AAN vs AANS 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, AAN and AANS 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. AAN draws 15,000 attendees with an estimated all-in 10×10 of $15,000-$30,000. AANS draws 4,000 attendees at $15,000-$25,000 all-in. Below is the side-by-side data plus our editorial take on which conference fits which kind of exhibitor.
| 8.6 AAN | 8.5 AANS | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | ||
| Buzzbox Score | 8.6 (Excellent) | 8.5 (Excellent) |
| Event Details | ||
| Dates | April 18-22, 2026 | May 1-4, 2026 |
| Location | McCormick Place West Building, Chicago, IL | Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio, TX |
| Scale | mega | large |
| Audience | ||
| Attendees | 15,000 | 4,000 |
| Exhibitors | n/a | n/a |
| Purchasing authority | ~45% | ~60% |
| Effective buyers | 6,750 | 2,400 |
| Costs | ||
| $/sqft | n/a | n/a |
| 10×10 space | n/a | n/a |
| All-in estimate | Est. $15,000-$30,000 | Est. $15,000-$25,000 |
| Cost per buyer | $3.33 | $8.33 |
Why exhibit at AAN
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 exhibit at AANS
The premier gathering for neurosurgeons in North America. If you sell cranial navigation, spinal instrumentation, neuro-monitoring equipment, or surgical robotics, this is where the decision-makers practice and evaluate new technology. Concentrated, high-value audience of 4,000+ neurosurgeons.
Why skip AAN
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.
Why skip AANS
Very niche audience -- if your device is not neurosurgery-specific, attendance is too small to justify the cost. General surgery, cardiology, and non-neuro imaging vendors are wasted here.