SM kicks off 65th year with Tenant-Partners Summit
BrandedUp in partnership with
On Sept. 4, SM Supermalls kicked off its 65th anniversary by hosting renowned author and speaker, Malcolm Gladwell and Emma Chiu, global director of Wunderman Thompson Intelligence, at its Tenant-Partners Summit held at the SMX Convention Center.
After an intimate breakfast with SM executives and the event sponsors, Gladwell and SM Supermalls president Steven Tan met with the media to discuss topics dominating conversations today.
“We invited Mr. Gladwell because he connects with a lot of business people. Our Tenant-Partners Summit will gather our tenant owners and business partners. Many of the books Mr. Gladwell has written have to do with how you conduct your business and grow. Having him here today will help our partners get more insights to connect with the changing consumer,” said Tan.
The Future of Retail
In the afternoon, over 1,000 invited guests gathered at SMX. First, Wunderman Thompson Intelligence’s Chiu delved deeply into trends that brands must watch out for.
She provided an overview of the “Future 100” Trend report that covered marketing and business trends to follow this year and shared insights around “Joyconomy” and “Creative Catalysts.”
As the keynote speaker, Gladwell enthralled the crowd of business titans, noted entrepreneurs, and media heads with topics of interest such as how generations differ from each other, and how retail brands would have to understand and accept this if they want to create impact.
The convergence of Chiu’s and Gladwell’s thought-provoking perspectives made for an event that was focused on global best practices and how authenticity, inclusivity, and spontaneity were key in engaging youthful consumers.
Tan welcomed the guests and gave a bird’s eye view of the exciting journey SM malls are about to take in the coming years. “Together, let us shape the retail landscape, reimagine, and revolutionize malling experiences. We are your home. We are here for you,” stated Tan in his welcome address.
SM Prime Holdings president Jeffrey Lim reiterated his thanks to the partners of SM. “On behalf of the SM Group, allow me to express our appreciation and gratitude for your unwavering support and contribution to the company for the last 65 years. As we continue to move forward carrying the same spirit of innovativeness, resilience, and camaraderie that brought us all here together, let me affirm the SM Group’s commitment to continue to be your strong ally in serving the needs of our communities.”
(L-R): Crocs’ Mark Chan, Mendokoro Ramenba’s Ryan Cruz, H&M’s Michaela Herbosa, SM Supermalls’ Vice President for Global Brands Michelle So, and H&M’s Graham Gallow
Dr. Hayden Kho with Dra. Vicki Belo and ABS-CBN Publishing President Ernie Lopez
(L-R): The Diarist’s Thelma San Juan, Elvira Luym, Laguna Group CEO Jill Viado, Café Laguna founder Lita Urbina, and SM Prime-VISMIN Vice President Marissa Fernan
(L-R): The French Baker CEO Johnlu Koa and wife Alou Koa with SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan
(L-R): Fashion designer Dona Lim, Kerch & Sons’ CEO Kerby Chua, and Opulence Design Concept’s Jinky Tobiano-Sy and husband, Gerry Sy
The Moment Group founders Abba Napa, Eliza Antonino, and Jon Syjuco
Turks founders (right) Gem Zenarosa and wife Angel Zenarosa with SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan (left)
(L-R): Journalist Karen Davila, SM Investments’ Independent Director Ramon Lopez, The Philippine Star Associate Editor Millet Mananquil, and The French Baker CEO Johnlu Koa
The Philippine Star President Miguel Belmonte and The French Baker Chief Digital Officer Jonard Koa
Fredley Group of Companies’ Jon Richmond Ang and Avin Ong
National Bookstore Vice Presidents Presentacion Ramos and Xandra Padilla Ramos
Philippine Airlines President Capt. President Stanley Ng
Wildflour founder Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo
(L-R): Crocs’ Mark Chan, Mendokoro Ramenba’s Ryan Cruz, H&M’s Michaela Herbosa, SM Supermalls’ Vice President for Global Brands Michelle So, and H&M’s Graham Gallow
Dr. Hayden Kho with Dra. Vicki Belo and ABS-CBN Publishing President Ernie Lopez
(L-R): The Diarist’s Thelma San Juan, Elvira Luym, Laguna Group CEO Jill Viado, Café Laguna founder Lita Urbina, and SM Prime-VISMIN Vice President Marissa Fernan
(L-R): The French Baker CEO Johnlu Koa and wife Alou Koa with SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan
(L-R): Fashion designer Dona Lim, Kerch & Sons’ CEO Kerby Chua, and Opulence Design Concept’s Jinky Tobiano-Sy and husband, Gerry Sy
The Moment Group founders Abba Napa, Eliza Antonino, and Jon Syjuco
Turks founders (right) Gem Zenarosa and wife Angel Zenarosa with SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan (left)
(L-R): Journalist Karen Davila, SM Investments’ Independent Director Ramon Lopez, The Philippine Star Associate Editor Millet Mananquil, and The French Baker CEO Johnlu Koa
The Philippine Star President Miguel Belmonte and The French Baker Chief Digital Officer Jonard Koa
Fredley Group of Companies’ Jon Richmond Ang and Avin Ong
National Bookstore Vice Presidents Presentacion Ramos and Xandra Padilla Ramos
Philippine Airlines President Capt. President Stanley Ng
Wildflour founder Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo
CLOSE
The talks of Gladwell and Chiu were a cause to gather and gain new ideas but the real celebration was for the tenants and partners of SM Supermalls. They became stronger during the health crisis, witnessed how SM listened to them, and found ways to get through that troubling period, and that sense of partnership is now stronger than ever.
* * *
Editor’s Note: This article was provided by SM Supermalls.
