AACR vs ASCO 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 ASCO 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. ASCO draws 35,000 attendees at $20,000–$35,000 all-in. Below is the side-by-side data plus our editorial take on which conference fits which kind of exhibitor.
| 9.1 AACR | 9.6 ASCO | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | ||
| Buzzbox Score | 9.1 (Exceptional) | 9.6 (Exceptional) |
| Event Details | ||
| Dates | April 17-22, 2026 | May 29 - June 2, 2026 (exhibits May 30 - June 1) |
| Location | San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, CA | McCormick Place, Chicago, IL |
| Scale | mega | mega |
| Audience | ||
| Attendees | 23,000 | 35,000 |
| Exhibitors | 600 | — |
| Purchasing authority | ~20% | ~35% |
| Effective buyers | 4,600 | 12,250 |
| Costs | ||
| $/sqft | $48.5 | $94 |
| 10×10 space | $4,850 | $9,400 |
| All-in estimate | $9,000 – $16,000 | $20,000 – $35,000 |
| Cost per buyer | $2.72 | $2.24 |
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 ASCO
The single largest oncology meeting in the world with 35,000+ attendees. If you sell radiation therapy equipment, oncology diagnostics, precision medicine platforms, or cancer imaging solutions, this is where global oncology leaders converge. Late-breaking clinical trial data drives massive foot traffic.
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 ASCO
Overwhelmingly pharma-dominated -- the biggest booths and budgets belong to Pfizer, Roche, Merck, BMS, AstraZeneca. Device companies can feel invisible without $100k+ investment. Booth space at $94/sqft (inline) is among the most expensive in medical conferences.