Exmerce Xperiences: Paintball Networking is a business networking event for Calgary entrepreneurs and professionals taking place on Friday, October 2, 2026, from 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM at Rampage Paintball (322157 192 St W, Foothills County, AB), just outside Calgary. Attendees get three hours of paintball with all gear included, followed by an hour of open networking. It’s hosted by Exmerce Barter Inc. in partnership with Wipe Clean Window Cleaning.
Now that the official stuff is out of the way, let’s talk about why we’re doing this.
Why Traditional Networking Events Don’t Work for Most Business Owners
Quick question: how many business cards are sitting in a drawer, a cup holder, or the bottom of a bag right now from networking events you barely remember?
For most business owners, the answer is “more than I’d like to admit.” That’s not because the people weren’t great. It’s because a two-minute chat over lukewarm coffee, squeezed between a name tag and an elevator pitch, isn’t how real relationships get built.
Most of us didn’t start a business because we love small talk. We started because we had an idea, a skill, or a stubborn belief that we could do things better. So when networking turns into a room full of people politely waiting for their turn to pitch, it feels more like a chore than an opportunity. And the person across from you? They’re feeling the exact same way.
What Is Experiential Networking?
Experiential networking is a way of meeting other professionals through a shared activity, like a sport, a class, or an adventure, instead of a traditional mixer or seminar. The activity comes first, and the business connections grow naturally out of the experience.
It works because shared experiences build trust faster than conversation alone. When you’re working together, laughing together, and trying something new together, people drop the rehearsed version of themselves and show up as who they really are.
The Benefits of Networking Over a Social Activity
You build trust, not just contacts. You learn things about people that no LinkedIn profile will ever tell you: who stays calm under pressure, who naturally takes the lead, and who’s the first to check on a teammate. Those are the qualities that make you want to work with someone or refer them to a friend.
The conversations are real. Nobody’s worried about their pitch while crouched behind a barrier planning the next move with someone they met twenty minutes ago. Conversations start with “that was awesome” instead of “so, what do you do?” and that makes all the difference.
You actually remember people. Six months from now, you might forget a name from a mixer, but you’ll absolutely remember the person who helped your team win the final round. Memorable experiences create memorable connections.
It takes the pressure off. For introverts, first-timers, and anyone who dreads walking into a room of strangers, having something to do makes connecting feel easy. The activity breaks the ice so you don’t have to.
It’s good for you, too. Running a business is a lot. A few hours outside, moving, laughing, and blowing off a little steam is the kind of reset most business owners don’t give themselves nearly enough.
How Calgary’s Networking Community Is Changing
Across Calgary, we keep hearing the same thing from business owners: they’re tired of networking that feels transactional. They want connections that feel human, with people they’d genuinely enjoy grabbing a coffee with, not just people they feel obligated to follow up with.
The community is responding. More local entrepreneurs are choosing experiences over mixers, conversations over pitches, and depth over headcount. It’s less about how many people you meet and more about how well you get to know them.
That’s exactly why we created Exmerce Xperiences. If we’re all going to spend time meeting new people anyway, why not do it while trying something new and having a genuinely good time? When you’re too busy having fun to overthink it, the connections take care of themselves.
What’s Included in Your Paintball Networking Ticket
Your ticket includes everything you need to play, so there’s no equipment to bring or rent:
- 500 paintballs
- A basic marker
- Mask
- Camouflaged coveralls (fashion-forward, we promise)
- Chest protector
- Unlimited air refills
- 3 full hours of play
Event Schedule
11:30 AM – Check-in opens. Grab your gear and meet your squad
12:00 – 3:00 PM – Three hours of paintball
3:00 – 4:00 PM – Open networking
There’s zero pressure to stay for the networking hour if you’re wiped (paintball has a way of doing that). But if you’ve got the energy, it’s the perfect low-key chance to swap stories, trade contact info, and turn today’s teammates into tomorrow’s collaborators.
Thank You to Our Event Partner
This event is proudly brought to you in partnership with Wipe Clean Window Cleaning. Because after a day like this, someone’s gotta help you see clearly again. 😄
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the Calgary paintball networking event?
It takes place on Friday, October 2, 2026, from 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM at Rampage Paintball, 322157 192 St W, Foothills County, Alberta, just outside Calgary.
Do I need my own paintball gear?
No. Your ticket includes a marker, mask, coveralls, chest protector, 500 paintballs, and unlimited air refills.
Who is this event for?
It’s for Calgary-area business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals who want to build genuine connections in a relaxed, social setting. Whether you’ve been in business for twenty years or twenty days, you’re welcome.
Do I have to stay for the networking portion?
Not at all. The networking hour from 3:00 to 4:00 PM is optional, though it’s a great chance to keep the conversations going.
Who is hosting the event?
The event is hosted by Exmerce Barter Inc. as part of its Exmerce Xperiences series, in partnership with Wipe Clean Window Cleaning.
Come for the Game, Stay for the People
Whether you’re a paintball pro or have never held a marker in your life, there’s a spot on the field for you. Come ready to laugh, get a little messy, and meet some genuinely great people who understand the ups and downs of building something of your own.
Because the best business relationships don’t start with a pitch. They start with “that was awesome, let’s do it again.”
Get your tickets to Paintball Networking – Exmerce Xperiences