When the expanded BMO Centre opened in June 2024, it set a new standard for how Calgary gathers and welcomes the world. Nearly a year and a half later, the venue continues to attract major events and international attention.
As of October 2025, the BMO Centre has hosted more than 325 events, including 47 first-time conferences that chose Calgary for its new world-class facilities and ability to customize every experience. From international summits to specialized industry gatherings, each event has brought a new wave of visitors, ideas and opportunities to Stampede Park and the city at large.
Among the year’s highlights were two major conventions that demonstrated Calgary’s growing global reach. The Association of Zoos & Aquariums Annual Conference welcomed 2,000 international attendees for its first Canadian event in 60 years, generating more than $9.7 million in local economic impact for Calgary. In June 2025, the Rotary International Convention hosted more than 15,000 guests from 140 countries, booking 30,000 hotel room nights and contributing an estimated $80 million to our city’s economy. These events were only made possible by the BMO Centre’s expansion and world-class facilities.
“It’s been incredible to see how people respond to the building,” says Greg Newton, Executive Vice-President, Conventions and Events & General Manager, BMO Centre. “You can feel the pride of place here. Every event is different, but they all share the same sense of connection and excitement. The BMO Centre gives Calgary a stage to show the world what we’re capable of.”
That momentum continues to ripple outward. The success of the expansion has already inspired three new hotels in the Culture + Entertainment District, adding 725 guest rooms to support growing demand from visitors.
Looking ahead, the BMO Centre will welcome the Volleyball Canada Nationals in 2026, with 36,000 attendees expected over the month of May. With hundreds of additional events already booked through 2032, the BMO Centre continues to prove that world-class facilities attract exactly that: the world.
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