AANS 2026
Overview
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.
Key Facts
- Host organization: American Association of Neurological Surgeons
- Primary specialty: neurosurgery
- Scale: large
- Geography: US National
- International attendance: ~15%
Best For
Buyer Stage Fit
Booth Costs
| Booth Type | $/sqft | 10×10 Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10x10 inline | — | — | Min 100 sqft |
All-In Cost Estimate (10×10 Inline)
| Space rental | — |
| 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 – $25,000 |
Does not include travel, staffing, booth display, or marketing materials.
Audience
~60% neurosurgeons (attending + residents/fellows), ~15% international, ~10% allied health, ~15% industry/other. AANS has 12,000+ members worldwide. AANS2025 was a record-breaking year per their social media.
- Purchasing authority: ~60% of attendees
- Effective buyers: ~2,400
- Cost per effective buyer: $8.33 ($20,000 all-in ÷ 2,400 buyers)
- International attendance: ~15%
Venue & Logistics
- Venue: Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio, TX
- Management company: In-house
- Move-in: April 28 - May 1, 2026
- Move-out: May 3 (2:30-8 PM) and May 4 (8 AM-12 PM), 2026
Who Else Exhibits
Exhibitor data coming soon for AANS.
Our Take
Why Exhibit
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
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.
Insider Tips
AANS exhibits sell out and priority points matter -- breaking down early costs future booth placement. The 'Sip, Savor and Showcase' reception on Friday evening is the highest-traffic exhibit hall moment.
Buzzbox Score: 8.5 / 10 (Excellent)
8.5 out of 10. A top-tier show worth a serious line item. Carried by data transparency (9.6: booth pricing published and exhibitor prospectus available). The lightest dimension is editorial value (7.3, "who should skip" note included). The premier gathering for neurosurgeons in North America.
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 (8.5): 60% purchasing authority and large-scale event.
Solid (7.3): $80/sqft, premium pricing and cost per qualified buyer runs ~$8.3.
Standout (9.6): booth pricing published, exhibitor prospectus available, and 3 booth options documented.
Standout (9.0): society-run exhibits (in-house), non-union venue (simpler, cheaper move-in), and exhibitor-friendly host city.
Solid (7.3): "who should skip" note included, the flagship / largest show in its niche, and ~200 exhibitors to scout.
Strong (8.8): large and well-established and ~200 exhibitors.
Key Deadlines
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Cancellation 50pct Refund Before | 2025-10-25 |
| Deposit 50pct Due | 2026-08-15 |
| Final Payment Due | 2026-10-01 |
| No Refund After | 2025-10-25 |
| Space Must Be Claimed By | 2026-05-01T12:00 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a booth cost at AANS?
An all-in 10×10 booth at AANS runs roughly $15,000–$25,000, including space rental, drayage, electrical, carpet, and basic services. Travel, staffing, and booth display are additional.
How many people attend AANS?
AANS draws approximately 4,000 attendees. ~60% neurosurgeons (attending + residents/fellows), ~15% international, ~10% allied health, ~15% industry/other. AANS has 12,000+ members worldwide. AANS2025 was a record-breaking year per their social media.
When is AANS ?
AANS is scheduled for May 1-4, 2026. Location: Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio, TX.
Is AANS worth exhibiting at?
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.