QNE Software Philippines, Odoo, Bossjob were present at the expo. 

In addition, 30 keynote speakers and panelists were present to share their experience and insights to the participants. These include The Business Manual Editor-in-Chief and Mercato Centrale co-founder RJ Ledesma and Mansmith & Fielders Chairman and Chief Innovation Strategist Josiah Go. 

Amor Maclang, convenor of Digital Pilipinas, was also present at the expo, together with Philippine Trade Training Center’s Deputy Executive Director Dimnatang Radia and Asia Center for Small Business Founder Arlene Martinez. 

What to Look Forward to for 2025

Bigger things are in store for PHILSME in 2025. It has been announced that the 16th PHILSME will indeed take place in the first half of next year. 

Esguerra-Abrenilla also announced another expo that entrepreneurs, particularly those interested in franchising, can look forward to. 

“Next year, as we gear up for the 16th PHILSME Business Expo in May 2025, we are also bringing back the 12th Baby, Kids and Family expo in May and the 7th Entrepreneur and Franchise Expo in November 2025,” Esguerra-Abrenilla shared.