Shipping Pallets of Promo Samples? How TOPS+ Exhibitors Save on Calgary Receiving

Introduction

TOPS+, Canada’s premier promotional products event, is coming to Calgary on February 11–12, 2026. For exhibitors, it’s the ultimate showcase to connect with distributors, highlight new products, and hand out those all-important promo samples and giveaways. But while the event promises big opportunities, it also brings logistical headaches.

Promo companies often ship multiple pallets of samples, catalogues, and display materials. Sending these directly to the BMO Centre creates stress, strict rules, and surprise costs. Hidden union minimums, receiving penalties, and on-site storage fees can eat into budgets fast. For TOPS+ Calgary exhibitors, the smarter move is to use local Calgary promo storage and pallet staging with a reliable warehouse partner like Mondogigs.

Why Promo Companies Overspend on Storage & Shipping

Promotional products are heavy, bulky, and shipped in large volumes. Pens, shirts, mugs, bags, and catalogues add up quickly when stacked on pallets. Exhibitors often underestimate just how much these shipments cost when sent directly to the venue.

• Multiple pallets multiply costs: Each pallet may trigger separate fees for unloading, handling, and storage.

• Last-minute storage: When booths can’t accommodate all the samples, vendors end up paying premium rates for on-site storage.

• Overtime charges: If pallets arrive outside scheduled receiving hours, exhibitors may be hit with costly after-hours fees.

• Logistical chaos: Unplanned pallet management leads to cluttered booths, wasted staff time, and a less professional look.

By the end of the show, what seemed like a small budget line for shipping can balloon into thousands of dollars in hidden fees.

The Hidden Problem with Direct-to-Venue Shipments

Sending pallets straight to the BMO Centre sounds efficient, but venue rules make it a risky bet.

• Limited receiving hours: Deliveries are only accepted during strict time slots. Carriers arriving early or late may be turned away.

• Union minimums: Even if unloading a pallet takes 15 minutes, exhibitors may be billed for two to four hours of labour.

• Mandatory handling fees: Forklift use and material handling are often charged whether you want them or not.

• Risk of refusal: Shipments arriving before the official move-in date may be refused, leading to costly redelivery.

For TOPS+ Calgary exhibitors, these restrictions create unnecessary stress and uncertainty.

The Smarter Alternative - Local Calgary Receiving & Staging

Instead of taking chances with direct-to-venue shipments, exhibitors can stage their pallets with a Calgary warehouse before the show. This approach provides flexibility, cost savings, and peace of mind.

• Safe pallet receiving: Mondogigs signs for shipments of all sizes, ensuring nothing is missed.

• Secure Calgary promo storage: Samples, catalogues, and displays are kept safe until setup.

• Flexible after-hours receiving: No more missed deliveries if trucks arrive late.

• Calgary pallet staging: Booth materials can be unpacked, consolidated, and organized before they hit the show floor.

• Professional presentation: With everything staged in advance, exhibitors avoid cluttered booths and last-minute chaos.

Local staging and storage put exhibitors back in control, making it easier to focus on connecting with buyers.

Mondogigs’ Solution for TOPS+ Exhibitors

Mondogigs understands the unique needs of promotional product companies. Our Calgary staging warehouse is built to handle pallet-sized shipments and all the challenges that come with them.

Our exhibitor-focused services include:

• Pallet receiving: Safe and efficient handling of promo sample shipments.

• Short-term Calgary promo storage: Secure, flexible solutions to keep pallets safe before, during, and after the show.

• Booth staging: Organizing samples and displays for quick and smooth setup.

• Disposal of packaging: Pallets, shrink wrap, and boxes are removed off-site, keeping booths clean and professional.

• After-hours flexibility: We accept shipments evenings and weekends to prevent missed deliveries.

With Mondogigs, TOPS+ Calgary exhibitors save money, avoid hidden venue costs, and keep booths running smoothly from start to finish.

Exhibiting at TOPS+ in Calgary? Contact Mondogigs for pallet receiving, staging, and storage solutions.

Conclusion

For TOPS+ Calgary exhibitors, shipping pallets of promo samples doesn’t have to mean surprise costs and stressful logistics. Venue rules at the BMO Centre create penalties, union minimums, and storage headaches that drain budgets and impact professionalism.

By staging pallets with Mondogigs, exhibitors gain secure receiving, Calgary promo storage, and professional pallet staging that ensures everything is booth-ready. It’s the exhibitor-friendly alternative that saves money and protects reputations.

Exhibiting at TOPS+ in Calgary? Contact Mondogigs for pallet receiving, staging, and storage solutions.