BMO Centre Calgary Expansion

Enhancing Navigation in a World-Class Convention Centre

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BMO Centre Calgary Expansion

A Landmark Venue for Global Events

The BMO Centre is Calgary’s leading convention centre, located in the heart of Stampede Park. With its expansion, the space brings new exhibit halls, meeting spaces, and one of Canada’s largest ballrooms, reinforcing its position as a top destination for international conferences, trade shows, and special events. Designed with a focus on openness and connectivity, the venue features stunning city views and a thoughtfully planned layout that enhances the overall visitor experience.
  • Client

    Calgary Municipal Land Corporation

  • Location

    Calgary

  • Sector

    Entertainment

  • Discipline

    Wayfinding, Digital Signage

  • Architect

    Stantec, Populous, S2 Architecture

  • Photography

    Tom Harris, Joel Klassen, and Entro

Design for Coherent Wayfinding

One of our top priorities was ensuring easy navigation for the visitors in the expansion of the BMO Centre. Our team worked closely with Stantec, Populous, and S2 Architecture to create a signage and wayfinding system that integrates with the architectural vision while making navigation easy for guests. The centre’s expansive footprint required a system that could accommodate high visitor volumes, first-time attendees, and a variety of event setups—all while maintaining clarity and harmony with the space.

Our signage design takes inspiration from Calgary’s landscape, reflecting the flowing riverbanks and rolling foothills that inspired the architecture. Large, high-contrast signage ensures visibility in the large interior spaces, while strategically placed directional signs guide visitors from the exterior plaza to key points within the centre. The grand outdoor staircase, leading to the internal space, is complemented by clear entry markers that create a transition between public and private spaces.

BMO Centre interior digital pylon sign featuring event and directionals
Enhancing the Guest Experience

Our approach prioritized both form and function, integrating a variety of sign types to cater to different user needs. Large-scale branding moments establish a strong sense of place, while digital displays provide real-time event information, ensuring adaptability for the centre’s programming. Meeting room identifiers are designed for maximum visibility, with bold projections that aid in quick decision-making.

To further enhance accessibility, tactile and braille elements were incorporated throughout, ensuring an inclusive experience for all visitors. Digital signage at room entrances allows for easy event updates, while prominent exterior pylons help orient attendees upon arrival.

BMO Centre interior corridor featuring digital signage outside meeting rooms
Detail of bronze lettering
Overcoming Challenges

The scale of the BMO Centre presented unique challenges in maintaining consistency across all signage elements. Our team employed a hands-on approach, rigorously testing materials and prototypes to ensure the finishes aligned with the building’s aesthetic.

 

Engraved metals and premium finishes were carefully selected to complement the centre’s design, while accessibility considerations were integrated at every stage to meet federal standards.

BMO Centre night time exterior with atmospheric lighting
Drone shot of BMO Centre site at night, with ferris wheel and fireworks.

Through close collaboration, we delivered a wayfinding system that enhances the guest experience, making navigation smooth in the BMO Centre.

Find out more about the BMO Centre here.

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