AAN 2026
Overview
The world's largest neurology meeting with 15,000 attendees. If you sell neuro-diagnostic equipment, EEG/EMG systems, neuroimaging software, or neurology-focused pharma, this is the single largest concentrated audience. Four days of exhibit hall access with extended Monday hours.
Key Facts
- Host organization: American Academy of Neurology
- Primary specialty: neurology
- Scale: mega
- Geography: US National
- International attendance: ~20%
Best For
Buyer Stage Fit
Booth Costs
| Booth Type | $/sqft | 10×10 Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard booth (varies by size) | n/a | n/a |
All-In Cost Estimate (10×10 Inline)
| Space rental | n/a |
| Drayage | $1,200-$2,500 |
| Electrical (20A) | $300-$450 |
| Carpet/padding | $200-$400 |
| Cleaning (3 days) | $150-$250 |
| Lead retrieval (1 unit) | $400-$900 |
| Wi-Fi | $500-$1,500 |
| Estimated total | $15,000-$30,000 |
Does not include travel, staffing, booth display, or marketing materials.
Audience
~55% neurologists, ~15% residents/fellows, ~10% NPs/PAs, ~10% researchers, ~10% industry. 2025 AAN had 14,886 attendees (in-person + online). 2024 had 14,063 in Denver. World's largest neurology meeting.
- Purchasing authority: ~45% of attendees
- Effective buyers: ~6,750
- Cost per effective buyer: $3.33 ($22,500 all-in ÷ 6,750 buyers)
- International attendance: ~20%
Venue & Logistics
- Venue: McCormick Place West Building, Chicago, IL
- Management company: In-house (GES is general contractor)
Who Else Exhibits
Exhibitor data coming soon for AAN.
Our Take
Why Exhibit
The world's largest neurology meeting with 15,000 attendees. If you sell neuro-diagnostic equipment, EEG/EMG systems, neuroimaging software, or neurology-focused pharma, this is the single largest concentrated audience. Four days of exhibit hall access with extended Monday hours.
Why Skip
Neurology is heavily pharma-dominated -- device companies can feel overshadowed by major pharma booths. If your product is surgical (not diagnostic/monitoring), AANS is the better fit. Also, neurologists are notoriously deliberate purchasers -- expect long sales cycles.
Insider Tips
AAN is a pharma-heavy show. Device companies that do well here bring live demonstrations and hands-on stations for EEG, EMG, and neuroimaging products. Monday extended hours (until 6 PM) are the busiest exhibit period.
Buzzbox Score: 8.6 / 10 (Excellent)
8.6 out of 10. A top-tier show worth a serious line item. Carried by data transparency (9.4: booth pricing published and exhibitor prospectus available). The lightest dimension is cost efficiency (7.3, $80/sqft, premium pricing). The world's largest neurology meeting with 15,000 attendees.
How we score
Six weighted factors, each scored on a 0 to 100 rubric then normalized to a 7.0 to 10.0 band. Every show on this list cleared a relevance bar to be included, so 7.0 is the floor; the number tells you how far the leaders pull ahead.
Strong (8.7): 45% purchasing authority (moderate), 50:1 attendee ratio, and mega-scale floor (15,000 attendees).
Solid (7.3): $80/sqft, premium pricing and union convention center (drayage / labor adds up).
Standout (9.4): booth pricing published, exhibitor prospectus available, and 2 booth options documented.
Solid (7.8): society-run exhibits (in-house) and mega-show logistics are well-rehearsed.
Strong (8.3): honest "who should skip" guidance, the flagship / largest show in its niche, and 300+ exhibitors (deep competitive intel).
Standout (9.4): mega-scale and stable, ~300 exhibitors, and 15,000 attendees.
Key Deadlines
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Exhibitor Kit Available | Mid-January 2026 |
| General Contractor | GES |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a booth cost at AAN?
An all-in 10×10 booth at AAN is estimated at roughly $15,000-$30,000, including space rental, drayage, electrical, carpet, and basic services. Travel, staffing, and booth display are additional. Confirm exact pricing with the show organizer.
How many people attend AAN?
AAN draws approximately 15,000 attendees. ~55% neurologists, ~15% residents/fellows, ~10% NPs/PAs, ~10% researchers, ~10% industry. 2025 AAN had 14,886 attendees (in-person + online). 2024 had 14,063 in Denver. World's largest neurology meeting.
When is AAN ?
AAN is scheduled for April 18-22, 2026. Location: McCormick Place West Building, Chicago, IL.
Is AAN worth exhibiting at?
The world's largest neurology meeting with 15,000 attendees. If you sell neuro-diagnostic equipment, EEG/EMG systems, neuroimaging software, or neurology-focused pharma, this is the single largest concentrated audience.