AAN vs RSNA for Exhibitors
Side-by-side data and our editorial take on which conference is the right exhibit investment for your medical device.
By Buzzbox Media · Last reviewed August 3, 2026
If you exhibit medical devices, AAN and RSNA 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 all-in 10×10 of $15,000-$30,000 (Buzzbox Media estimate, built from the published exhibitor prospectus). RSNA draws 38,000 attendees with no booth pricing published by the organizer. Below is the side-by-side data plus our editorial take on which conference fits which kind of exhibitor.
| 8.6 AAN | 10.0 RSNA | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | ||
| Buzzbox Score | 8.6 (Excellent) | 10.0 (Exceptional) |
| Event Details | ||
| Dates | April 18-22, 2026 | November 29 - December 3, 2026 |
| Location | McCormick Place West Building, Chicago, IL | Chicago, IL (McCormick Place) |
| Scale | mega | mega |
| Audience | ||
| Attendees | 15,000 | 38,000 |
| Exhibitors | n/a | 650 |
| Purchasing authority, Buzzbox Media estimate | ~45% | ~78% |
| Effective buyers, Buzzbox Media estimate | 6,750 | 29,640 |
| Costs | ||
| $/sqft | n/a | $41.25 |
| 10×10 space | n/a | $4,125 |
| All-in, Buzzbox Media estimate | Est. $15,000-$30,000 | n/a |
| Cost per buyer, Buzzbox Media estimate | $3.33 | n/a |
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 RSNA
Largest radiology gathering in the world. Essential for imaging equipment, contrast media, AI/digital health in radiology, and radiation protection vendors. Decision-makers come to see and touch new tech.
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 RSNA
Wrong audience for non-imaging device companies. Booth costs are brutal for first-timers.
AAN booth figures are estimates read from its published exhibitor prospectus ↗, not quotes. RSNA booth figures are estimates read from its published exhibitor prospectus ↗, not quotes. Confirm current pricing with each organizer before committing a budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AAN or RSNA have more decision makers?
RSNA does, on a Buzzbox Media estimate: roughly 29,640 effective buyers against about 6,750 at AAN. Effective buyers multiplies total attendance by the share of attendees who hold purchasing authority, so RSNA works out to about 38,000 attendees at roughly 78% authority, and AAN to about 15,000 at roughly 45%. Both inputs are estimates drawn from organizer reporting and our own exhibitor research, so read the gap as directional rather than exact.
Want to add a third conference to this comparison?
Compare these conferences in our interactive tool →Other conferences you might consider
Buzzbox Media is a healthcare marketing agency with over 15 years in medtech. See our conference marketing.