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.
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 estimated all-in 10×10 of $15,000–$30,000. RSNA draws 54,000 attendees at $12,000–$18,000 all-in. Below is the side-by-side data plus our editorial take on which conference fits which kind of exhibitor.
| 8.6 AAN | 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 | 54,000 |
| Exhibitors | — | 650 |
| Purchasing authority | ~45% | ~45% |
| Effective buyers | 6,750 | 24,300 |
| Costs | ||
| $/sqft | — | — |
| 10×10 space | — | — |
| All-in estimate | $15,000 – $30,000 | $12,000 – $18,000 |
| Cost per buyer | $3.33 | $0.62 |
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 -- expect $80k minimum to be taken seriously.