WILL THERE BE OTHER EVENTS HAPPENING IN THE VENUE DURING MY EVENT?

Unless otherwise specified, our venues are booked on a full buy-out, meaning there will be no other events happening simultaneously in the same space.

HOW ARE RENTAL FEES DETERMINED FOR EACH SPACE?

As a reflection of The Pioneer experience and our spaces, our rental rates are customized based on the date, type of event, and the service requirements to execute. Our quotes are determined off of the venue rental first, and then the additional add on services for our team to execute (i.e. bar service, catering, coordination requirements, AV needs, etc.). Our goal is not just to sell you a set of keys to building, but to support you with our expert knowledge and experience in crafting those moments and memories that your guests will never forget.

DOES THE RENTAL FEE INCLUDE FURNITURE?

Yes, the rental fee includes basic furniture. In addition we do have speciality furniture (such as staging) that can be rented for your event. Our furniture list is often being updated and refined so please inquire to see what is available.

CAN I BRING IN RENTAL FURNITURE?

Yes, we do allow outside furniture when necessary to be utilized in our venues, however we do reserve the right to approve or deny certain requests if they are deemed a risk to the space or disruptive to our facilities. We have a few preferred rentals providers that are great to work with and offer a nice selection of furniture + decor for your event.

DOES THE RENTAL FEE INCLUDE COORDINATION?

Yes, the rental fee includes basic coordination which includes assisting with layout design and setting out furniture for your event. We have a great team that can support in venue coordination, internal food and beverage programming, and a list of preferred vendors for all additional services and rentals that we cannot execute in house. We will note, our in-house team are not replacements for an experienced event planner or coordinator for complex larger scale events.

WILL I BE PROVIDED AN EVENT CONTRACT OR AGREEMENT FOR MY BOOKING?

Yes. We will provide an electronic copy of our venue agreement outlining the details and the scope of the agreed upon services for your event.

DO YOU OFFER DISCOUNTS FOR CHARITIES?

Each year we are pleased to host many wonderful charitable initiatives through our spaces, however we do not provide a set discount for these initiatives. We approach fundraisers and charitable events on a case by case basis and are always happy to discuss options or ways we can allocate budget to help you make the biggest impact possible for your charity or fundraiser.

DO I NEED EVENT INSURANCE?

Yes, event insurance is required and must be obtained by the client with a minimum of $2,000,000.00 in general liability coverage. You will find all details related to event insurance in your venue contract.

DO I NEED EVENT SECURITY?

Based on your event type, guest count and timing, you may require security for your event. As the lease and license holders, security is estimated and booked at the sole discretion of the venue and included as a line item in your final invoice. We will always consult with the client prior to finalizing security, however it is not an option.

ARE EVENT CAPACITIES STRICT?

Our outlined operating capacities adhere to the fire codes set and enforced by the City of Calgary. Event capacities are strictly enforced and clients are responsible for managing their own guest list. Penalties and additional legal action may apply if the client neglects to adhere to our set capacities.

CAN I RESERVE MY SELECTED VENUE SPACE THE NIGHT BEFORE AND/OR THE MORNING AFTER EVENT FOR SET UP AND TEAR-DOWN?

To ensure smooth accommodation of a high volume of unique event types, set-up and tear-down must occur the same day of the event unless otherwise specified. If additional time is required, charges for half-day rental or additional fees may apply.

ARE THE SPACES EQUIPPED WITH HOUSE AV?

The Pioneer

The Pioneer is equipped with a basic in-house sound system, projector and microphone capable of servicing basic client event needs. For large events and events requiring DJ’s, Live Music or Additional AV support, rentals are required. We are always happy to assist you in working with one of our preferred suppliers familiar with the space requirements (additional fees apply).

The Garret

The Garret is equipped with two large flatscreen TV’s capable of group streaming, a projector, wireless microphone and bluetooth speaker.

LIGHTING

Both spaces are equipped with multi-room control dimmable track lighting which can be customized to some degree within the track system. Additional lighting rentals are available including multi stage uplighting, as well as string lighting.

IS THERE WIFI?

Yes, all of our venues have wifi accessible to our clients.

ARE THERE NOISE RESTRICTIONS?

Yes, during the weekdays (7AM - 5PM) excessive sound is prohibited within the venue due to our upstairs office tenant.

CAN I USE CANDLES AND/OR OPEN FLAMES AS PART OF MY EVENT DECOR?

Yes, candles and open flames are permitted. However, candles must be in vases with the flames not exceeding the top of the votive.

IS THERE PARKING AVAILABLE NEARBY?

There are a number of parking options located in convenient walking distance from The Pioneer, including:

Street parking available on a first-come, first serve basis after 6 PM

Le Germain Hotel: Valet parking available

Hyatt Regency Hotel: Valet parking available

Telus Convention Centre: Parking located one block away (727 1 ST SE)

The Bow Parkade (500 Centre St SE)

ARE THERE RESTRICTIONS ON WHAT I CAN HANG FROM THE CEILING?

Yes, although we do have hooks for light decor in the ceiling, they are not weight bearing anchor points. All ceiling installations must be pre approved by our venue management prior to install. No client shall hang any ceiling installations from any electrical, plumbing or hvac systems within the buildings.

HOW DOES CATERING WORK?

As a full service venue, we have many in-house food offerings that include, appetizer, canapés, lunches, plated dinners, etc. However we also work with a list of preferred catering vendors for specialty and complex large scale events. There is no dedicated kitchen area for caterers to cook on-site, however there are a number of designated prep areas for caterers to utilize hot boxes, chaffings dishes, etc. All outside caterers must be pre approved and on boarded by our venue management. No outside food shall be permitted in any venue unless it has been prepared by a registered caterer or restaurant.

HOW DOES ALCOHOL SERVICE WORK?

As a Class A licensed establishment we are solely responsible for the purchase and resale of alcohol across our venues. Our expert team and menu offerings are part of our full service experience and will surely provide your guests with the quality and professionalism that they deserve. Our license allows us to serve with minors present.

We offer an exceptional menu with host and cash/credit bar service that can be tailored to our clients needs and vision.

CAN I BRING MY OWN ALCOHOL?

No, all alcohol is to be provided by the venue unless otherwise agreed upon in advance. For speciality off menu requests that we do not agree to hold in inventory, product may be required to be purchased outright using an industry standard cost + 70% mark up pricing model.

DO I HAVE TO USE THE PIONEER’S PREFERRED VENDORS FOR MY EVENT?

We highly encourage our clients to work with our list of vendors primarily for the seamless experience we are confident we can create together. With that being said, unless we are required by exclusivity to honor preferred vendor relationships, we are open to working with new vendors who might be a great fit for what we are doing together. We do however reserve the right to approve or deny a vendor based on their fit for our business.

IS AN EVENT PLANNER REQUIRED?

Our in-house team is capable of supporting clients on a wide array of events, however we always recommend having a planner, or at a minimum a day-of coordinator involved for a seamless working experience.

All wedding bookings are required to have, at a minimum, an approved day of coordinator as part of their contract, please contact us for list of preferred planners and coordinators.