Their dispersed locations show different facets of the Malaysian island, widening options for event organisers and planners.
Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC) will open in October on Penang’s east coast, the first phase of the huge Light City mixed-use development. With 10,443m2 of indoor and outdoor event space, it is Penang’s largest exhibition and conference venue.
The 7,318m2 exhibition hall divides into five separate halls. Ten out of 19 meeting rooms are already completed, enabling flexible configurations for conferences, concerts and mixed events.
The 2,390m2 Le Grand Blue terrace serves formal set-ups and free-standing cocktail receptions and can be split into three sections.
South Korea’s KINTEX will operate the new venue in partnership with developer IJM Perennial.
“Our partnership with KINTEX enhances PWCC’s operational capabilities and global reach, allowing us to attract and host high-impact international events,” said Lee Chun Fai, group CEO and managing director of IJM Corporation.
PWCC reported strong interest from industry players to try out the venue, especially with its unique seafront view. “We’re seeing a healthy mix of events, including exhibitions, conventions and banquets, from both local and international markets,” it said.
The trend leans towards exhibitions, particularly B2B tradeshows, international conferences and meetings, with a pipeline secured through 2030.
The adjoining 37-storey office-cum-hotel tower will open in 2026, with JdV by Hyatt and Galaxy Minyoun occupying six and nine floors respectively. Hotels within a 6km radius include Eastin Hotel, AC Hotel and Iconic Marjorie, Penang.
In the hospitality sphere, Marriott International has established a strong presence through several new and rebranded hotels.
Penang Marriott Hotel opened last September on Gurney Drive with 223 guest rooms and suites. It offers 11 event rooms with 1,074m2 of flexible meeting space. The pillarless grand ballroom’s theatre-style seating can host 700 pax, while a banquet set-up can accommodate 500. Another seven rooms serve smaller events.
The hotel offers waterfront views and an elegant outdoor infinity pool setting. Themed coffee breaks, destination-based excursions and team-building activities can be arranged.
The 146-room Millen Penang is the first Autograph Collection hotel in Penang. Refurbished from the former Northam All-Suites Hotel, it blends colonial elegance and modern sophistication in historic George Town.
Its event spaces cater to smaller conferences and luncheons or dinners. The ballroom, divisible into three, holds up to 250 pax theatre-style or 200 for banquets. Two small rooms each seat 12 pax.
At Batu Ferringhi, the old Lone Pine Hotel has been rejuvenated as a 90-room luxury boutique hotel with three small function rooms alongside a poolside and garden, offering event creativity.
Meanwhile, Iconic Marjorie Hotel, Penang opened in February. Its Bayan Lepas location suits delegates attending events at Setia SPICE Convention Centre and PWCC.
The 298-room hotel’s function space comprises a ballroom for 850 pax in theatre seating or 800 for a banquet and six smaller rooms.
Both Lone Pine and Iconic Marjorie are Tribute Portfolio Hotels, a brand under the Marriott International umbrella.
Commenting on Marriott International’s hotel stable, George Varughese, market vice president of Malaysia, said: “We are observing strong momentum from domestic and regional markets and we anticipate sustained growth fuelled by Penang’s appeal as a cultural, culinary and meetings destination.”
In Tanjung Bungah, the recently transformed M Social Resort Penang offers 318 rooms and suites in two wings. The ballroom, divisible into three, takes 500 pax theatre-style and 380 at banquets. There are two small rooms for 20- to 30-pax meetings, while the poolside can take 200 to 300 pax for parties.
Amid ongoing product enhancements, Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) is emphasising innovation, strategic development and industry collaboration. It is committed to working closely with local and international stakeholders to ensure Penang remains a top-tier destination for business events.
“Penang’s international business events sector is gaining strong momentum this year,” said Ashwin Gunasekeran, CEO of PCEB.
“We are working closely with Tourism Malaysia to jointly promote Visit Malaysia 2026.
“PCEB is actively promoting Penang through key international tradeshows such as IMEX, The Meetings Show, IBTM and our homegrown Penang International Travel Exchange.”
