Business leaders urge Filipinos to embrace digital commerce, lifelong learning and personal branding as new industry platform officially launches
The future of entrepreneurship belongs to those who are willing to learn, adapt and embrace change.
That was the shared message from business leaders, digital entrepreneurs and industry experts during the July 9 Media and Ecosystem Launch of E-Commerce Expo Philippines (ECOMEX) 2026, where they encouraged Filipino entrepreneurs to see e-commerce not simply as another sales channel but as an opportunity to build stronger brands, reach more customers and create sustainable businesses.
Powered by PHILSME and organized by MediaTrix Solutions Inc., ECOMEX is the Philippines’ biggest expo, conference, and networking event for entrepreneurs, online sellers, and digital innovators. Scheduled on November 20–21, 2026 at SMX Convention Center Aura, Taguig, the event aims to bring together the people, ideas and opportunities that can help entrepreneurs thrive in an increasingly digital world.
More than 40 international, regional and local media organizations participated in the virtual launch through Zoom and the ECOMEX and PHILSME social media livestreams, where speakers shared practical insights on entrepreneurship, branding, digital transformation and the value of belonging to a supportive business community.
Entrepreneur, author and financial educator Coach Chinkee Tan opened a conversation that resonated with aspiring and established entrepreneurs alike, reminding business owners that every successful digital business begins with a single step.
“Everybody starts with one follower.”
Tan encouraged entrepreneurs not to be intimidated by technology or the size of established brands, emphasizing that success in the digital economy comes from consistently creating value, earning trust and continuously improving.
“People buy brands. They don’t only buy products.”
He said today’s entrepreneurs have unprecedented opportunities to reach customers through digital platforms, but long-term success depends on investing in learning, building credibility and adapting to changing consumer behavior. He also encouraged business owners to participate in industry events where they can learn from experienced practitioners, exchange ideas and develop relationships that help businesses grow.
For Reymond “Boss RDR” Delos Santos, one of the country’s leading digital entrepreneurs and content strategists, the launch represented something much bigger than another business event.
“ECOMEX is not just an expo. For me, ECOMEX is a movement where we recognize and celebrate the people building Philippine e-commerce.”
Delos Santos said thousands of Filipino entrepreneurs have transformed their lives by embracing digital entrepreneurship and using online platforms to grow businesses that create jobs, strengthen communities and inspire others to pursue their own entrepreneurial journeys.
He added that ECOMEX provides aspiring entrepreneurs with opportunities to learn directly from experienced business owners, discover new technologies and become part of a growing community committed to helping one another succeed.
Launching the initiative, Trixie Esguerra-Abrenilla, Founder and Organizer of ECOMEX and CEO and Managing Director of the Philippine SME Business Expo (PHILSME), said the platform was created to help entrepreneurs navigate the increasingly complex realities of building successful businesses in the digital age.
“Philippine e-commerce success depends on execution across the entire customer journey. The challenge is no longer simply how to sell online, but how to acquire, convert, fulfill and retain customers. These are exactly the kinds of questions ECOMEX is built to address.”
She said ECOMEX was designed to bring together the experts, technologies, mentors, service providers and business communities that entrepreneurs need throughout every stage of their business journey—from launching an online store to building sustainable brands and long-term customer relationships.
Supporting the initiative, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) E-Commerce Bureau Director Eryl Royce Nagtalon, in a recorded keynote message, emphasized the importance of collaboration in strengthening the country’s digital economy and creating a trusted online marketplace where entrepreneurs and consumers can confidently participate.
The launch comes as more Filipinos continue to embrace digital commerce, creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs to reach customers beyond traditional markets while encouraging businesses to continuously innovate and adapt to evolving consumer expectations.
Organizers envision ECOMEX as more than an annual business event. It is designed as a long-term platform where entrepreneurs, creators, educators, technology providers, investors, government agencies and business organizations can connect, learn from one another and build meaningful partnerships that strengthen the Philippine entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Powered by PHILSME and organized by MediaTrix Solutions Inc., ECOMEX builds on years of experience bringing together entrepreneurs and business leaders through platforms that promote learning, collaboration and enterprise development.
ECOMEX is the Philippines’ biggest expo, conference, and networking event for entrepreneurs, online sellers, and digital innovators.
Exhibitor, sponsorship, speaking and partnership opportunities are now open for E-Commerce Expo Philippines (ECOMEX) 2026. Entrepreneurs, brands, technology companies, creators, educators and organizations are encouraged to become part of the growing community that is helping shape the future of Philippine digital commerce.
Businesses interested in exhibiting, sponsoring or partnering with ECOMEX 2026 may visit www.ecommerceexpo.ph for more information.
About E-Commerce Expo Philippines (ECOMEX)
E-Commerce Expo Philippines (ECOMEX), powered by PHILSME and organized by MediaTrix Solutions Inc., is the Philippines’ biggest expo, conference, and networking event for entrepreneurs, online sellers, and digital innovators. Scheduled on November 20–21, 2026 at SMX Convention Center Aura, Taguig, ECOMEX brings together entrepreneurs, online sellers, brands, marketplaces, technology providers, fintech companies, logistics providers, content creators, investors, government agencies and business organizations to accelerate the growth of Philippine digital commerce through learning, collaboration and strategic partnerships.
