About Calgary
Calgary is a dynamic blend of warm western hospitality and big-city energy. It’s a destination that’s full of extraordinary experiences and unexpected adventures. But these are just a few of the billion reasons that make Calgary the ultimate host city. Why a billion? Because of our $1 billion investment into our meetings and events infrastructure.
The Calgary International Airport (YYC) is Canada’s fourth busiest airport and is consistently ranked as one of the best airports in North America for overall passenger convenience. Calgary is directly connected to, or no more than one stop away from, most every major city in the world. YYC is just 20 minutes from downtown Calgary and is easily accessible from anywhere in the city.
Meeting attendees are sure to feel safe and comfortable strolling Calgary’s vibrant and compact downtown and bustling character-filled neighborhoods. From world renowned fly-fishing amongst skyscrapers to sipping a pint in one of the city’s 40+ craft microbreweries, there’s an experience suited for every type of traveler. Plus, Banff National Park and the Canadian Rocky Mountains are just an hour drive to the west, right in our backyard!
These are just a few reasons Calgary has been named the most livable city in North America and amongst the most livable city in the world and no surprise Calgary has been named the Friendliest City in the World!
TAXES
- How much is the total cumulative hotel tax?
4% Tourism Levy
5% Goods and Services Tax (rebated for qualified international programs)
Alberta does not have a Provincial tax offering substantial savings! - How much is the F&B tax? 5% Goods and Services Tax (partially rebated for qualified international programs)
- How much is the average F&B gratuity? 15 – 20%
AIRPORT
- How many miles from the airport to downtown? 10.5 miles
- Is there public transportation, such as a bus or subway available? Public Bus – Calgary Transit
- How much does the public transportation cost? $3 USD
- What is the shuttle bus fare from the airport to downtown? N/A
- What is the taxi fare from airport to downtown? $32 USD
- How many daily flights in/out the airport? 200+ daily flights
- Is the airport a hub for any carrier? WestJet, Delta Air Lines and Air Canada
- What are the major carriers serving airport? WestJet, Delta Airlines, Air Canada, American Airlines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, KLM, Air Transat to name a few.
HOTELS
- How many committable hotel rooms downtown on peak night? 4000 not including 3 new hotels opening between 2028 – 2030
- How many committable hotel rooms downtown on peak within walking distance to convention center? 4000 not including 3 new hotels opening between 2028 – 2030
- How many headquarter hotel properties?Three with additional hotels opening in or around BMO Centre between 2028 – 2030
- How many rooms available on peak night at the largest headquarter property? 450
- Can you list hotels by rating?? Canada Select is the rating system
CONVENTION CENTER
- How many total gross square feet of exhibit space at Convention Center? 500,000 square feet of saleable event space @ BMO Centre & 122,000 square feet @ Calgary TELUS Convention Center
- How much of this exhibit space is contiguous? 350,000 square feet @ BMO Centre & 47,000 square feet @ Calgary TELUS Convention Center
- How many total gross square feet of meeting space is available at the Convention center? 500,000 square feet @ BMO Centre (350,000 contiguous exhibit space and 150,000 sq feet of meeting and ballroom space) & 150,000 square feet (47,000 exhibit space, 36 meeting rooms, 5 pre-function areas)
- How many meeting rooms does the convention center have? 65 @ BMO Centre & 36 @ Calgary TELUS Convention Center
- How big is the largest meeting room? 50,000 square feet @ BMO Centre & 20,000 square feet at Calgary TELUS Convention Center
- How many ballrooms does the convention center have? Two @ BMO Centre & two @ Calgary TELUS Convention Center
- How big is the largest ballroom? 50,000 square feet @ BMO Centre & 20,000 square feet at the Calgary TELUS Convention Center
- When was the last renovation or expansion? June 2024 @ BMO Center & 2022 @ Calgary TELUS Convention Center
- When is a future renovation/expansion scheduled? No
- Is there free Wi-Fi at the convention center? YES
- Is there an exclusive in-house Electrical provider? YES
- Is there an exclusive in-house AV provider? NO
- Is there an exclusive in-house decorator? NO
- Is there an exclusive in-house caterer? YES
- Is the convention center a union property? No
- Here is a list of labor unions with whom planners will be required to work at the convention center: NO
OFF SITE VENUES
- How many off site venues within walking distance can host up to 2,000 people? 3
- How many off site venues within a ten-minute bus transfer can host up to 2,000 people? 1
- How many restaurants are within walking distance of the convention center? Over 100 restaurants
- Can you list 3-5 local attractions and their whereabouts? In the Downtown Core and walkable or C-Train access to both convention centers: Arts Commons, Calgary Tower, Studio Bell