Calgary • BMO Centre • March 27–29, 2026

Welcome to the new era: organized, elevated, and actually fun. This isn’t a free-for-all photoshoot — it’s a curated pin-up experience with stage moments, community energy, and a weekend you’ll brag about for months.

The World of Wheels Pin Up Contest takes place at the BMO Centre in Calgary, Alberta, as part of Auto Value World of Wheels.

Applications close: March 1, 2026
Contestants notified: March 8, 2026
Contest lineup: Limited to 15 contestants
Please note: a $35 non-refundable registration fee is required to apply.

Details

Event Hours

1

These are the public show hours:

  • Friday, March 27: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM

  • Saturday, March 28: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

  • Sunday, March 29: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

For full event details: Autorama Calgary page


Pin Up Experience Schedule

2

Contestants participate in scheduled appearance blocks (not all-day wandering). Exact call times will be confirmed for selected contestants.

Friday • Welcome Night

  • Check-in + briefing

  • Stage introductions

  • Pin up parade

  • Booth meet & greet

  • Official backstage photo session (Official Photographer only)

Saturday • Main Event Day

  • Expanded Official backstage photos (Official Photographer only)

  • Booth meet & greet

  • Pin up stage feature

  • Timed show-floor photo rotations with approved photographers

  • Mandatory break/reset

  • Main stage competition

  • After Party – Hitman’s Bar ALREADY BOOKED!

Sunday • Wrap + Final Moments

  • Booth meet & greet

  • Final parade

  • Closing stage moments

  • Optional wrap-up photos


Main Stage Competition

3

Saturday, March 28, 2026 — 7:00 PM
📍 BMO Centre

This is the big moment — stage presence, confidence, and that I own this room energy. This is when you tell your friends and family to be there!

All the details

  • We’re doing photography differently this year — fair, respectful, structured.

    Official Photographer (Exclusive Backstage Access)

    Janelle from Miss Friend Photography is coming back again this year to be our Official Photographer!

    Our Official Photographer will capture:

    • Backstage portraits and signature sets

    • Stage coverage

    • Key weekend moments

    ✅ Every contestant receives professional photo coverage
    🔒 Backstage photo sessions are Official Photographer only

    Approved Photographer Collective (Show Floor Only)

    A select group of trusted photographers will be invited to shoot during scheduled public photo blocks only.

    The Collective will be provided with designated locations during show time, so you know every spot you need to look and smile!

    ✅ Time-blocked access
    ✅ Equal opportunity for all contestants
    ❌ No backstage access
    ❌ No monopolizing contestants

  • To prevent photographers from “dragging pin-ups around,” we use a rotation system during scheduled show-floor photo blocks.

    How it works:

    • Pin-ups are placed in small groups (ex: 1–3, 4–6, 7–9…)

    • Photographers rotate through groups on a timer

    • Pin-ups return to the booth immediately after their block

    • Everyone gets fair time, no one gets hoarded

    Translation: you get your photos — without the chaos.

  • We will have a dedicated Pin-Up Booth (home base!) plus planned interactions on our Stage.

    Expect:

    • Meet & greets + attendee photos

    • Short stage spotlights and fun features

    • Parade moments

    • Sponsor shout-outs and crowd interaction

    • A clear schedule that protects your energy and time

    We combine a thoughtful, human-centered approach with clear communication and reliable results.

    It’s not just what we do—it’s how we do it that sets us apart.

  • There is a $35 CAD registration fee to apply for the World of Wheels Pin-Up Contest 2026.

    • Payment is required for your application to be considered

    • The registration fee is non-refundable (including if you are not selected)

    • Details and payment instructions will be provided in the application process

    Application Deadline: March 1, 2026
    Contestants Notified: March 8, 2026
    Contest Lineup: Limited to 15

  • Yes — there’s a theme. The World of Wheels Pin-Up Contest is designed around a cohesive concept that brings the stage, styling, and storytelling together.

    The 2026 theme will be shared with selected contestants after applications close.

  • Due to programming and stage scheduling, the contest is capped at 15 contestants.

    Selection includes:

    • Eligibility screening (availability, complete application, Code of Conduct)

    • A curated selection process to build a strong lineup

    All applicants will be notified by March 8, 2026.

  • Not being selected for the World of Wheels Pin Up Contest does not mean you’re excluded from the experience.

    All applicants who are not selected will receive:

    • One (1) weekend pass to Auto Value World of Wheels

    • An invitation to spend social time with the contestants during designated public moments

    • An invitation to attend the official after-party

    We value the time, effort, and heart that goes into every application. While the contest lineup is limited, community connection is not. This approach allows non-selected applicants to still be part of the weekend, make connections, and experience the energy of the show—without the pressures of competition.

    The pin-up community thrives on connection, not just competition—and we’re glad to have you with us.

  • This is a professional, respectful, community-first environment.

    Zero tolerance for:

    • Bullying, harassment, gossip campaigns

    • Backstage drama or poor sportsmanship

    • Online attacks connected to the event

    • Any behaviour that makes others feel unsafe or unwelcome

    You can be fierce without being feral. We do classy here.

  • Selected contestants should come prepared for:

    • Long-ish days (with scheduled breaks)

    • Comfortable footwear options for walking floors

    • At least one polished pin-up look for stage

    • A great attitude and community energy

  • Email Kiki Lou info@truenorthpinup.ca

This isn’t just a contest — it’s a full pin-up experience. If you’re ready for a weekend of stage moments, community connection, scheduled appearances (yes, we love a plan), and celebrating pin-up culture in a respectful, professional environment, you’re in the right place.

We’re looking for contestants who bring confidence, kindness, and great energy — both onstage and backstage. A $35 non-refundable registration fee is required to apply, so take a moment to read through the details, then hit that apply button like you mean it.

Ready to apply?

Quick FAQs

Do I need to be there all day?

No — contestants attend scheduled appearance blocks. Details are provided after selection.

Can photographers take me backstage for photos?

No — backstage photography is reserved for the Official Photographer.

Will I get photos with the approved photographers too?

Yes — through scheduled show-floor photo rotation blocks.

Check the Photography & Fairness Blog

Is the $35 refundable if I’m not selected?

No — the registration fee is non-refundable and supports contest administration and event programming.

Forms & Documents

Did you know we have a Contest Prep page?

Because winging it is cute… but being prepared is hotter. 💄✨

Head over and learn everything you need to know before contest weekend.