AACR vs ASH 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 ASH 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. ASH draws 27,000 attendees at $10,000–$18,000 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 ASH | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | ||
| Buzzbox Score | 9.1 (Exceptional) | 9.6 (Exceptional) |
| Event Details | ||
| Dates | April 17-22, 2026 | December 12-15, 2026 |
| Location | San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, CA | Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA |
| Scale | mega | mega |
| Audience | ||
| Attendees | 23,000 | 27,000 |
| Exhibitors | 600 | 275 |
| Purchasing authority | ~20% | ~35% |
| Effective buyers | 4,600 | 9,450 |
| Costs | ||
| $/sqft | $48.5 | — |
| 10×10 space | $4,850 | — |
| All-in estimate | $9,000 – $16,000 | $10,000 – $18,000 |
| Cost per buyer | $2.72 | $1.48 |
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 ASH
The world's largest hematology meeting -- 27,000 attendees from 110+ countries. Late-breaking clinical trial data makes this the single most important event for hematology drug and diagnostic launches. If you sell flow cytometers, coagulation analyzers, cell/gene therapy products, or molecular diagnostics for blood disorders, ASH is the anchor show of your annual conference calendar.
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 ASH
Booth pricing is opaque and expensive (pharma dominates with massive booths). The audience is heavily academic and research-oriented, so pure diagnostic device companies may find more actionable buyers at CAP (pathology) or AABB (blood banking). December in New Orleans also means holiday scheduling conflicts for booth staff and potential weather disruptions.