AACR vs ACS for Exhibitors
Side-by-side data and our editorial take on which conference is the right exhibit investment for your medical device.
If you exhibit medical devices, AACR and ACS are likely both on your shortlist. Both serve overlapping clinical buyers, but the audience composition, booth economics, and exhibit floor experience differ in ways that materially affect ROI. AACR draws 23,000 attendees with an estimated all-in 10×10 of $9,000–$16,000. ACS draws 11,000 attendees at $8,000–$15,000 all-in. Below is the side-by-side data plus our editorial take on which conference fits which kind of exhibitor.
| 9.1 AACR | 9.5 ACS | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | ||
| Buzzbox Score | 9.1 (Exceptional) | 9.5 (Exceptional) |
| Event Details | ||
| Dates | April 17-22, 2026 | September 26-29, 2026 |
| Location | San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, CA | Washington, DC (Walter E. Washington Convention Center) |
| Scale | mega | mega |
| Audience | ||
| Attendees | 23,000 | 11,000 |
| Exhibitors | 600 | — |
| Purchasing authority | ~20% | ~50% |
| Effective buyers | 4,600 | 5,500 |
| Costs | ||
| $/sqft | $48.5 | $43.5 |
| 10×10 space | $4,850 | $4,350 |
| All-in estimate | $9,000 – $16,000 | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| Cost per buyer | $2.72 | $2.09 |
Why exhibit at AACR
The world's largest cancer research conference -- 23,000 attendees, 600 exhibitors, 141 countries. If you make diagnostic instruments, genomics/sequencing platforms, liquid biopsy tests, or research reagents, AACR is where the global cancer research community sees your technology. The 6-day format gives more time for meaningful booth conversations than typical 3-day shows.
Why exhibit at ACS
The largest general surgery meeting in North America. 80% surgeon audience gives unmatched access to the people who choose instruments, energy devices, and capital equipment for ORs nationwide. High-value face time with department chairs and residency directors.
Why skip AACR
AACR is a research conference, not a clinical buying show. Purchasing authority is low (~20%) because the audience is predominantly academic researchers and scientists, not practicing oncologists with capital budgets. If you need same-quarter device sales, ASCO or ASH is a better fit. The exhibit floor also competes with 730 speaker sessions for attendee attention.
Why skip ACS
If your device is specialty-specific (spine, urology, ENT), you'll be lost among 200 exhibitors targeting general surgeons. Smaller specialty meetings deliver more concentrated buyer access for niche products.