Calgary Trade Show Receiving | Avoid Union Fees and Minimums

Introduction

Exhibiting at Calgary’s BMO Centre should be about building connections, showing off products, and generating leads. Yet too many exhibitors walk away with unexpected invoices that eat into their budgets. The culprit? Union fees and minimum labour charges tied to trade show receiving.

What looks like a straightforward delivery often turns into a maze of fees — four-hour labour minimums for a one-hour job, forklift rentals you didn’t request, and mandatory storage charges. These costs catch exhibitors off guard and can easily add hundreds or even thousands to a show.

The good news is that exhibitors don’t have to accept these expenses as a given. There’s a smarter way to handle Calgary trade show receiving without paying inflated fees or minimums.

The Hidden Problem with Trade Show Receiving

At the BMO Centre, exhibitors are required to follow strict union rules for freight handling. While these policies are designed to standardize the process, they often leave exhibitors paying for services they don’t truly need.

Here are some of the hidden challenges:

• Union minimums: Even if your booth only requires a quick pallet drop, you may be billed for a minimum number of hours per worker.

• Mandatory labour: Tasks that could be handled by your own staff are restricted, meaning you must pay union crews for unloading and staging.

• Equipment add-ons: Forklifts, dollies, and pallet jacks are often billed separately, even for small shipments.

• Advance receiving requirements: Many exhibitors are pushed toward using advance receiving services at premium rates, even when local options would suffice.

Together, these rules mean Calgary exhibitors have less flexibility and higher costs. What feels like a simple delivery is anything but.

The True Cost of Union Fees and Minimums

The numbers make the problem clear.

• Union labour minimums: Two to four hours per worker, billed at $40–$60 per hour, even if the job takes less than an hour. That’s $160–$240 before your shipment is even unwrapped.

• Overtime premiums: Deliveries outside of standard hours often come with rates that are 50–100% higher.

• Forklift fees: Equipment charges can add $75–$150 per use.

• Storage fees: Keeping empty crates or packaging on-site often costs extra, with little flexibility.

For many exhibitors, these surprise charges push total receiving bills past $1,000 for what was expected to be a routine delivery. Margins shrink quickly, and smaller vendors in particular feel the squeeze.

These hidden costs aren’t just frustrating — they can make the difference between a profitable show and a break-even one.

The Better Alternative - Local Calgary Receiving Services

Exhibitors don’t have to be locked into inflated fees at the BMO Centre. By staging freight through a local warehouse, vendors gain both flexibility and savings.

Mondogigs offers exhibitor-friendly Calgary trade show receiving and staging services that eliminate union minimums and surprise add-ons.

Here’s what makes the difference:

• Flat-rate pricing: Know your receiving and storage costs upfront, without hourly minimums.

• Flexible access: Evening, weekend, and after-hours receiving available without union premiums.

• Professional handling: Freight is received, signed for, and stored securely until you need it.

• Staging and disposal included: Prep your booth or store empty pallets with ease, no extra venue charges.

• Minutes from BMO Centre: Located near Stampede Park, our Calgary warehouse allows you to move freight on your schedule

Skip the union minimums. Use Mondogigs for Calgary trade show receiving.

Real Example: Saving Over $1,000 in Fees

One Calgary exhibitor shipping bulky equipment was quoted union labour for a four-hour minimum plus forklift fees at the BMO Centre. The total cost would have been more than $1,200 for a delivery that required less than an hour of work.

Instead, they staged with Mondogigs. Their freight was received at our Calgary warehouse, securely stored, and delivered to the show floor when their setup window opened. Their total cost? Under $200.

By bypassing BMO Centre receiving and union fees, they saved more than $1,000 — enough to reinvest in marketing, staff, or follow-up with new leads from the show.

Conclusion

Trade shows should be about connecting with customers, not battling hidden fees. BMO Centre receiving often leaves exhibitors paying inflated union minimums and unnecessary equipment charges. But there is a smarter way.

By using local Calgary receiving services, exhibitors cut costs, gain flexibility, and avoid the stress of unexpected invoices. Mondogigs is here to make trade show logistics simple, affordable, and exhibitor-friendly.

Skip the union minimums at Calgary trade shows. Contact Mondogigs for exhibitor-friendly receiving and staging near BMO Centre.