Avoid BMO Centre Receiving Fees | Calgary Exhibitor Tips

Introduction

Exhibiting at a trade show in Calgary should be about connecting with customers, showing off products, and closing deals. Too often, though, exhibitors at Stampede Park run into an unexpected hurdle: BMO Centre receiving fees and long delays in accessing freight. These costs and complications can turn what seemed like a straightforward plan into a logistical headache.

For companies shipping displays, equipment, or bulk products into Calgary, knowing where to stage and store shipments before a show can make all the difference. That’s where Calgary exhibitor storage solutions near Stampede Park come in.

The Hidden Problem

Many first-time and even experienced exhibitors are surprised when they see the final invoice for moving goods into the BMO Centre. Receiving fees, union minimums, and overtime charges are standard, and they add up quickly.

Exhibitors often face:

• Receiving fees per hundredweight (CWT): Even small shipments get billed at minimum weights

• Union minimums: Even if your freight requires only a quick move, minimum labour charges still apply

• Overtime rates: Evening or weekend deliveries rack up costs fast

• Delays: With dozens or hundreds of exhibitors trying to access freight at the same time, bottlenecks are common

The result is wasted time, higher costs, and frustrated staff waiting around for crates or pallets to show up. Many exhibitors don’t budget for these extras, which makes the hit feel even heavier.

The True Cost of DIY

Some exhibitors try to save money by arranging their own freight or bypassing BMO Centre services. Unfortunately, that usually backfires.

If you try to manage everything yourself, you face:

• Lost time: Staff spend hours coordinating deliveries instead of preparing the booth

• Union restrictions: Certain tasks still require union labour even if you bring freight yourself

• Storage headaches: Pallets, empty crates, or extra stock still need a place to go — and BMO Centre charges for storage

• Last-minute stress: If something goes wrong, you may miss your setup window or pay premium fees to catch up

In other words, “doing it yourself” often costs more in both money and energy than exhibitors expect.

The Better Alternative

Instead of battling BMO Centre receiving fees, many exhibitors choose a smarter option: staging freight at a nearby Calgary exhibitor storage warehouse.

Mondogigs offers Calgary exhibitor storage just minutes from Stampede Park.

Here’s why it works better:

• Convenience: Ship freight directly to our Calgary warehouse near Stampede Park. We receive it, store it, and keep it secure until you need it.

• Flexible timing: Access your goods evenings, weekends, or after hours, avoiding overtime charges.

• Cost savings: Skip unexpected union minimums and inflated receiving fees.

• Extra services: Need pallet disposal, last-minute staging, or a place to prep displays? We’ve got you covered.

With Mondogigs, exhibitors stay in control of their schedule, their budget, and their show experience.

Real Example: Saving Thousands with Local Storage

Recently, a large equipment exhibitor faced exactly this problem. Their shipment was arriving in Calgary on a Sunday evening, but the BMO Centre receiving dock was closed. The only option through the venue would have been to pay hefty after-hours fees and wait until the next morning to unload.

Instead, they staged with Mondogigs near Stampede Park. We received the shipment, kept it secure, and had it ready for their team when they landed. By avoiding BMO Centre receiving fees and Sunday overtime, the exhibitor saved more than $3,000 and gained peace of mind knowing their equipment was already in Calgary and ready for setup.

Final Takeaway

If you’re planning to exhibit at Stampede Park, don’t let BMO Centre receiving fees and delays eat into your budget. A smarter option is staging your freight with a Calgary warehouse that specializes in exhibitor storage.

Mondogigs makes it simple. We provide reliable Calgary exhibitor storage, flexible access, and full vendor support services.

✅ Request a storage quote today to secure your space near Stampede Park and avoid unnecessary costs at your next trade show.

✅ Learn more about the cost differences between Calgary receiving and self-storage options before your next event.