Welcome and thank you for choosing to be a participant in The National Franchise Show – Calgary.
Please take a moment to read the exhibitor manual, which will provide you with all of the necessary information for the preparation and installation of your exhibit. Processing your orders at your earliest convenience will allow us and the service-contractors time to provide you with the best possible rates & service.
The Show Office will be set up at BMO Centre on Friday, September 26th at noon and management will be available to assist you for the duration of the Show.
Table of Content
- General Information (Location, Dates, & Times)
- Exhibit Application Inclusions
- Checklist
- Audiovisual
- Booth Cleaning
- Booth Installation & Dismantle
- Customs Broker
- Electrical
- Exhibitor Badge
- Food Sampling
- Franchise Show & Conference Schedule
- Free Admission Passes
- Furniture (Show Decorator)
- Hotel
- Insurance
- Lead Retrieval System
- Loading Docks
- Move-in Instructions
- Move-out Instructions
- Parking
- Rules & Regulations
- Shipping & Deliveries
- Show Decorator (Furniture & Display Rental)
- Show Guide Ads & Sponsorship
- Telephone / Internet / WIFI
- Tips to Success
- Vehicles on Show Floor
GENERAL INFORMATION
Show Location
BMO Centre
Hall D
1912 Flores Ladue Parade SE
Calgary, Alberta
T2G 2W1
Show Dates & Times
Saturday, September 27, 2025 | 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday, September 28, 2025 | 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Exhibitor Move-in Times
Friday, September 26, 2025 | 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Exhibitor Move-Out Dates & Times
Sunday, September 28, 2025 | 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Produced By
National Event Management
Suite #102
260 Town Centre Blvd.,
Markham ON
L3R 8H8
Tel: (905) 477-2677 or (800) 891-4859
Exhibitor Coordinator
Emma Barnes-Chow
905 477-2677 or (800) 891-4859 Ext 284
Email: emma@nationalevent.com
Exhibit Application Inclusions
Your exhibit application cost includes the following:
- Carpet
- 8 ft back drape
- 3 ft side drapes on each side of booth
- Up to 6 exhibitor badges
- Material handling for one (1) skid only (from loading docks to booth). Additional charges may apply for additional skids.
Items such as tables, chairs, and electrical are NOT included. If you require these in your booth, you may rent from our official show vendors identified below in this Exhibitor Manual.
All booth designs and activities must comply with the rules and regulations of the Show and Venue.
Exhibitor Checklist
Please print a copy of this checklist to assist you in planning for the Show. To take advantage of “early booking discounts” please note booking deadlines.
AUDIO / VISUAL RENTALS
PRE-SHOW BOOKING DEADLINE: September 12, 2025
If you require audio visual equipment in your booth, please complete the AV ORDER FORM and send it to Brandon.Nichyporuk@Encoreglobal.com
If you have any questions, please contact:
Encore
Brandon Nichyporuk
Email: Brandon.Nichyporuk@Encoreglobal.com
BOOTH CLEANING
PRE-SHOW BOOKING DEADLINE: September 12, 2025
Exhibitors are responsible for maintaining their own booth space. If you require in-booth vacuuming, you can place an order through the online portal.
GES
Email: exhibitorserviceswest@ges.com
Tel: 1-800-636-8235
Available Monday – Friday, 8:30AM – 4:30PM MST
BOOTH INSTALLATION & DISMANTLING
PRE-SHOW BOOKING DEADLINE: September 12, 2025
Should you require assistance setting up or dismantling your booth, you can place an order through the online portal.
GES
Email: exhibitorserviceswest@ges.com
Tel: 1-800-636-8235
Available Monday – Friday, 8:30AM – 4:30PM MST
CUSTOMS BROKER
Cross Connect Customs & Logistics is our designated official customs broker to coordinate customs clearance of goods destined for The National Franchise Show. Please make sure you contact them at least one month before the event in order to arrange your custom needs.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Anthony D’Alessandro
Email: info@crossconnectcl.com
Cell: 416-670-6606
Electrical
PRE-SHOW BOOKING DEADLINE: September 12, 2025
Electrical is not supplied to your booth. If you require an electrical hook-up, please click the link below and login to your account to place your service order online.
When accessing the link, scroll down and click “The Franchise Show”.
If this is your first-time ordering from Calgary Stampede Event Services, you must Add a New User Account before you can place your first order.
If you need assistance with the online ordering system, please contact:
Calgary Stampede Exhibitor Services
Tel: 403-261-0377
Email: exhibitorservices@calgarystampede.com
Exhibitor Badges
DEADLINE: September 19, 2025
Exhibitors are provided with up to a maximum of 6 personalized name badges based on the size of your booth. Badges will be available for pick up at the Show Office during move-in and must be worn to gain admittance to the Show.
Visit the Exhibitor Registration Postal to register your booth staff for the Calgary Franchise Show. You can visit this portal at any time to manage your company’s staff badges. You will need to enter your Access Code to manage your company’s account. Your Access Code will be emailed to the main contact from your company roughly 8-weeks before show date. Contact exhibitors@nationalevent.com if you did not receive your access code.
Food Sampling
FORMS SUBMISSION DEADLINE: August 28, 2025
If you are planning on sampling food or beverage product(s) in your booth, please note there are two necessary steps to complete. Please send a copy of each completed form to emma@nationevent.com
Samples are limited to a 2 oz. portion.
1. Please send the completed VENUE SAMPLING APPLICATION it to both eventservices@calgarystampede.com and emma@nationalevent.com
2. Please review below whether you need to submit the PUBLIC HEALTH VENDOR APPLICATION or not. There is no fee involved. Please email emma@nationalevent.com to notify when you have sent in the application.
1. Type A mobiles (those with a CGY-XXX number) do not have to submit a vendor notification form, even if sampling. They are all made aware of the sink requirements when they receive their Approval. Must have a TEMPORARY HANDWASHING STATION
2. Low Risk Home Prepared Food businesses– DO NOT have to submit a vendor notification, BUT still need to provide business name, home address, and contact information to emma@nationalevent.com.
These are unpermitted food businesses that prepare only low-risk foods in their home kitchens. health-low-risk-home-prepared-food-fact-sheet.pdf Samples must be prepared and packaged ahead of time (put in sample cups). If someone is sampling jams, bbq sauce, etc., and it is difficult to prepare samples ahead of time, using a single-use spoon and handing it to the customer with no hand-to-food contact is fine.
3. AHS permitted facilities –Regardless of what type of food they’re selling (high or low risk), must fill out a Special Event notification form. These are vendors that operate an AHS permitted kitchen. Sampling of any type of food is permitted and they must follow the sink requirements outlined in the vendor package. Must have a TEMPORARY HANDWASHING STATION
– Please ensure you are complying with the guidelines listed in the SPECIAL EVENT FOOD VENDOR PACKAGE. If you do not comply with the guidelines, you could be closed down if an inspector comes to the show.
– If you have any questions, please contact Public Health at 1-833-476-4743.
Please note these additional Safety Regulations:
- Cooking of food or deep-fat frying is not permitted in the exhibit areas.
- Must have approval from the Stampede prior to any warming of foods, or supplying of food samples or bottled water within the Big Four Building.
- Equipment used for warming must be electric and shall be listed and labelled for commercial use (not residential) by a recognized testing laboratory (e. CSA or ULC). Residential appliances shall only be permitted if they are part of a demonstration and approved by the Stampede park and the Calgary Fire Department (CFD).
- All guidelines/regulations and permits must be followed/obtained as specified from Alberta Health Services.
- All guidelines/regulations must be followed as specified in the Calgary Fire Department Indoor Special Event Requirements, Section for Cooking/Warming and Demonstration Cooking.
- A fire extinguisher is required in the booth when cooking equipment is present; if you require one please contact Facilities Department at 403-261-8559 for rental prices.
* PLEASE CONTACT emma@nationalevent.com IF YOU ARE PLANNING ON COOKING ANYTHING ON SITE *
VENUE SAMPLING APPLICATION
PUBLIC HEALTH VENDOR APPLICATION
SPECIAL EVENT FOOD VENDOR PACKAGE
TEMPORARY HANDWASHING STATION
Franchise Show & Conference Schedule
FREE ADMISSION PASSES
Raise awareness and let people know you will be at The National Franchise Show! Increase traffic to your booth by sharing free admission passes to the event. There is no limit to the number of FREE Admission Passes you may share to your email database, as well as on social media. Please share the registration link below for free passes or download a copy of our generic FREE Admission Pass.
- Free Admission Pass: www.calgaryfranchiseshow.com/freetickets
- Generic Free Admission Coupon (.jpg): CLICK HERE
- Generic Free Admission Coupon (.pdf): CLICK HERE
Furniture (Show Decorator)
PRE-SHOW BOOKING DEADLINE: September 12, 2025
Carpet, 8ft back drape and 3 ft side drape are supplied for your exhibit space. If you require tables, chairs or additional booth supplies, these items can be rented from the Show Decorator.
Show Colours
– Booth Drapes: Black
– Booth Carpet: Black
GES
Email: exhibitorserviceswest@ges.com
Tel: 1-800-636-8235
Available Monday – Friday 8:30AM – 4:30PM MST
Hotel
BOOKING DEADLINE: August 26, 2025
Rooms and discounted rate will only be held until the specified date.
Rooms will then be subject to availability at prevailing rates.
We have obtained a group rate of $189.00 + taxes at the Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel.
The Calgary Marriott Downtown
110 Ninth Ave SE
Calgary, Alberta
T2G 5A6
To make a reservation, you can BOOK ONLINE HERE
Make sure to mention The National Franchise Show – Calgary. Rates cannot be changed at check-in/check-out times if you fail to identify your affiliation at the time of booking.
Insurance
Insurance for booth/show
Exhibitors must have their own liability insurance covering a minimum of $1 million in damages. Please list National Event Management as “additional insured”.
Transportation Insurance
Show Management is NOT responsible for damages caused during the transportation of your products. We strongly recommend purchasing transportation insurance when booking your shipments.
Liability
Exhibitors will be liable for, will indemnify, and will hold harmless Show Management from any loss or damage whatsoever occurring to, or suffered by, any person or company. This includes, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, exhibitor, other exhibitors, management, the owners of the building and their respective agents, servants and employees, and members of the public attending the show, either (a) on the said space or (b) elsewhere. Neither the facility nor Show Management will be responsible for loss or damage to persons, exhibits, or decorations by fire, accident, theft, or any cause while in the exhibition buildings.
Insurance Supplier
If you do not already have insurance for the show, you may contact:
Exhibitor Insurance
Phone: 905-695-2971
Toll Free: 1-866-836-9066
Email: info@exhibitorinsurance.com
Exhibitor Insurance Brokers.com is offering a special price for the show at $175 + taxes.
Please click on the link here to access their form: ONLINE EXHIBITOR INSURANCE
If you prefer, you may also fill out the form below and send to info@exhibitorinsurance.com.
Lead Retrieval System
We have implemented a NEW Lead Collection System at The National Franchise Show.
All attendees will now be badged! Attendees will have to register and obtain their QR name badge before stepping on the show floor, making it even easier for you to scan and capture their information!
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW THIS WORKS
TO ORDER LEAD RETRIEVAL (NOTE: you will need your access code to login, please contact emma@nationalevent.com if you require assistance)
Loading Docks
The Calgary Stampede has implemented voyage control for easy unloading and loading at the docks.
The overhead door is 20ft wide.
SPECIFIC MOVE-IN/OUT HOURS
Closer to the show, you will be sent information regarding voyage control with your specific move-in/move-out time and instructions. Note that exhibitors may not set up during show hours.
Move-in Instructions
Move-in Times: Friday, September 26, 2025 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
** VOYAGE CONTROL – YOU WILL HAVE A SPECIFIC MOVE-IN TIME AND INSTRUCTIONS **
- All exhibitors must check in with our show office to register before setting up. Exhibitors will not be permitted to set up during show hours.
- All exhibits must be set up by 6:00 pm Friday. Exhibitors will not be permitted to set up during show hours.
- The aisle carpet will be in place Saturday morning. Dollies and carts WILL NOT be permitted on the carpet. Hand-carried items only may be brought in on Saturday.
- Children 15 years of age or younger will not be permitted in the exhibit area during move-in, set-up, or tear down.
Move-out Instructions
Move-out Times: Sunday, September 28, 2025 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
** VOYAGE CONTROL – YOU WILL HAVE A SPECIFIC MOVE-OUT TIME AND INSTRUCTIONS **
Please note that move-out will begin once the show has closed, the aisles are cleared and the aisle carpets removed. If you are able to hand carry your supplies out to your car, we encourage you to do so. Dismantling or removing your exhibit/exhibit materials before the end of the show is strictly prohibited.
All material must be removed by 8:00 pm
Items left on the show floor after move-out time will be forced off the floor. Show Management reserves the right to reroute shipments that are not picked up or refused by carriers. Should this occur, you will be responsible for any charges incurred.
Exhibitors are encouraged to remove small items and open cases of products from the show floor first. Show Management will take all reasonable security precautions, but immediate removal of these items is the best way to prevent pilferage.
Parking
Exhibitors are encouraged to use lot 10 or lots 11 (a).
Parking at the Calgary Stampede is now managed by CALGARY PARKING, introducing exciting enhancements to improve your experience.
Pre-purchased exhibitor parking passes are no longer available. Exhibitors can now pay upon arrival using one of the easy and hassle-free payment options:
- MyParking App: Pay quickly and effortlessly using your smartphone.
- Virtual Pay Machine: Visit vpm.parkplus.ca to pay online from your device.
- On-Site Pay Machines: Pay at one of the machines located throughout Stampede Park.
Parking Rates
- Stampede Park Lots: Flat rate of $18 per day.
- 11th Avenue Parking Lot: Enjoy additional value with a flat rate of $12 per day, just a 7-minute walk from the BMO Centre!
For additional questions related to parking, you can contact the Parking Office at 403-261-0153.
Rules & Regulations
Diagram #1: Sample of the drape provided for your booth
Diagram #2: Sample of display allowance
Upright banners & products must be within 4’ from the back drape, and a maximum of 8’ high. The front 6’ of the booth must be clear above 4’.
Booth Display & Restrictions
- Diagram#1 shows the drapes that are provided as part of your booth cost.
- Diagram#2 shows the allowed clearance for displays, banners, and products within your booth.
- No exhibit may exceed a maximum height of 8 ft.
- Side panels 8 ft. high, must not exceed a depth of 4 ft. extending from the back of the display.
- The remainder of the 6 ft depth from the front of the booth must not exceed a 4 ft. height.
- Any exceptions to this must have pre-approval from Emma Barnes-Chow (emma@nationalevent.com)
Prefab booth partitions must be finished on both sides. If they are not, please request drapes prior to the show.
Tents and Canopies Regulations
Please review the TENTS & CANOPIES REGULATIONS, as the Calgary Stampede has strict fire rules regarding any structures.
All exhibitors planning to use any type of tent or structure in their exhibits are to contact Emma Barnes-Chow (emma@nationalevent.com) for approval.
Signage
No signage or material may be extended above the 8ft height at the back of your booth nor hung from the ceiling or across the aisle, without approval from Show Management. All signs must be printed on one side only. Your brand messaging can only face the inner walls of your exhibit space.
Carpet or Flooring
Carpet is provided within your booth space. If you would like to change the color, you may order different flooring through our decorator at your own cost or you may bring your own. *Please be sure to review the Tape Restrictions below.
Tape (Floor, Wall, and Carpet Damage)
This only applies to companies that choose to place carpet or flooring on top of the existing carpet.
It is important that you use the proper carpet tape in your booth. If you do not use the correct tape there will be a charge for tape removal.
Here are the models of two-faced tapes that are authorized by the facility.
- Polyken 105c LPDE
- Scapa 274004
- DC W002A
If you bring your own carpet, you must adhere to the above Tape Restrictions. If you do not have the proper tape, please notify Show Management before installing your carpet or tiles.
If you would like to install your carpet on top of the existing carpet, please contact Emma Barnes-Chow (emma@nationalevent.com)
Restrictions for Booth Installation
Painting, nailing, drilling, or screwing to the floors, walls or any other part of the building is not permitted. Exhibitors are also responsible for oil, grease, or any general damage to the carpeted area. Exhibitors wishing to lay any floor coverings may not fasten the coverings to the building floor. It is suggested that building paper or the approved tape (Polyken 105c LPDE OR Scapa 274004 OR DC W002A) is used instead.
Demonstrations/Distributions
Displays, demonstrations or distribution of advertising materials, are not permitted outside the confines of your booth. If audio visual equipment is used, the sound must be subdued to such an extent as to ensure it’s having no nuisance effect on neighbouring exhibitors. The use of microphones is not permitted without prior management approval.
Fire Regulations
All exhibitors planning to use any type of fuel (such as gas, oil, helium gas, or propane) in their exhibits are requested to contact Show Management. All displays or exhibited materials must be fireproof to conform to Federal, Provincial/Sate, and City Fire Laws.
National Event Management is obligated to abide by the Fire Code regulations in each city. We therefore retain the right to refuse any material or object that does not conform to code. If you have a question or need information regarding the Fire Code please contact Emma Barnes-Chow (emma@nationalevent.com)
FIRE PROTECTION INFORMATION
FIRE REGULATIONS
Animals in the Show
The facility’s policy prohibits the presence of animals unless they are used as a working dog. Permission must be obtained from the facility for any exception. Please contact Emma Barnes-Chow (emma@nationalevent.com) regarding approval and the necessary forms.
Helium Balloons
Helium balloons are prohibited in most venues. There is a large retrieval fee, charged to the exhibitor when balloons are lost. Please contact Emma Barnes-Chow (emma@nationalevent.com) if you wish to use helium balloons in your display.
Mechanical Conveyances
Mechanical Conveyances such as electric carts, scooters, or bicycles will not be allowed in the aisles during the show hours. The only exceptions to this rule will be in the case of handicapped persons visiting the show, or those with authorization from Show Management.
Non-Compliance
National Event Management reserves the right to make changes, amendments, and additions to the rules and regulations without notice, as considered necessary to the efficient and proper conduct of the show. Interpretation of these rules and regulations shall rest with Show Management and non-compliance can result in ejection of the offending exhibitor or in the closing of his/her exhibit.
SHIPPING & DELIVERIES
Shipping Direct to Show: Friday, September 26, 2025
PLEASE NOTE: The facility will NOT accept shipments prior to the Show move-in date. Show Management will sign for the delivery on your behalf during move-in hours only. To move your items to your booth space, pump trucks and dollies will be available at no charge. Should you require assistance or the use of a forklift, please contact Emma Barnes-Chow (emma@nationalevent.com) as charges may apply.
Please address shipments to:
Exhibitor Name, Booth #
c/o The National Franchise Show – Calgary
BMO Centre – Hall D
1912 Flores Ladue Parade SE
Calgary Alberta,
T2G 2W1
The most cost-effective way to ship your items to the show is to arrange delivery during move-in hours with our Official Show Carrier;
Cross Connect Customs & Logistics
Anthony D’Alessandro
Email: info@crossconnectcl.com
Cell: 416-670-6606
TRANSPORTATION AND CUSTOM FORMS
You may choose to use another carrier however, keep in mind that not all carriers deliver and pick up during our scheduled move in/move out times.
Pre-Show Shipping
If you choose the official show carrier as your freight carrier, they will warehouse materials for up to 30 days prior to the Show at no charge and deliver them to the show on move-in day.
To request a quote, please complete the below order form and email to:
Cross Connect Customs & Logistics
Anthony D’Alessandro
Email: info@crossconnectcl.com
Cell: 416-670-6606
TRANSPORTATION AND CUSTOM FORMS
Shipping enquiries must be finalized 14 days prior to show move in date. Be sure your shipment is labeled clearly.
Show Decorator (Furniture & Display Rental)
PRE-SHOW BOOKING DEADLINE: September 12, 2025
Carpet, 8ft back drape and 3 ft side drape are supplied for your exhibit space. If you require tables, chairs or additional booth supplies, these items can be rented from the Show Decorator.
Show Colours
– Booth Drapes: Black
– Booth Carpet: Black
GES
Email: exhibitorserviceswest@ges.com
Tel: 1-800-636-8235
Available Monday – Friday 8:30AM – 4:30PM MST
Show Guide Ad & Sponsorship Opportunities
Stand Out at The Franchise Show
Boost your brand visibility with show advertising and customizable sponsorships designed to maximize your exposure before, during, and after the event.
- Our Show Guides are handed to every attendee and taken home—keeping your brand top of mind long after the show ends.
- Sponsorships: From onsite branding to digital promos, we offer a range of opportunities to help you connect with serious prospects.
Interested? Let’s find the right fit for your brand. Contact us for more details:
Nadine Thompson at nadine@nationalevent.com or 905-477-2677 ext. 229
or
Connie McNaughton at connie@nationalevent.com or 905-477-2677 ext. 240
or
Teena-Lee Sherrer at tl@nationalevent.com or 905-477-2677 ext. 275
Telephone / Internet / WIFI
PRE-SHOW BOOKING DEADLINE: September 12, 2025
Please Note: This venue has paid WIFI only.
If you require Telephone/ Internet/ or WIFI equipment in your booth, please click the link below and login to your account to place your service order online.
When accessing the link, scroll down and click “The Franchise Show”
If this is your first-time ordering from Calgary Stampede Event Services, you must Add a New User Account before you can place your first order. If you need assistance with the online ordering system, please contact:
Calgary Stampede Exhibitor Services
Tel: 403-261-0377
Email: exhibitorservices@calgarystampede.com
Tips for Success
Please review the "Tips for Success" PDF below for important information on how to make the most out of exhibiting with us!
Vehicles on Show Floor
APPROVAL & FORM SUBMISSION DEADLINE: August 28, 2025
All vehicles must abide by the arrival and departure schedules and procedures established by Show Management.
Please contact Emma Barnes-Chow (emma@nationalevent.com) and provide pictures and specifics (make, model, dimensions) of the vehicle you would like to display for approval and to arrange arrival time.
You must also complete the VEHICLE ACCESS FORM and send to emma@nationalevent.com
Exhibitors are responsible for oil, grease, or any general damage to the carpeted area.
When motorized vehicles are approved for use, a protective sheet of visqueen, tarpaulin or comparable material may be required to eliminate damages from leaks of gas, oil, etc., at the exhibitor’s expense.
Motorized/Non-Motorized Vehicles Events with displayed motorized vehicles shall comply with the following:
-
- Vehicles shall not be started or operated within any assembly building during show hours without the written approval of CFD.
- Adding or removing fuel on-site or indoors is prohibited.
- Vehicle fuel shall not exceed one quarter (25%) of the tank capacity or 20 L, whichever is less.
- All fuel tank openings shall be locked or sealed to prevent the escape of vapours.
- All fuel tank openings shall be locked or sealed to prevent unauthorized tampering.
- Vehicles fueled by LPG/LNG are not permitted in assembly occupancies unless tanks are empty.
- Vehicle batteries shall be rendered inoperable. Batteries in liquid and gas-fueled vehicles shall be disconnected. Batteries in electric vehicles shall be rendered inoperable by the removal of fuses or other approved methods, but shall not be required to be disconnected
Exhibitors must provide a set of keys, the contact name, and phone number of the person responsible to remove the vehicle(s) to Show Management.